Screening For Risk of Eating Disorders: A Study among Students from Selected Colleges In Benguluru

Background: Eating disorders refer to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits. It has impact on both physical and socio-emotional health of young people. The study will help in early identification of eating disorders. Addressing eating disorders at the early stage can prevent further physical and psychological complications. Objectives: To assess the risk of eating disorders among college students using Eating Attitudes Test- 26(EAT-26) screening tool. To determine their behaviors and its association with eating disorders. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among students studying in pre-university and degree colleges. The colleges were selected by simple random sampling technique. A total of 500 students participated in the study. Eating Attitudes Test-26(EAT-26) screening tool developed by Garner et al was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was self administered to the students to assess the risk of eating disorders and behavior pattern. Results: The mean age of the students was 17.60±1.13years.Risk of disorders was present among 94(18.8%) students. Behavior patterns for development of eating disorders were present among 313(62.1%) students. Among 313 students 73(23.3%) had eating disorder risk .The association between the risk of eating disorders and behavior patterns was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that there is an existence of eating disorders among college students and was significantly associated with behavioral domain. This shows the necessity of initiating routine screening and intervention programs to control eating disorders.