Attitudes and awareness towards eating disorders among students: a preliminary study

Abstract

Aims: The aim was twofold: to evaluate eating attitudes, behaviours and knowledge about eating disorders in young women and men, and to assess the relationship between measurable variables in both groups. Method: The research sample consisted of 34 females and 32 males aged 19-21. The Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire and the Eating Disorders Awareness Test were distributed to all participants. Results: Female undergraduate students were more concerned about their weight and body shape than male undergraduate students. Their knowledge of issues relevant to eating disorders was higher than in males, and the difference between the two groups was significant. Of all participants, 52.9% of females and 18.75% of males declared an interest in eating disorders. Both women (72.2%) and men (50%) most often derived their knowledge about anorexia and bulimia nervosa from science press books and publications. Moderate positive correlations between food avoidance and body shape and weight concerns were found in both groups. In addition, in females restraint was related to eating concern. Conclusions: Since weight and body shape concerns are considered integral to the psychopathology of eating disorders, prevention of eating-related attitudes and behaviours in young adults particularly females, is important.