EATING DISORDER –SCREENING USING SCOFF SCALE AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Dr. M. Madhumitha; Dr.C.Manohar

Volume : VII, Issue : III, March - 2018

EATING DISORDER –SCREENING USING SCOFF SCALE AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Dr. M. Madhumitha, Dr. C. Manohar

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders in young women .The fact that media portrays celeities and models as being stick–thin makes situation even worse leading to unhealthy eating behavior.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To estimate the prevalence of eating disorder among female medical students.

2. To find out the association between eating disorder with body image , BMI, depression , laxative abuse and reading fitness magazines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional survey was undertaken from 176 Female undergraduates using SCOFF questionnaire and depression self assessment tool .Additional questions pertaining to eating disorders were also included. Height and weight were recorded and BMI was calculated.

RESULTS: 27.3 % were positive using SCOFF scale. Significant associations were observed with body image, body mass index, depression and laxative abuse.

CONCLUSION: Nearly 1/3^rdof the children were screened positives for eating disorder. There is an urgent need to develop healthy eating behaviors in children.