A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude of Adolescents Regarding Eating Disorders in Kolkata

Background: Today, adolescents are prone to concerns about their weight, shape, size and body image, and as a result, diet to lose weight. This increases the risk of eating disorders. Aim: This study was designed to identify the knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding eating disorders. Settings and design: A descriptive study design was adopted to assess the knowledge and attitude of the adolescents studying in a general college in Kolkata. Methods and materials:  A structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge and an attitude scale to assess the attitude of 100 adolescents of age group 16-21 were administered. Statistical analysis used:  Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to calculate the frequency and percentage of knowledge and attitude and correlation between knowledge and attitude. Results: 8% subjects had adequate knowledge and 86% had moderately adequate knowledge. 12% subjects were aware of characteristics of anorexia nervosa whereas 71% knew the characteristics of bulimia nervosa. 66% subjects were acquainted with the adverse effects of eating disorders. 46% agreed that they should not follow film models blindly. 71% strongly agreed that binge eating causes obesity. Significant correlation between knowledge and attitude was found in attitude towards healthy life style, following film models and positive parenting behavior. Conclusion: This study reflects the lack of knowledge and inappropriate attitude of adolescents towards the eating disorders which poses threat to this vulnerable population of the society and thus increasing the burden of eating disorder.