International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sanjana Jain 1
Hansika Singhal 2
Renuka Barlingay 3
Kamakshi Malhotra 1
1 Research Lead at Freed, New Delhi, India
2 Department of Psychology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
3 Department of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida, India
10.30491/ijbs.2024.424083.2044
Abstract
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 2022 through an online survey from diverse Indian adults (n=847). The Disordered Eating Attitude Scale - a short version - and a demographic sheet assessed attitudes towards food and socioeconomic factors. The SPSS Version 24 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=0.044), with women scoring higher than men, and also among living status (p = 0.015), 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<0.05) 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.
Keywords
Disordered Eating
Eating Behaviors
Food Habits
Culture
India
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 2
Summer 2024
Pages 98-103