Assessment Of Health Belief Determinants Of Eating Disorder Among Adolescents In Umuahia North L.G.A. :- Peter, Faith C

ABSTRACT viii This study explores the health belief determinants and anthropometric statuses associated with eating disorders among adolescents in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 281 adolescents revealed a predominance of normal height-for-age (69.8%) and a significant proportion (42.0%) at risk of overweight or obesity based on BMI-for-age Z-scores. Despite this, perceptions of eating disorder risks and consequences exhibited weak or nonsignificant correlations with anthropometric measures. For instance, the beliefthat body image concerns could lead to eating disorders was weakly correlated with HAZ (r = 0.043, p = 0.470) and BAZ (r = -0.018, p - 0.761). Similarly, the awareness that avoiding eating disorders could improve academic performance showed no significant relationships (HAZ: r = -0.047, p = 0.435; BAZ: r = 0.046, p = 0.442). The findings highlight a disconnect between adolescents' physical growth metrics and their perceived susceptibility, severity, and self-efficacy regarding eating disorders. These results align with global and regional research emphasizing the influence of sociocultural factors over physical health indicators in shaping health beliefs. The study underscores the need for comprehensive adolescent health programs addressing psychological, social, and educational aspects, alongside physical health.