A Study on the Prevalence of Eating Disorders among National Level Female Boxing Players in Sri Lanka

Abstract

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (DSM IV) Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Athletes who take part in weight category sports often feel pressure to lose weight rapidly and they follow abnormal eating patterns to reduce their weight. Therefore this study examined the prevalence of eating disorders among national level female boxing players. Subjects included were forty five national level female boxing players in Sri Lanka, aged between 18to 32 years. All the players were administered SCOFF questionnaire for screening and Eating Attitude Test (EAT- 26) to classify individuals at risk for eating disorders. Further, female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) questionnaire was used to identify the player’s eating behaviours, physical activity level and personal beliefs regarding their eating habits. Body Mass Index (BMI) was taken as an anthropometric parameter of the players. Chi squared was used to find the relationship between eating disorders and the value of BMI. Results of SCOFF questionnaire showed > 2 marks by 53.34%and were screened as at risk. According to EAT- 26 and DSM VI criteria, 53.34% were found at risk and 46.66% were not at risk. Among the risk players, 95.84% were Anorexia Nervosa and 4.16% were Bulimia Nervosa. Considering the BMI level 26.66% players were within normal limit and 73.34% players were in the underweight, overweight and obese categories. Chi squared test results showed that there was a significant relationship between eating disorders and the value of BMI (p<0.05). This study revealed that there was high prevalence of eating disorders among national level female boxing players and it is important to each national level sports team should have the access to the service of a qualified nutritionist / dietician to get dietary advices for minimize the risk of eating disorders.