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


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Non-clinical, community-based.


METHODS
Female high-school pupils.


METHODS
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.


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.
Szabo
C P
CP
Eating Disorder Unit, H Moross Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Hollands
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires