Risk of Eating Disorders among Adolescents Studying in Selected Schools of Dharan sub–metropolitan City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ew6p6130Keywords:
Adolescents, Eating Disorders, BMI, Eat-26.Abstract
Background: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and disturbances in body image. Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which concerns about body shape, weight, and appearance increase, making adolescents particularly vulnerable to eating disorders. Assessing the risk of eating disorders among adolescents and examining its association with selected socio-demographic variables are essential for identifying at-risk groups and informing preventive interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the risk of eating disorders among adolescents studying in selected schools of Dharan and to determine its association with selected socio-demographic variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out taking 311 adolescents from classes 9–12 in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City. Schools were selected using simple random sampling, and respondents were chosen using systematic sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including socio-demographic information and the EAT-26 scale, with scores ≥20 indicating high eating-disorder risk. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (74.6%) were aged 15–17 years with a mean age of 16.17 years. Overall, 19.6% were at high risk of eating disorders. Females showed a significantly higher risk (29.7%) compared to males (12.8%), with females nearly three times more likely to be at risk (OR = 2.87, p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between eating-disorder risk and gender (p = 0.000), BMI (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Over one-fifth of adolescents in Dharan are at high risk of developing eating disorders, with females showing significantly greater vulnerability. Gender, BMI and family history of mental illness were also associated with risk of eating disorders.References
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