ISSN : 2663-2187

Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders among a Sample of Middle School Adolescents in Morocco

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Fatima FATHI , Zineb SERHIER, Lamya ECH-CHAIB, Mohamed AGOUB, Rachid SAILE
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.15.2024.7608-7626

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders (ED) significantly impact both physical and mental health. Adolescents are particularly affected, with concerning rates reported in recent studies. In Morocco, data are very limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potential ED among middle school adolescents and assess their risk based on associated factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in Casablanca, Morocco, in 2022. The survey included a sample of 410 students. We used the Eating Attitude Test (EAT26) to screen for ED, the ROSENBERG scale to assess self-esteem, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to screen for depressive disorders. A questionnaire collected sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Weight status was determined according to WHO reference standards. Results: The EAT-26 identified 182 participants (44.4%) at risk of ED. BMI and depression were significantly associated with the risk of ED among middle school adolescents. The prevalence of ED varied according to self-esteem in our study, although the differences were not significant. Sociodemographic variables did not significantly influence ED prevalence. Conclusion: The high prevalence and complexity of ED revealed by this study highlight the importance of extending research to larger and more diverse samples to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Morocco. This will help strengthen recommendations and improve prevention and management strategies for adolescents.

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