Exploring Public Awareness of Eating Disorders Among Adolescents in District Solan: A Study on Anorexia and Bulimia
Background: Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are serious mental health conditions that significantly impact the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents. This study aims to assess the level of public awareness and knowledge about eating disorders among adolescents in District Solan, identifying gaps that can inform targeted public health interventions. Material and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2024 among 400 students aged 14 to 18 years, enrolled in classes 9th to 12th in senior secondary schools across District Solan. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered online questionnaire, which assessed knowledge and awareness of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa across various dimensions, including symptoms, risk factors, consequences, and management. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify significant patterns and gaps in awareness. Results: The study found that 82.0% of participants had heard of anorexia nervosa, while 73.8% were aware of bulimia nervosa. However, there were notable gaps in understanding specific symptoms, such as avoidance of eating (65.0%) and the use of laxatives or excessive exercise (65.5%). Awareness of risk factors was higher for societal pressures (72.3%) and media influence (68.8%) but lower for family history (61.3%) and psychological factors (65.8%). Overall, 23.5% of participants demonstrated excellent knowledge, while 16.8% fell into the poor knowledge category. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in the knowledge and understanding of eating disorders among adolescents in District Solan. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these gaps, focusing on a comprehensive understanding of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. By integrating mental health education into school curricula and utilizing digital platforms for broader outreach, we can improve early recognition and management of eating disorders, ultimately enhancing the well-being of adolescents in the region.