Prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric symptomology in Pakistani female adolescents

Abstract Background Previous researchers have demonstrated the co-existence of psychiatric conditions across clinical as well as non-clinical samples in diverse situations. The present study examined the prevalence and co-morbidity of various psychiatric symptoms (e.g. learning disabilities, depression and anxiety) in school-age female adolescents. Methods In a cross-sectional random sampling method, 252 girls from two government schools in Lahore were assessed by Learning Disabilities Checklist, Children Depression Inventory and the Spence Anxiety Scale. Results The results demonstrate significant prevalence and co-morbidity of psychiatric symptoms. Of the 252 participants, 34%, 21% and 68% had significant learning disabilities, depression and anxiety symptoms respectively. In addition, 27% of them presented symptoms of three studied psychiatric conditions. A highly significant positive correlation was found between learning disabilities, depression and anxiety symptoms. Methods There is a dire need for preventative intervention programs to promote mental health at school level. Further, assessment plans for the screening of psychiatric symptoms in normative samples also need to be put in place.

Access to Contraception amongst Female Adolescents: Rivers State Study

Introduction:The importance of contraception amongst adolescents cannot be over-emphasized especially as it concerns reproductive health. Globally, these group of persons are vulnerable and engage in high risk sexual behaviour with little or no access to contraception particularly in the developing countries of the world.Aim: To determine the access to contraception amongst female adolescents in Rivers State. Methods:It was a cross sectional study of female adolescents attending holiday camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Questionnaires were distributed and information coded and analysed using SPSS version 22.Results:One hundred questionnaires were distributed and 89 retrieved. The mean age was 16 ± 2 years. Fifty seven (64.0%) were in secondary school while 32(36.0%) of the adolescents were undergraduates. Twelve (13.5%) were sexually active compared to 69 (77.5%) who were not sexually active, 8 (9%) were non respondents to this question. One (1.1%) of the adolescents had access to contraception while 85 (95.5%) had no access to contraception, 3 (3.3%) did not give any response as regards to access to contraception or not. The media was the most common means of information 25 (28%) on contraception.Conclusion: The study revealed that access to contraception amongst female adolescents in Port Harcourt was poor. Enlightenment programme is highly recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and other adverse effects on reproductive health.

Physical fitness and nutritional status in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa / Aptidão física e estado nutricional em adolescentes do sexo feminino com anorexia nervosa

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to determine whether physical fitness is related to nutritional status in a sample of female adolescents with anorexia nervosa, to contrast the nourished and undernourished patients, and to compare the physical fitness in these patients with normative data of healthy subjects stratified by age and gender. Methods Nutritional status was determined using the body mass index Z-score, fat mass, fat-free mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and the Controlling Nutritional Status score in 15 anorexic adolescents with 14.3±1.6 years. Physical fitness was assessed using the ALPHA-Fitness Battery (handgrip strength, standing broad jump, 4x10m shuttle run, and 20m shuttle run tests). Results Handgrip strength was significantly associated with all variables of nutritional status, except with the three blood components of the Controlling Nutritional Status score. The undernourished anorexic patients showed significantly worse physical fitness than the nourished anorexic patients in all tests, except in the standing broad jump and the 4x10m shuttle run tests. The physical fitness tests of the female anorexic adolescents showed scores significantly worse than those of the normative European female adolescent population. Conclusion The observation of female adolescents with anorexia nervosa showed associations between higher physical fitness levels and better nutritional statuses. Handgrip strength and 20m shuttle run tests may be options of additional indicators of undernutrition in anorexic female adolescents. The undernourished anorexic patients showed worse physical fitness than the nourished ones. According to normative data for healthy sex- and agematched adolescents, physical fitness is severely impaired in anorexic female adolescents.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar se a aptidão física está relacionada ao estado nutricional em uma amostra de adolescentes do sexo feminino com anorexia nervosa, contrastar pacientes nutridas versus desnutridas e comparar a aptidão física nesses pacientes com dados normativos de indivíduos saudáveis estratificados por idade e gênero. Métodos O estado nutricional foi determinado pelo escore Z do índice de massa corporal, massa gorda e massa livre de gordura (análise de impedância bioelétrica) e pelo escore do Estado Nutricional Controlador em 15 adolescentes anoréxicas com 14,3±1,6 anos. A aptidão física foi avaliada usando a Bateria ALPHA-Fitness (força de preensão manual, salto em distância em pé, corrida com vaivém 4x10m e corrida com vaivém de 20m). Resultados A força de preensão manual foi significativamente associada a todas as variáveis do estado nutricional, exceto aos três componentes sanguíneos do escore do Estado de Controle Nutricional. As pacientes anoréxicas desnutridas mostraram uma aptidão física substancialmente pior do que as pacientes anoréxicas nutridas em todos os testes, exceto nos saltos em pé em posição ampla e nos testes de corrida em 4x10m. Os testes de aptidão física dos adolescentes anoréxicos do sexo feminino apresentaram escores consideravelmente piores do que os da população adolescente europeia normativa. Conclusão Adolescentes do sexo feminino com anorexia nervosa apresentaram associação entre maiores níveis de aptidão física e melhor estado nutricional. Os testes de força de preensão manual e corrida de lançadeira de 20m podem ser alternativas como indicadores adicionais do estado de desnutrição em adolescentes anoréxicas. As pacientes anoréxicas desnutridas demonstraram pior condicionamento físico do que as pacientes anoréxicas nutridas. Segundo dados normativos para adolescentes saudáveis de acordo com o sexo e a idade, a aptidão física é gravemente prejudicada em adolescentes anoréxicas do sexo feminino.

Satisfacción sexual en mujeres adultas y adolescentes chilenas usuarias de dos centros de salud universitarios / Sexual satisfaction in Chilean adult and adolescent women using two university health centers

RESUMEN Introducción: La satisfacción sexual es un indicador de calidad de vida que ha ido adquiriendo mayor relevancia en la investigación científica. Objetivo: Comparar el nivel de satisfacción sexual y variables de relación de pareja y comportamiento sexual en mujeres adultas y adolescentes usuarias de dos centros de salud universitarios Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal y analítico en dos grupos de comparación: mujeres adultas y adolescentes. La satisfacción sexual fue medida mediante la Nueva Escala de Satisfacción Sexual (NSSS). Se aplicó cuestionario sobre datos sociodemográficos, relación de pareja y comportamiento sexual. Se realizó análisis bivariado y regresión logística para evaluar la asociación entre las variables de relación de pareja, comportamiento sexual y nivel de satisfacción sexual según grupo de adultas o adolescentes. Resultados: Participaron 348 mujeres (174 adultas y 174 adolescentes). La mediana de edad de adultas fue 33 años (rango 20-50) y adolescentes de 17 años (rango 14-19). En el 89,9% la experiencia sexual más reciente se dio en contexto de una relación de pareja. El 94,6 % se siente satisfecha con su relación de pareja. Las adolescentes presentan un mayor nivel de satisfacción sexual que las adultas. Conclusiones: En las mujeres adultas cuando la iniciativa sexual es compartida y se sienten satisfechas con la relación de pareja, aumenta la satisfacción sexual. En las adolescentes, aumenta la satisfaccción sexual cuando la actividad sexual se da en un contexto de relación de pareja y tienen una mayor frecuencia de relaciones sexuales.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is an indicator of quality of life that has become more relevant in scientific research. Objective: To compare the level of sexual satisfaction, variables of couple relationship and sexual behavior of adult women and adolescents who are users of two university health care centers. Methods: Observational, transversal and analytical study of two groups: adult and adolescents women. Sexual satisfaction was measured by the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS). A questionnaire was applied based on sociodemographic data, couple relationship and sexual behavior. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the variables of couple relationship, sexual behavior and level of sexual satisfaction according to the group of adults or adolescents. Results: 348 women participated (174 adults and 174 adolescents). The average age of adults was 33 years (range 20-50) and adolescents 17 years (range 14-19). In the total trial 89.9% the most recent sexual experience occurred in the context of a relationship. 94,6% feel satisfied with their relationship. Adolescents have a higher level of sexual satisfaction than adults. Conclusions: When adult women feel satisfied with their relationship and sexual initiative is shared, the sexual satisfaction increases. In adolescents, sexual satisfaction increases when sexual activity occurs in a relationship context and when they have a higher frequency of sexual relations

A preliminary study of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety symptoms in female adolescents maltreatment victims in Mexico / Un estudio preliminar sobre la prevalencia de síntomas de estrés postraumático, depresión y ansiedad en mujeres adolescentes femeninas víctimas de maltrato en México

Abstract: Introduction: Although child maltreatment is related with psychopathologic symptoms, however their clinical prevalence in the general population and more so in specific groups of age and gender, such as female adolescents, has been scarcely documented. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence mental illness symptoms ‒such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety‒ in female adolescent maltreatment victims in Mexico. Method: Fifty-five 12-17-year old female adolescent victims of maltreatment (sexual, physical, and emotional abuse) recruited from four different Mexican institutions were evaluated through clinical scales for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, in addition to clinical interviews. Results: More than half of the participants presented significant scores of psychopathological symptoms in the three scales evaluated. Discussion and conclusion: The high prevalence of psychopathologic symptoms found in this study suggests that female adolescents who had experienced some form of abuse present highed a susceptibility to develop psychopathology. Results are discussed in the context of their relevance as a public health problem and their implications for professional interventions.

Resumen: Introducción: Aunque el maltrato infantil se ha asociado con síntomas psicopatológicos, se ha documentado poco la prevalencia clínica que tiene en la población general y aún más en grupos específicos de edad y género, como en el caso de mujeres adolescentes. Objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como propósito examinar la prevalencia de síntomas de enfermedades mentales como el trastorno de estrés postraumático, la depresión y la ansiedad en adolescentes víctimas de maltrato en México. Método: Se evaluaron 55 mujeres adolescentes víctimas de maltrato (abuso sexual, físico y emocional) de 12 a 17 años, reclutadas en cuatro diferentes instituciones mexicanas. A todas se les aplicaron entrevistas y escalas clínicas de estrés postraumático, depresión y ansiedad. Resultados: Más de la mitad de las participantes presentaron altos puntajes de síntomas psicopatológicos en las tres escalas evaluadas. Discusión y conclusión: La alta prevalencia de síntomas psicopatológicos encontrada en este estudio sugiere que las adolescentes que experimentaron alguna forma de abuso presentaron una alta susceptibilidad a desarrollar psicopatología. Se discuten los resultados en el contexto de su relevancia como un problema de salud pública y sus implicaciones para las intervenciones profesionales correspondientes.

Influence of Sexual Behavior and Emotional State on Suicidal Ideation among Female Adolescents with Sexual Intercourse Experience / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study investigated the sexual behaviors, emotional state, and suicide-related characteristics of female adolescents with sexual experience. METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis study using the data of the 11th (2015) Youth Health Behavior Online Survey. The subjects were 889 female students who had sexual intercourse experience in middle and high schools in the Republic of Korea. For data analysis, descriptive statistics, χ² test, and hierarchical logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Among the subjects, 22.2% reported having experienced homosexual or bisexual relations. The sexual debut time of 31.9% of the subjects was in elementary school or earlier, while 8.1% and 10.7% experienced pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, respectively. They reported negative emotional states (high stress 51.7%, unhappiness 17.8%, depressive mood 9.8%) and substantial suicide experiences (suicidal ideation 33.6%, suicidal plan 16.6%, suicidal attempt 13.2%). Through hierarchical logistic regression (Cox & Snell R²=.31), the influencing factors for suicide ideation identified included being subjected to sexual relations, experience of pregnancy, perceived stress and happiness, and depressive mood. CONCLUSION: It is important to prevent negative mental health consequences among female students with early sexual experience. Sexual education should strengthen their physical and mental safety through psychological care strategies.

Differences in Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms between Urban and Rural Female Adolescents in Korea

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and differentiate factors associated with them in urban and rural areas by applying the Ecological Models of Health Behavior. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional design and convenience sample of 460 female adolescents. The instruments included the Adolescent Mental-Health Problem-Behavior Questionnaire (AMPQ-II) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were confirmed in 15.7% of urban adolescents and 22.9% of rural adolescents (p < .05). In the urban group, perception of health and stress associated with school performance were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. In the rural group, academic/internet related problems and rule violations were significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p < .05). General life happiness, worry/anxiety, and mood/suicidal ideation were common factors in both urban and rural areas (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Multiple factors were associated with depressive symptoms, and those significant factors differed between urban and rural female youths. Accordingly, tailored approaches are required considering urban and rural differences. The approaches should include intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels of interventions.

Effect of Smartphone Apps Applying BodyThink Program on Obesity in Adolescent Girls

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of smartphone apps applying BodyThink program on BMI, percentage of body fat, skeletal muscle rate, body image, and self-esteem of adolescent girls. METHODS: Sixty-eight high school girls with a BMI of over 25kg/m² were recruited to participate in this study. Girls from four schools were divided into two groups: the experimental group, which used the smartphone apps applying BodyThink program, and the control group, which used smartphone apps and small group counseling. The experimental group received the BodyThink program 6 times, scheduled once a week, with each session lasting 40~50 minutes. Test measures were completed before and after the 6 week intervention period for all participants. Collected data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, descriptive statistics, χ² test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test with the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: The girls in the experimental group significantly improved their results in BMI(Z=-1.67, p=.042), percentage of body fat (Z=-3.01, p=.001), skeletal muscle rate (t=-3.50, p<.001), and self-esteem (t=2.66, p=.005) after the program, compared to the girls in the control group. CONCLUSION: Mobile applications applying psychological and emotional intervention programs have the potential to be effective alternative methods to improve the body composition and self-esteem of obese adolescent girls.

Comparación de la ingesta de energía y nutrientes en adolescentes mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad / Comparison of energy and nutrients intake in female adolescents with overweight and obesity

Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad son consecuencia de una modificación de los patrones dietarios y de una actitud cada vez más sedentaria. Objetivos: Comparar la ingesta de energía y nutrientes de adolescentes mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad. Diseño: Estudio transversal, observacional y analítico. Lugar: Centro Educativo de la zona urbana de Lima. Participantes: Adolescentes entre 10 a 18 años. Intervención: Se estudió 100 adolescentes con sobrepeso y 87 con obesidad. El diagnóstico se hizo mediante el índice de masa corporal (IMC), con la población de referencia de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y con los niveles de corte entre 85 y 95 percentil para sobrepeso y más de 95 para obesidad. La evaluación de la cantidad de energía y de nutrientes se realizó mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia semicuantitativo, utilizando la Tabla Peruana de Composición de Alimentos y la del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE UU. Para el porcentaje de adecuación de la energía y para la identificación cuantitativa de la ingesta de vitaminas y mineral se utilizó las recomendaciones de la FAO. El análisis estadístico se hizo con la prueba t-Student para comparación de medias. Principales medidas de resultados: Energía ingerida, adecuación de los nutrientes, cantidad de vitaminas y minerales ingeridos, de acuerdo a los grupos estudiados. Resultados: No hubo diferencia de la ingesta de energía entre los grupos estudiados, y estos valores fueron menores que los requerimientos. La adecuación porcentual mostró que el consumo de las grasas estuvo por debajo del requerimiento; lo mismo sucedió con las grasas saturadas, monoinsaturadas y poliinsaturadas; sin embargo, lo que más se consumió fue la grasa saturada. En cuanto a las vitaminas y minerales, fueron ingeridas en cantidades que cubrían los requerimientos, a excepción de los folatos. La ingesta de fibra fue muy pobre. Conclusiones: Se puede afirmar que el consumo de energía en ambos grupos fue por debajo de su requerimiento, por lo que se podría asumir que la causa de la presencia de estas enfermedades responda a una muy poca actividad física. Por otro lado, el principal problema en la alimentación de este grupo fue la deficiencia en la ingesta de fibra dietaria, de grasa y de folatos.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity result from change in dietary patterns and increasingly sedentary attitude. Objectives: To compare the energy and nutrient intake in female adolescents with overweight and obesity. Design: Cross-sectional, observational and analytical study. Location: Lima’s urban area Education Center. Participants: Adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. Interventions: One hundred overweight adolescents and 87 obese adolescents were studied. Diagnosis was done by body mass index (BMI) with the World Health Organization (WHO) reference population and cutoff levels between 85 and 95 percentile for overweight and over 95 for obesity. Amount of energy and nutrients was determined by a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire using the Peruvian Table for Food Composition and the Table of the USA Department of Agriculture. FAO recommendations were used to determine the adequate percentage of energy and the quantitative identification of vitamin and mineral intake. Statistical analysis used Student t-test to compare measures. Main outcome measures: Energy intake, ingested nutrients, vitamins and minerals adequacy according to the study groups. Results: There was no difference in energy intake between the groups studied, and these values were lower than requirements. Adequacy of fat consumption, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats was below requirements; however saturated fat was more consumed. The amount of vitamins and minerals ingested covered requirements except for folates. Fiber intake was very poor. Conclusions: Neither group exceeded energy requirements, so it could be assumed that cause of these conditions was very little physical activity. On the other hand the main problem was dietary fiber, fat and folate intake deficiency.

Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Anthropometric Parameters related to Obesity in Korean Female Adolescents according to Dietary Diversity Score: From the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2009 / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrient intake and anthropometric parameters related to obesity in Korean female adolescents according to dietary diversity score. We analyzed data from the combined 2007-2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The subjects were 770 female adolescents. Nutrient intakes, Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) ) and Dietary Variety Score (DVS) were derived by using the data from the 24-recall method. The DDS was defined as the number of six food groups (cereals, meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy, fats and oils) consumed. The DVS was defined as the number of food items consumed. The average age of the subjects of the study was 15.02 years and the average height, weight, and BMI were 159.50 cm, 52.58 kg, 20.62 kg/m2, respectively. The energy and nutrients intakes, percent of the recommended intake for nutrients in DDS = 5~6 group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. Calcium and vitamin C INQ in DDS = 5~6 group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. The average DVS of the subjects was 29.33. The most frequent style of food pattern was CMDFVO (cereals, meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, fats and oils) = 111011. In conclusion, in healthy Korean female adolescents, food diversity intake variety did beneficially affect the intakes of calcium and vitamin C. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A Prediction Equation to Estimate the Maximum Oxygen Uptake of School-Age Girls from Kolkata, India

Background: The 20-metre multistage shuttle run test is a useful method for the regular monitoring of aerobic fitness. However, the validity of the test should be established in the particular population prior to application. The aim of the study was to validate the applicability of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test in non-athlete, girls from Kolkata, India. Methods: Thirty-six untrained girls from different schools in Kolkata (age range 14–16 years) were recruited for the study. Direct estimation of cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2max) comprised treadmill exercise followed by expired gas analysis using Scholander micro-gas analyser. VO2max was indirectly predicted by the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test. Results: The difference between the mean (SD) VO2max values of the direct measurement, 32.91 (2.66) ml.kg-1.min-1, and the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test, 33.79 (2.56) ml.kg-1.min-1, was statistically significant (P < 0.01). However, limits of agreement analysis suggested that the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test can be applied for use with the studied population. Intra-class correlation coefficients also suggested good reliability of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run data. Conclusion: The results suggest that the use of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test for the prediction of VO2max is justified in the studied population. For better prediction of VO2max, a new equation has been developed based on the present data for untrained girls from Kolkata.

Reading and Understanding of Food & Nutrition Labels and Dietary Behaviors of Female Middle and High School Students

This study investigated the use and understanding of food and nutrition labels in 498 female adolescents (middle school students: MS 248, high school students: HS 250) in Gyeonggi-do. Fifty percent of the MS and 47.2% of the HS read food labels, and the most common reasons for reading labels were to find a product's expiration date and price. The food label information considered most important by the subjects was the name of the manufacturing company and expiration date. Over 80% of the subjects read nutrition labels. The MS read nutrition labels to find nutrients and their amounts in foods, while the HS read labels mostly in an effort to control body weight. These subjects gave more attention to calories and fat, the nutrients related to body weight, than to other nutrients. The subjects were highly aware of the necessity and positive effects of nutrition labels, because they believed labels could make it easier for them to choose healthy foods. However, scores for understanding nutrition labels showed the subjects failed to understand label information accurately. Generally, the MS showed better dietary behaviors than HS. But the HS had significantly higher scores than MS for the item "know relative weight with height." Those that read food labels had significantly better BMIs, dietary behaviors, and awareness and understanding of nutrition labels. There were significant positive relationships among awareness & understanding of nutrition labels and subjects' dietary behaviors. The study findings can be utilized to better plan nutrition education programs aiming to improve use and awareness of food and nutrition labels among adolescents.

Menstrual Attitudes and Maternal Child Rearing Attitudes in Middle School Female Students

PURPOSE: This correlational study was performed to identify the impacts of maternal child rearing attitudes on the menstrual attitudes and the determinants of positive menstrual attitudes in female middle school students. METHODS: With convenience sampling, 198 middle school female students were recruited living in one major city and its surrounding areas in Korea. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire including menstrual attitudes and maternal child rearing attitudes from April 1 to July 15, 2008. RESULTS: Among the Maternal child rearing attitudes, affectionate, achievement oriented and rational attitudes had positive correlations to a positive menstrual attitude, and an autonomous attitude had a negative correlation to a negative menstrual attitude. As determinants of positive menstrual attitudes, feeling of menarche, mother's response at first menstruation, and rational maternal child rearing attitudes were delineated and their explained variance for a positive menstrual attitude was 18.5%. There was no difference on menstrual attitudes by K clustering in terms of maternal child rearing attitudes. CONCLUSION: These results support the critical role of the mother. Especially desirable maternal child rearing attitudes in relation to a positive menstrual attitude would be affectionate, achievement oriented and rational for early adolescent girls. In further studies, considerations are needed for menstruation related education and research for early adolescents and active involvement of the mother & daughter together.

A Study on Weight Control, Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Attitudes and Eating Behaviors among High School Female Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was designed to examine weight control, nutritional knowledge, dietary attitudes and eating behaviors of 370 high school girls and to investigate if there were differences in these variables by weight control status. The weight control attempters (65.1%) had significantly higher body weight and BMI (p<0.001). The difference between desired and current body weight was -9.1 kg in the attempters, showing a significantly higher difference than the counterparts (p<0.001). The attempters also showed more interest toward weight control (p<0.001), but were less satisfied with their body size (p<0.001). Most of subjects (88.1%), especially in the attempters (96.7%) responded that they would try to control their weights in the future. The regular exerciser was 22.9% in the attempters while the percentage of the counterparts was 11.9% (p<0.05). The use of internet or television watching was not significantly different by weight control status. Subjects scored 15.8 out of 20 on a nutritional knowledge scale, which showed a moderate level of knowledge. The nutritional knowledge score was 15.7 for the attempters and 15.8 for the counterparts. None of the nutritional knowledge items reached statistical significance, although the percentages of correct answers regarding weight control or balanced meals were slightly lower in the attempters. The attempters showed more favorable eating attitudes than the counterparts (p<0.001), especially in the attitudes of applying nutritional knowledge to daily life (p<0.01), attitudes for modifying diets (p<0.01) and importance of having adequate meals (p<0.01). The eating behavior was moderate, with mean scores of 31.1 (possible score: 15-45). Subjects showed problems in eating a variety of foods, eating meals regularly, eating slowly, eating breakfast and consumption of some food groups (e.g., dairy foods, fruits). The attempters consumed seaweeds more frequently than the counterparts (p<0.05). Although there were not many significant differences by weight control status, this study suggested that nutrition education for adolescent girls should be planned to provide nutrition information regarding desirable weight control as well as modifying diets and eating behaviors.

A Study of Weight Control and Associated Factors among High School Female Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The study purpose was to examine weight control status and related factors among 370 high school girls in Seoul. Factors examined included interest toward weight control, body satisfaction, body image, beliefs regarding weight control and self-efficacy. 65.1% had attempted to control weight and were categorized into attempt group. Those in the attempt group had higher body weight (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001) than the counterparts. They tried to control weight 2.9 times on average (22.4 days each time). The major information sources for weight control were internet (62.8%), and TV/ radio (17.1%). Exercise was most commonly used for weight control, followed by reducing meal amount and skipping dinner. The attempt group was less satisfied with body size (p<0.001) and perceived their body sizs as heavier than the counterparts (p<0.001), but they showed more interest toward weight control (p<0.001). The ideal body size of society or the body size that they want was very thin in both groups. Twelve out of 20 beliefs regarding weight control were significantly different between the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly on the advantages such as increased self-confidence, appearance, attractiveness (p<0.001) and 'good for making friends' (p<0.01). In contrast, the attempt group believed less strongly about the disadvantages including harmful effects on health (p<0.001), parents' dislike, feelings of discouragement (p<0.01) and becoming (p<0.05). The attempt group showed lower overall self-efficacy to control overeating (p<0.05) than the counterparts. Especially, the attempt group felt less control of overeating in situations such as eating-out, after school, when they are with family (p<0.01) or with friends, when they feel hungry, during examination periods and when others offer food (p<0.05). This study suggested that weight management education for adolescents include strategies for changing body image and beliefs regarding weight control, as well as increasing self-efficacy to control overeating.