Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Reem Almutairi, Ahmad Ariffin Azuhairi, Aidalina Mahmud, Anas S Dablool
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.16
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Eating disorders (EDs) are mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits and distorted perceptions of body image. This study investigates the prevalence of EDs among female adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and explores the socio-cultural factors associated with these disorders. The research highlights the rising incidence of EDs in Eastern cultures, especially among young women, prompting the need for a comprehensive understanding of these issues in specific societal contexts.
Influence of Family on Eating Disorders
One important finding of the study is the significant association between family influence and the prevalence of EDs among participants. Over 53.6% of adolescent girls scored at or above the cutoff point for EDs, indicating a worrying trend. Factors such as family opinion on appearance and body image played a crucial role, with many adolescents experiencing pressure to conform to specific body ideals promoted by their families. This familial pressure was shown to adversely affect girls' body image and self-esteem, further elevating their risk of developing eating disorders. Though peer and media influences were also examined, they did not show a significant correlation with the prevalence of EDs in this study, emphasizing the primary role of family dynamics in shaping adolescents' attitudes towards food and body image.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female adolescents in Jeddah is alarming and calls for urgent attention. The findings underline the need for effective programs targeting dietary habits and mental health, while also addressing the significant familial pressures that contribute to EDs. Comprehensive strategies should focus on fostering healthier familial relationships concerning body image, encouraging physical activity, and promoting positive eating behaviors among adolescents to mitigate this growing issue.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the characteristics of eating disorders in adolescents?
Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, body image issues, and unhealthy habits. Adolescents often perceive themselves as overweight even if they are not, leading to various psychological and nutritional consequences.
What was the prevalence of eating disorders in the study?
The study found that 53.6% of the female adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, scored at or above the cut-off point for disordered eating behaviors, indicating a high prevalence of eating disorders among this group.
What factors were associated with eating disorders in the study?
The study identified family influence as significantly associated with eating disorders. Peer and media influences were present but did not show a significant relationship with disordered eating, highlighting the importance of family dynamics.
What recommendations were made to address eating disorders?
To address the high prevalence of eating disorders, the study suggested developing effective programs focusing on dietary habits, reducing family pressure regarding body image, encouraging physical activity, and promoting the importance of breakfast.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
Tables are structured representations of data, typically used in research to present statistical findings clearly and concisely. In the context of this study, tables summarize socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence rates, and associations between eating disorders and their potential risk factors, allowing for quick reference and easier comparison of results among different groups.
2) Study (Studying):
A study refers to a research effort aimed at gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information. In this case, the study investigates the prevalence of eating disorders among female adolescents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, providing valuable insights into the social, familial, and cultural factors that contribute to these disorders in a specific demographic.
3) Family:
Family influence plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's behaviors and perceptions, particularly during adolescence. The study highlights the significant association between family pressure and the prevalence of eating disorders, underlining how familial attitudes towards body image and dieting can lead to unhealthy eating practices among adolescents.
4) Food:
Food is more than sustenance; it often embodies cultural identity and social interaction. In the context of this study, food habits and attitudes towards eating are examined to understand their relationship with eating disorders. The way individuals perceive and interact with food can significantly impact their mental and physical health.
5) Pir:
Peer influence can profoundly affect adolescents' behaviors and self-perception. This study evaluates how peer attitudes toward appearance and body image contribute to the risk of eating disorders. Understanding this dynamic is essential for developing interventions that address social pressures faced by adolescents in their peer environments.
6) Education:
Education refers to the acquisition of knowledge and skills, which can greatly impact health and lifestyle choices. In this study, the level of parental education is explored to see if it correlates with eating disorder prevalence among adolescents, shedding light on potential educational gaps and their implications for health education.
7) Rules:
Rules establish boundaries and norms that guide behaviors within various contexts. In the context of eating and lifestyle habits, societal and familial rules can dictate what is considered acceptable, influencing adolescents' choices regarding food, exercise, and body image, thus impacting their overall health and well-being.
8) Life:
Life represents the daily experiences and challenges individuals face. In the study of eating disorders, understanding the broader life context for adolescents, including social, familial, and cultural pressures, is vital. These aspects contribute to the development of attitudes towards food, body image, and health behaviors.
9) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth and change, particularly in a physical, emotional, or cognitive sense. In the context of this study, developing healthy eating habits and positive body image is crucial for adolescents. The research aims to identify risk factors that could hinder this healthy development.
10) Activity:
Physical activity is a critical component of overall health, influencing both mental and physical well-being. This study emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity as a countermeasure to eating disorders, promoting a balanced approach to health that includes both healthy eating and active lifestyles among adolescents.
11) Relative:
Relative can refer to a family relationship or comparison among groups. In this study, it highlights the impact of family members on adolescents' eating behaviors and attitudes. Examining relative influence offers insights into how familial relationships shape the mental and physical health of young girls.
12) Diet:
Diet encompasses the food and drink choices individuals make regularly. It is a central focus of the study as various dietary patterns can contribute to the prevalence of eating disorders. The research examines how adolescents’ diets are influenced by family, peers, and societal norms, informing effective health interventions.
13) Male:
While this study primarily focuses on female adolescents, understanding the role of males in shaping societal standards of beauty and eating habits is essential. Gender dynamics can influence body image perceptions, suggesting that future research should explore male experiences with eating disorders and social pressures.
14) Perception:
Perception involves how individuals interpret and understand their experiences and surroundings. In the context of eating disorders, adolescents’ perceptions of body image, influenced by family, peers, and media, play a significant role in their mental health and eating behaviors, as highlighted in this study.
15) Practising (Practicing):
Practising refers to the repeated exercise of a skill or behavior. In relation to health, practicing healthy eating and exercise routines is vital for preventing eating disorders. The study advocates for encouraging adolescents to actively engage in positive health practices, fostering a supportive environment for healthy development.
16) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. This study employs scientific methods to investigate eating disorders, aiming to yield evidence-based findings that can inform interventions and policies.
17) Training:
Training involves the process of learning and developing skills or knowledge in a specific area. In the context of this study, training could relate to educating parents and adolescents about healthy eating habits, fostering resilience against societal pressures, and ultimately reducing the risk of developing eating disorders.
18) Language:
Language is a fundamental tool for communication and cultural expression. The study’s use of Arabic questionnaires ensures accessibility for participants in Jeddah, allowing for a more accurate representation of eating disorder prevalence and associated factors among female adolescents, emphasizing the role of cultural context in research.
19) Quality:
Quality signifies the standard of something as measured against other things. In this study, the quality of life for adolescents encountering eating disorders is a concern. By examining the prevalence and factors influencing these disorders, the research aims to improve overall health quality among affected youth.
20) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning commonly refers to the process of metabolism, particularly in the context of energy expenditure during physical activity. This reinforces the importance of being active and maintaining a balance between caloric intake and expenditure to prevent unhealthy eating behaviors and the development of eating disorders among adolescents.
21) Javadi:
Javadi may reference a researcher or contributor to a study. Understanding individual contributions in research can highlight varying perspectives and expertise in analyzing data related to eating disorders, adding depth to the findings and fostering collaborative approaches to address such complex public health issues.
22) Desire:
Desire signifies a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. In the study, desires related to body image and dieting can heavily influence adolescents' behaviors, contributing to the risk of developing eating disorders. Addressing these desires is essential in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
23) Lalla:
Lalla might refer to a contributing author or an aspect of the research framework. Understanding the roles of various contributors is crucial in contextualizing the findings, which focus on factors influencing eating disorders, ultimately aiming to enhance awareness and promote healthier behaviors among adolescents.
24) Chang:
Chang might denote a contributor or researcher involved in similar studies or related findings. This highlights the importance of collaboration in research, providing diverse insights and methodologies that can contribute to a broader understanding of eating disorders across different cultural and social contexts.
25) Sugar:
Sugar is a common ingredient in many diets and has been implicated in various health issues, including disordered eating patterns. The study may examine how sugar consumption is perceived and controlled among adolescents, emphasizing its role in dietary choices and its potential impact on eating disorders.
26) Blood:
Blood typically relates to health metrics and physiological factors. In considering eating disorders, blood health can signify the physical consequences of disordered eating, such as nutrient deficiencies. This research aims to highlight how these disorders affect overall health and encourage preventive measures.
27) Shata (Sata):
SATA refers to the socio-cultural attitudes towards appearance questionnaire (SATAQ). This tool is crucial for assessing how societal standards and expectations affect body image among adolescents. Utilizing such questionnaires allows researchers to quantify attitudes towards appearance and their direct correlation to eating disorders.
28) Puta:
Puta in this context may refer to Universiti Putra Malaysia, where ethical approval was sought for the study. Such institutions play a vital role in academic research, providing oversight that ensures ethical standards are upheld, thus enhancing the validity and credibility of the findings presented.
29) Rich (Rch):
Rich can refer to nutrient-dense foods or a wealth of resources in public health contexts. The study may address how 'rich' diets or caloric surplus can relate to eating disorders, highlighting the importance of understanding dietary quality versus quantity in preventing unhealthy eating behaviors.
30) Gold (Golden):
Gold often signifies something of high value or the highest standard. In a research context, ‘gold standard’ methods are essential for ensuring reliable and valid findings. This study aims to adhere to such high standards in measuring and interpreting data on eating disorders among adolescents.
31) Arabic language:
The Arabic language is vital for facilitating effective communication in research conducted in Arab regions. Utilizing Arabic ensures that participants understand the study's purpose and questions, thereby enhancing data accuracy and relevance in understanding eating disorders and their cultural implications within specific populations.
32) Young women (Young woman):
Young women are the primary focus of this study, as it seeks to understand the prevalence and factors associated with eating disorders in this demographic. Their unique experiences, influenced by societal pressures and cultural standards, necessitate targeted research to promote healthy attitudes towards body image and eating.
33) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to inadequate or unbalanced nutrition, which can result from unhealthy eating behaviors, often related to eating disorders. This study addresses the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescents as a significant concern, emphasizing the need for educational interventions to promote healthy dietary habits.
34) Calculation:
Calculation involves determining quantitative data, essential for analyzing prevalence rates and risk factors in research. This study incorporates various statistical calculations to understand the associations between eating disorders and factors like family influence, ensuring that findings are based on empirical evidence.
35) Measurement:
Measurement is crucial in research for obtaining accurate data. In this context, precise measurements of factors influencing eating disorders, such as questionnaire scores, are necessary for analyzing prevalence rates and understanding the dynamics of adolescent eating behaviors within the cultural setting of Saudi Arabia.
36) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, ensuring that results are dependable across various instances. In the context of this study, the reliability of the questionnaires used, such as the EAT-26, is vital for validating findings related to eating disorders in the adolescent population.
37) Discussion:
Discussion sections in research papers serve to interpret the findings, contextualize results within existing literature, and explore implications. In this study, the discussion reflects on the high prevalence of eating disorders among female adolescents, integrating findings with broader sociocultural factors affecting body image and health.
38) Collecting:
Collecting data is a fundamental aspect of research methodology. This study employed various techniques for collecting information from female adolescents about their eating habits and influences, which informs the prevalence of eating disorders and contributes to developing effective public health interventions.
39) Depression:
Depression frequently correlates with eating disorders, impacting mental health and exacerbating unhealthy behaviors. This study highlights the interconnectedness between psychological well-being and eating habits, stressing the need for comprehensive approaches that address both mental health and eating behavior among adolescents.
40) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information and insights gained through research. The study aims to enhance knowledge regarding eating disorders, their prevalence, and influencing factors in young female populations, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health understanding and strategies for prevention.
41) Suffering:
Suffering reflects the emotional and physical distress experienced by individuals with eating disorders. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the suffering associated with these disorders, calling for awareness and targeted interventions to alleviate their impact on the mental and physical health of adolescents.
42) Dividing:
Dividing is a concept that can refer to categorizing data or identifying different groups within a population. In this study, dividing the sample into various demographic factors allows better analysis of how different influences affect eating disorder prevalence among the adolescents studied.
43) Disease:
Disease in the context of eating disorders highlights the pathological aspects of these conditions. This study considers eating disorders as serious health issues that require appropriate intervention and treatment, reinforcing the need for understanding their prevalence and associated sociocultural factors.
44) Anxiety:
Anxiety often coexists with eating disorders, significantly affecting mental health. This study acknowledges how societal pressures and perceptions contribute to anxiety among adolescents, which can further exacerbate unhealthy eating behaviors, emphasizing the importance of addressing psychological health in prevention efforts.
45) Kalam:
Kalam may refer to an author or participant contributing to the study. Understanding individuals behind research efforts helps to contextualize various perspectives in the study's findings on eating disorders among female adolescents in Saudi Arabia, enriching the overall analysis.
46) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food that can significantly impact dietary habits and nutritional choices. In the context of this study, examining the consumption patterns of rice and other carbohydrate-rich foods may provide insights into their relationship with eating disorders and body image concerns among adolescents.
47) Sign:
Sign often refers to an indicator or a marker of a condition. In research, signs can help identify the presence of disorders or issues. This study seeks to pinpoint signs associated with eating disorders among adolescents, contributing to earlier detection and intervention strategies.
48) Post:
Post can imply various contexts, often relating to communications such as articles published in academic settings. In educational and research frameworks, 'post' may refer to the dissemination of findings, ensuring that knowledge gained is shared with broader audiences for awareness and action.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Eating Disorders among Adolescent Female Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Physical activity, Qualitative assessment, Family influence, Saudi Arabia, Psychological consequence, Media influence, Multivariate analysis, Cross-sectional study, Significance level, Self-administered questionnaire, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Peer influence, Eating disorder, Socio cultural factors.