Factors influencing eating attitudes in secondary-school girls in South Africa--a preliminary study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To establish factors in the environment, e.g. family, peer or media, as well as individual factors, e.g. self-perception, which may influence eating attitudes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Non-clinical, community-based. SUBJECTS: Female high-school pupils. OUTCOME MEASURES: Responses to questions pertaining to environmental as well as individual factors for each respondent ('dieting questionnaire'; self report). Total scores derived from a self-report questionnaire pertaining to eating attitudes (Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)). Statistical analysis, using analysis of variance procedures, to determine significant associations between the two questionnaires. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Specific individual wishes, perceptions, behaviours and topics of conversation appear to influence as well as predict eating attitudes. Family, especially maternal, factors play a role in determining eating attitudes. Peer and media (television) factors are not significantly influential. The findings provide preliminary data on factors that influence eating attitudes in a group at risk for the development of eating disorders. The findings have implications for the formulation of preventive strategies within a comprehensive treatment approach.