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Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors toward Eating Disorders among Adolescents in Italy

Author

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  • Francesco Napolitano

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni, 5, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Francesco Bencivenga

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni, 5, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Erika Pompili

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni, 5, 80138 Naples, Italy)

  • Italo Francesco Angelillo

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luciano Armanni, 5, 80138 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

The objectives of this survey were to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward eating disorders among adolescents in Italy. The survey was undertaken between May and June 2017 among a random sample of 420 adolescents aged 14–20 years. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Only 22.8% correctly knew both the definition of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Female, overweight or obese individuals, and who had at least one parent with a college degree or higher level of education were more likely to have this knowledge. More than one third (38.8%) had a fear of getting fat. Female, overweight or obese individuals, who did not know the definition of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, who avoided eating when they were hungry, and who always and usually were engaged in dieting behavior were more likely to have a fear of getting fat. Only 10.1% and 11.9% always and usually were engaged in dieting behavior, and 40.8% never did so. Respondents who usually/always had a strong desire to be thinner and who had a fear of getting fat were more likely to be engaged in dieting behavior. There is an urgent need to inform Italian adolescents about eating disorders, and healthcare workers may play a crucial role in distributing eating disorder-related knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Napolitano & Francesco Bencivenga & Erika Pompili & Italo Francesco Angelillo, 2019. "Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors toward Eating Disorders among Adolescents in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:8:p:1448-:d:225415
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Hanyi Yan & Yingru Wu & Theresa Oniffrey & Jason Brinkley & Rui Zhang & Xinge Zhang & Yueqiao Wang & Guoxun Chen & Rui Li & Justin B. Moore, 2018. "Body Weight Misperception and Its Association with Unhealthy Eating Behaviors among Adolescents in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, May.
    4. Maoyong Fan & Yanhong Jin, 2015. "The Effects of Weight Perception on Adolescents’ Weight-Loss Intentions and Behaviors: Evidence from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-29, November.
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    1. Hafrún Kristjánsdóttir & Petra Sigurðardóttir & Sigurlaug Jónsdóttir & Guðlaug Þorsteinsdóttir & Jose Saavedra, 2019. "Body Image Concern and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Elite Icelandic Athletes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-11, July.
    2. Leticia Martínez-González & Tania Fernández-Villa & Antonio José Molina & Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez & Vicente Martín, 2020. "Incidence of Anorexia Nervosa in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-15, May.
    3. Johannes Feldhege & Sally Bilic & Kathina Ali & Daniel B. Fassnacht & Markus Moessner & Louise M. Farrer & Kathleen M. Griffiths & Stephanie Bauer, 2022. "Knowledge and Myths about Eating Disorders in a German Adolescent Sample: A Preliminary Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-9, June.

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