The Faculty for Social Wellbeing Dean, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, and Ms Annabel Cuff, a Research Support Officer within the faculty have presented research done by the Faculty and commissioned by Fondazzjoni Kenn għal Saħħtek at a Seminar entitled ‘Eating Disorders in Minors: Local findings and perspectives’, on Friday November 12. The Seminar took place at Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek and H.E. the President of Malta and Mrs Vella presided over the event.
The Seminar was opened by the Director of Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, Ms Darleen Zerafa, who gave an overview of the operations at Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek. Dr Anton Grech, Chair of the Fondazzjoni Kenn għal Saħħtek and of Mental Health Services Malta, spoke about these devastating disorders and their effect on minors. Professor Andrew Azzopardi explained the importance of research in these and other social areas and how the research of the Faculty assists by providing an empirical basis for policy and practice.
Ms Annabel Cuff explained the study, a first of its kind for Malta,
found that 5.5% of young people aged between 10 and 16 years of age have an eating disorder, and that a number of these are malesProfessor Laura Dalla Ragione joined the seminar virtually from Italy to speak about the study from an Italian perspective. Following a panel discussion, H.E. concluded the proceedings by summing up how important it is to conduct such studies to uncover the realities of the situation and provide a scientific basis for future treatment.
The Faculty for Social Wellbeing is currently undertaking two further studies on behalf of Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek. One will examine professionals’ knowledge of eating disorders in order to ascertain gaps and needs for information or further training for professionals who could be the first to realise that someone they are in frequent contact with may have an eating disorder; and another to examine public perceptions of eating disorders, with the aim of providing observed knowledge for future public, educational or general knowledge campaigns on the subject.
The Faculty for Social Wellbeing takes pleasure in its role as educator but also in providing a public function and disseminating knowledge and expertise to a wider audience and assisting partners such as Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek by providing empirical knowledge to assist them in achieving their goals.
