Original scientific paper

EATING BEHAVIOR DISORDERS OF FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

Marija Burgić-Radmanović ; Psychiatric Clinic, Clinical Center Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Živana Gavrić ; The Public Health Institute, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dijana Štrkić ; Medical Faculty, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a period of significant physical, emotional and intellectual changes, as well as changes in social roles, relations and expectations.
Objective: Our objective was to inquire into eating attitudes among female adolescents.
Subjects and method: The sample consisted of female adolescents, age of 16-17, attending first grade Economic and Medical Secondary School pupils in Banja Luka, 2007. Survey questionnaire (16 questions) is a scale for self-rating of eating disorders designed by the author. Response rate was 389 out of 419 (92.8%).
Results: Eight point seven per cent of the female adolescents had a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5. More than half want to be thinner, while 1/3 of adolescents accepted themselves whether thin or obese. Forty-seven percent (47%) of adolescents exercise sometimes, 15.4% exercise often while 1/5 goes on a diet
sometimes or regularly. About 43% adolescents are sometimes or often terrified about being overweight, while 60% sometimes or often lose weight. About 2/3 adolescents are not satisfied with their figure. One-half of the adolescents are terrified of increasing their weight.
There is a statistically significant relation between female adolescents with, and female adolescents without control in eating, in both schools (p<0.05).
Discussion: This research indicates the necessity of education of adolescents and developing prevention programs to help them to adopt healthier nutrition and lifestyle in early life.
Conclusion: There is a high level of discontent and dissatisfaction with their figure among adolescents. One-third (1/3) of adolescents accept themselves whether thin or obese, while about 43% adolescents are sometimes or often terrified about being overweight. One-half of adolescents are terrified by increase in weight.

Keywords

female adolescents; eating attitudes; nutritional disorders

Hrčak ID:

49213

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/49213

Publication date:

25.6.2009.

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