92. Determinant of Thinness In Adolescent: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess nutritional, socioeconomic, disease-related, psychological (self-esteem and body image) and behavioural (eating attitude) determinants of thinness in adolescents A case control study was done at the Centre for Adolescent Health, Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India. Volunteering adolescentsin age group of 13-18years with low BMI (<-2SD) and normal BMI (> -2SD to +1SD) wereincluded in the studyas cases and control respectively. Both groups were compared for socio- demographic aspect and assessed using BSQ-34 Score, RSE Score, ASAQ Score, EAT-26,stunkart figure scale, photo figure scale ,dietary deficit and associated medical conditions. Relationship of these scales to various parameters was assessed and analysis. A total of 160 adolescents were included in controls (80) and cases (80) respectively. In both cases and control, majority of adolescent had no body image concerns. The cases had significantly more disordered eating behaviours and poor self esteem contributing to their thinness. More cases had significant protein deficit (>50%) in diet as compared to controls, however the calorie consumption was similar in both the groups. The mothers of cases were found to have significantly more education in comparison to controls, whereas the education of father in both groups was comparable. More underweight boys (71.4%; and only 30% normal weight boys) desired to gain weight whereas more underweight girls (81.2%; and only 37.8% normal weight girls) were satisfied with their body. Screening and early detection of disordered eating behaviours among adolescents seems to be really essential as such behaviours may be the precursors to eating disorders.