Disordered Eating Behaviors in Ethiopian Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Tekola Abainash, Regassa Lemma Demissie, Berhanu Hiwot, Mandefro Miheret, Shawel Samrawit, Kassa Obsan, Roba Kedir Teji
Primary Institution: College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence and associated factors of disordered eating behaviors among secondary school adolescents in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia?
Conclusion
Almost three out of ten secondary school adolescents in Harar had disordered eating behaviors, influenced by personal, behavioral, and socio-demographic factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.37% of adolescents had disordered eating behaviors.
- Being female was associated with higher odds of disordered eating.
- Desire to lose weight increased the likelihood of disordered eating behaviors.
- Emotional problems were linked to disordered eating.
- Smoking was associated with a higher risk of disordered eating.
Takeaway
Many teenagers in Harar, Ethiopia, have unhealthy eating habits, and things like wanting to lose weight or feeling bad about their bodies can make it worse.
Methodology
A school-based cross-sectional study using multistage cluster sampling and self-administered questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Social desirability bias may affect the accuracy of self-reported eating behaviors and emotional problems.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish temporal relationships, and self-reported data may be subject to bias.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1104 adolescents aged 10-19, with a response rate of 96.1%, comprising 53.91% females and 81.72% urban dwellers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
[95% CI (25.73%, 31.16%)]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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