Assessment of different eating disorders pertaining its knowledge and effects on oral and general health amongst adolescents and adults in western India

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders are a range of various psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating, muscle dysmorphia, drunkorexia, pregorexia, pica and restrictive food intake disorder. It's not entirely considered a health hazard as it cannot be detected at an earlier stage until physical complications arise. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge pertaining to eating disorders and its oral and general health effects among the general population of Western India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted in general population of Western India. The participants were selected based on the age group ranging from 15 to 35 years and above. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions along with demographic details like age, gender, BMI of the participants. Results: Out of 374 participants present in the study only 43.9% of the participants knew about various eating disorders. Approximately 35.6% of the participants were aware of oral effects and 36.4% participants knew about systemic symptoms of eating disorders. Conclusion: The level of knowledge regarding eating disorders was satisfactory however very few considered it as a serious issue.