INTRODUCTION. The problem of heating disorders, especially anorexia concerns mostly younger patients. Early diagnosis offers the possibility of full recovery. However, the primary prevention is very important and necessary to assess young people awareness about anorexia. The aim of this study was to assess awareness of middle school age girls, on the issue of anorexia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. We examined 99 girls in middle school aged using a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions relating to personal data, basic anthropometric parameters (height and weight), lifestyle, knowledge of the concept of anorexia and the presence of risk factors for anorexia.
RESULTS. Respondents were divided into three groups depending on the level of teaching. 90% of respondents knew the concept of anorexia, 30% of the oldest groups have already reported this phenomenon in their environment. Much attention is paid to its appearance of a significant proportion of respondents. In the youngest group of over 60% were satisfied with their appearance, while the oldest 36% of girls are not satisfied with their appearance and used different methods of weight reduction mainly to avoid hunger or food.
CONCLUSIONS.
1. Girls in middle school age are familiar with the concept of anorexia.
2. In the life of a teenager are present in some of the risk factors for anorexia nervosa.
3. Very important for the respondents, but also for all other maturing people, is the introduction of prevention in schools.
Endocrinology, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 2010, vol. 6, No 3, 118-123