Predisposition to eating disorders in rural adolescents

Background . The issues of eating disorders among adolescents are currently becoming increasingly relevant. Eating disorders have an impact on a person’s mental and physical health. The aim. To identify the relationship between dietary habits and predisposition to eating disorders among rural schoolchildren. Materials and methods . The study involved 106 adolescents aged 14–17 living in rural areas of the Irkutsk region. The assessment of individual actual nutrition was assessed using the method of “Analysis of the frequency of food intake”. To assess the risk of eating disorders, an Eating Disorder Inventory was used. Results . The results of the study showed that eating disorders were detected both in boys and girls. Girls are less likely to consume meat and dairy products. Boys skipped breakfast more often. When analyzing correlations between scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory and the frequency of food consumption, a direct moderate relationship was revealed only in boys on the subscale “Drive for thinness” with rare consumption of chocolate and ice cream. Skipping breakfast for both boys and girls is associated with high scores on the subscales “Drive for thinness” and “Body dissatisfaction”, in addition, skipping dinners for girls is associated with the “Bulimia” subscale. Conclusion . The prerequisites for the formation of eating disorders have been identified in both boys and girls. Eating disorders among adolescents is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach from society, healthcare institutions, educators and parents.