Eating-disordered Behaviours in Kosovo School-based Population: Potential Risk Factors

Many adolescents exhibit eating-disordered behaviours, although there is evidence that there are some cultural differences. The present study examines the association among eating-disordered behaviours and risk factors such as body dissatisfaction, perceived socio-cultural pressure and low self-esteem. A cross-sectional survey of 198 Kosovo male and female adolescents, ages 16 – 18 years old, was conducted. Self-report measures as The Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT–26), Body Shape Questionnaire-16 (BSQ-16), Perceived Sociocultural Pressure Scale and Self-esteem scale were used. The logistic regression analysis revealed that only body dissatisfaction and socio-cultural pressure were statistically significant in predicting eating disordered behaviours, accounting for 30% of variance in eating disturbance.