Gozitan adolescent's knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards eating disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the extent of young Gozitan adolescents' knowledge, awareness and attitude towards eating disorders. The objectives explored young people's knowledge and awareness of different types of eating disorders, behaviours that could indicate an eating disorder and their actual and preferred sources of information regarding such disorders. This study further explored young people's perceived susceptibility to eating disorders and awareness of sources of help related to such disorders. Comparisons between gender and educational background were also explored. A descriptive quantitative design was utilised in this study, in which an anonymous, self-constructed, questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. A total of 184 participants attending a Gozitan post-secondary school took part in the study (response rate of 92% ), chosen by non-probability, convenience sampling. Quantitative data analysis was evaluated using Microsoft Excel, and presented in statistical pie charts, bar graphs and tables. Findings revealed that although Gozitan adolescents did have a certain degree of knowledge and awareness regarding eating disorders, they still had some misconceptions regarding the topic and some still had never heard of such disorders. Females had a higher level of knowledge and awareness when compared to males. Comparison between educational backgrounds did not indicate any difference in the level of knowledge and awareness associated with eating disorders. Participants claimed that schools and media sources were their actual and preferred sources of information regarding eating disorders. Recommendations for management and education were made, highlighting the need for schools to implement effective prevention programs carried out by trained educators, to adolescents of all ages and of both gender. Trained health professionals should use Media sources as an advantage to educate society by carrying out eating disorder awareness programs. This study presented with some limitations including the sample population, which only included adolescents aged 16-18 years attending a particular Gozitan post-secondary school, thus results could not be generalized to the whole target population. Also by using a questionnaire as the tool for the study, detailed perceptions could not be obtained, which limited the outcome of the study. Several recommendations for further studies were made based on the conclusions and limitations of the study, which included using larger sample population, including different age groups and Gozitan schools and using different data collection tools.