Eating attitudes and behaviours among adolescent girls in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Eating disorders are considered by some to be a culture bound phenomena confined to the west. Its prevalence among young adolescents in Sri Lanka is not known. AIMS: To describe the concerns and attitudes regarding weight and body shape among adolescent school girls in the Colombo district. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in selected National, type 1AB, type 1C and type 2 schools in the Colombo district, using a self administered questionnaire that included demographic data and the Eating Attitude Questionnaire ( EAT26 ). The EAT 26 was translated to Sinhalese and validated using the Delphi technique. Results: The study population consisted of 1564 adolescent school girls from 18 schools. A high risk for developing an eating disorder in terms of the EAT 26 questionnaire was seen in 217 [ 14%) and a moderate risk in 554 ( 36%). 14% believed they were fatter than their peers. Of those who believed they were fatter than others, 25% had an EAT26.score indicating a high risk for developing an eating disorder. Dieting was undertaken by 34% to lose weight. CONCLUSIONS: Risk for eating disorders is present in adolescent girls in Sri Lanka. Clinicians need to consider this differential diagnosis in young females presenting with weight loss.