Prevalence and risk factors of eating disorders among adolescents of Mirpur AJK

Abstract

Development of Eating Disorders (ED) is a common and considerable challenge, which may result in seeking life-long medical and psychosocial assistance. ED has high prevalence especially in females, but the studies are scanty in Asia, but epidemiologic data shows high prevalence rate and increasing incidence. ED increased from 3.4%-7.8% globally. At-least 1 person dies every 62 minutes as a direct consequence of an ED. The aim of the study was to introduce ED to the community, investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors. 384 Adolescent respondents of both genders were selected from high schools and colleges of Mirpur (AJK) in August2023, sample size calculated by using Raosoft calculator. The Cross-Sectional survey with convenience sampling technique for data collection was done by using self-administered Questionnaire, SCOFF (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food) and EDE-Q (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire). Students aged 12-18years and those who weren’t previously diagnosed with an ED were allowed to participate. The obtained data was then coded and analyzed using SPSS version22 by applying Pearson’s Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Wald test. The results of present study reported that the majority of participants were females 277(72%), 55.5% were unaware of ED and the prevalence is 61.5%. Significant association was found between Gender and ED (p<0.05). Risk of ED is high among adolescent with normal BMI (59.7%), urban resident (69%), illiterate (41.1%) and high-income group (30.5%). It was found that Eating and Weight concerns were high in females with mean rank of 198.24 and 196.63 respectively. In relation of Risk, ED was 0.461(p=0.001) times higher in females than males and it increased by 0.435(p=0.000) times in each unit increase of BMI. There is an urgent need to provide awareness regarding ED especially in females. Early detection by healthcare professionals can play a vital role in management of ED and prevention of further psychological complications.