Abstract
Data on the prevalence of mental health disorders indicates that 4.5% and 3% of the Indian population is suffering from depression and anxiety respectively. Depression is ranked by WHO (2015) as the single largest contributor to global disability, therefore there is a need to investigate the maturation patterns (gender specific) & its relationship with psychosocial & nutritional factors which impact the overall health of an adolescent. The present research was designed to study the prevalence & association of depression & anxiety with eating disorders & BMI among adolescent boys & girls (13-15 years) studying in public schools of Delhi. 300 adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study. For the assessment of depression and anxiety & eating disorders Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; administered to the parents) and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ; administered to the subjects) were used respectively. Data were also collected on socio-demographic profile, dietary practices & consumption pattern, food intake (24hr recall, Food Frequency Questionnaire), & anthropometric (Weight, Height, BMI, Body fat %) profiles. Prevalence of depression & anxiety symptoms is 26%. 58% of the malnourished subjects are suffering from depression & anxiety. 89.7%, 83.3% and 87% of underweight, overweight and obese subjects (with symptoms of anxiety and depression) had reported Restrained Eating, Emotional Eating and Uncontrolled Eating respectively. This study highlights the association of mental health with eating disorders & nutritional status of adolescents. It will also serve as a strategic tool for mental health prevention & management policies designed for adolescents.
Author Information
Preeti Khanna, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, India
Bani Aeri, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, India
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