Exploring the Association of Socioeconomic Factors with Disordered Eating: An Empirical Study on Diverse Adults in India

Introduction: This study aims to explore Disordered Eating (DE) in an Indian adult sample, shedding light on patterns and factors unique to their socioeconomic context. Method: The study employed quantitative methodology and random sampling to collect data from September to December ۲۰۲۲ through an online survey from diverse Indian adults (n=۸۴۷). The Disordered Eating Attitude Scale - a short version - and a demographic sheet assessed attitudes towards food and socioeconomic factors. The SPSS Version ۲۴ facilitated analysis through independent samples t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear and binary regression analyses. Results: Findings revealed a significant difference among sex categories (p=۰.۰۴۴), with women scoring higher than men, and also among living status (p = ۰.۰۱۵), with participants living away from home scoring higher than those living with family. Furthermore, age and living status were negatively correlated with DE and could predict DE (p<۰.۰۵) behaviors. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore DE among diverse Indian adults. Young adults, women, and participants living away from home reported significantly higher DE patterns. There were no associations of DE with marital status, employment, and household income, suggesting DE could be present across all socioeconomic groups.

کلیدواژه ها:

Disordered Eating ، Eating Behaviors ، Food Habits ، culture ، India