Eating Disorders (ED) represent a rising public health concern, particularly among adolescents, where early onset often leads to chronic medical and psychosocial consequences. Despite the increasing global prevalence of EDs, research in South Asian populations remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of ED among adolescents in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2023 among 384 high school and college students aged 12–18 years. The sample was selected using convenience sampling, with the sample size determined via the Raosoft calculator. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that included the SCOFF screening tool and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 22, applying Pearson’s Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wald tests. Findings revealed a high overall ED prevalence of 61.5%, with females constituting the majority of those at risk (72% of the sample). Awareness of EDs was low, with 55.5% of participants unfamiliar with the condition. A significant association was found between gender and ED risk (p < 0.05), with females being 0.461 times more likely to be at risk. Notably, ED prevalence was higher among adolescents with normal BMI (59.7%), urban residents (69%), illiterate guardians (41.1%), and those from high-income backgrounds (30.5%). Female participants also had significantly higher concerns related to eating and body weight (mean ranks of 198.24 and 196.63, respectively). The results underscore the need for early identification and targeted awareness campaigns, especially for young females. School-based mental health programs and screening initiatives using validated tools like SCOFF and EDE-Q could facilitate early intervention and help mitigate long-term consequences.
Sadaf Qureshi Dr. Mahnoor (Tue,) studied this question.