Author(s):
Nisha. S., Nisha E.K., Athira, Muhammed Rafi I.
Email(s):
nishahemanth1978@gmail.com , muhammedrafipersonal@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00021 
Address:
Nisha. S.1, Nisha E.K.2, Athira3, Muhammed Rafi I.4
1Principal, Mental Health Nursing, Red Crescent College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
2HOD, Mental Health Nursing, Red Crescent College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
3Lecturer, Nursing Research, Red Crescent College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
4 HOD, Nursing Research, Red Crescent College of Nursing, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 14,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Eating disorders represent serious psychiatric illnesses with major physical and psychological health consequences, especially among adolescents. Early identification of eating disorder risk is critical for timely intervention and reducing morbidity and mortality. To assess the prevalence of eating disorder risk among adolescents in selected educational institutions of Kozhikode district and to evaluate the association between eating disorder risk and selected demographic variables. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adolescents aged 13–18 years selected using convenience sampling from two coaching centers in Kozhikode district from April 1 to April 30, 2025. Data collection included a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Modified Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) to assess eating disorder risk. Based on total scores, eating disorder risk was categorized as low concern (0–9), middle concern (10–19), and clinically significant risk (=20). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests for association with demographic factors, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Among participants, 63% were aged 13–15 years, 62% were high school students, and 68% belonged to nuclear families. The majority (75%) preferred homely food and 85% followed a mixed diet. Prevalence of eating disorder risk was as follows: low concern 52%, middle concern 31%, and clinically significant risk 17%. Physical activity showed a significant association with eating disorder risk (?² = 28.37, p < 0.05), whereas age, religion, place of residence, type of family, BMI, food habits, educational status, income, school location, food preference, and meal skipping showed no significant associations. Eating disorder risk is prevalent among adolescents in Kozhikode, with nearly half exhibiting moderate or high-risk levels. Physical activity is a significant associated factor. Increasing awareness, early screening, and targeted interventions in educational settings are urgently needed.
Cite this article:
Nisha. S., Nisha E.K., Athira, Muhammed Rafi I. Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk among Adolescents in selected Educational Institutions of Kozhikode District, Kerala, India. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(2):107-0. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00021
Cite(Electronic):
Nisha. S., Nisha E.K., Athira, Muhammed Rafi I. Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk among Adolescents in selected Educational Institutions of Kozhikode District, Kerala, India. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(2):107-0. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00021 Available on: https://ijneronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-14-2-4
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