Prevalence and Correlates of Disordered Eating Attitudes among Jordanian Adolescents

Abstract

Aim: To measure the prevalence of disordered eating Attitude among Rural Jordanian adolescents. A secondary Purpose of the current study is to identify the intrinsic correlates of disordered eating attitude among Jordanian adolescents.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to recruit participants from public and private schools from 8 districts. Online survey consists of 4 parts of the Self-administered questionnaire and Body mass index measurement was used to collect data from the participants. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Multi logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.Result: results revealed that the prevalence of disordered eating Attitude was 23.6% among participants (16.4% for boys and 29.4% for girls). Body Mass Index was significantly associated with disordered eating attitude (p< 0.001). 44.4% of adolescents who perceived their body image as obese or overweight developed disordered eating attitude (p< 0.001). The difference in the mean of body esteem scores between adolescents with disordered eating attitude and normal eating attitude was found to be statistically significant; t (736) = 5.20 (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Findings of the current study have implication for the primary prevention of disordered eating attitude. School nurses in the best position to conduct school-based primary prevention for disordered eating attitude. Findings also suggest a farther primary prevention program such as educational intervention