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Title

Eating behaviors, knowledge and attitudes among adolescent Indian girls

 

Authors

N Sivasubramanian1, Desai Nehaben Jashubhai1, B Mahalakshmi2,* Gnanadesigan Ekambaram3 & Ravi kant4

 

Affiliation

1Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat - 384315, India; 2Department of Paediatric Nursing, Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat - 384315; India; 3Department of Physiology, Nootan Medical College & Research Centre, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat, India; 4Department of Microbiology, Nootan Medical College & Research Centre, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat, India; *Corresponding author

 

Email

B Mahalakshmi - E-mail: mb.fn@spu.ac.in

Desai Nehaben Jashubhai - E-mail: desaineha.9988@gmail.com

N Sivasubramanian - E-mail: sn.fn@spu.ac.in

Gnanadesigan Ekambaram - E-mail: edesigan_phy@nootanmedical.edu.in

Ravi Kant - E-mail: ravikantbscity@gmail.com

 

Article Type

Research Article

 

Date

Received February 1, 2024; Revised February 29, 2024; Accepted February 29, 2024, Published February 29, 2024 

 

Abstract

Data on the eating behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of adolescent girls in Visnagar, India, focusing on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases [NCDs] and their association with dietary practices is of interest. Adolescence, a crucial developmental phase, sets the foundation for lifelong health habits, necessitating an understanding of the determinants influencing eating behaviors. The research aims to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAP], providing insights for culturally sensitive public health strategies. Through structured questionnaires and Likert scales, data were collected from a purposive sample of adolescent girls [ages 12-18] in a selected school. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were employed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, considering demographic variables. Non-significant associations were found between these variables and demographics. The mean knowledge score was 25.11, reflecting a moderate level, while the mean attitudes score was 99.54, indicating generally positive attitudes. Adolescent girls demonstrated an overall mean behaviour score of 110.93, with a positive correlation [0.72] between knowledge and behaviors and a stronger correlation [0.99] between attitudes and behaviors. Findings highlight the universal importance of knowledge in influencing eating behaviors and emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions considering regional influences. The study contributes valuable insights into the interplay of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to eating disorders in adolescent girls, serving as a foundation for targeted public health strategies.

 

Keywords

Adolescent health, eating behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, non-communicable diseases

 

Citation

Sivasubramanuan et al. Bioinformation 20(2): 165-169 (2024)

 

Edited by

P Kangueane

 

ISSN

0973-2063

 

Publisher

Biomedical Informatics

 

License

This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.