Prevention is worth every ounce : understanding and preventing eating disorders in Maltese schools

Abstract

This piece of work analyses the level of awareness regarding the ability to identify Eating Disorders’ symptoms in students and how they would intervene in such cases. This qualitative study also tries to explore awareness about Eating Disorders (EDs) amongst teachers in secondary schools so as to put forward recommendations for an early intervention programme suitable for Maltese schools. In this research, ten teachers were interviewed using four variables; gender, age, locality and type of school they teach in. From this research, it was determined that secondary school teachers are aware of EDs but still lack the necessary skills and knowledge. All participants interviewed agreed that there is a dire need for a prevention programme to be introduced in schools so as to help teachers and staff to identify and manage better EDs in students at an early stage, so as to ensure an effective recovery. Such programme should create a school culture that promotes in students a serene rapport with food, self and body image.