THE CAUSES AND PREVALENCE OF ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA NERVOSA - AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN ADEYEMI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, ONDO

Abstract

This study examined “the prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among female undergraduates” using Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo as the case study. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the causes of eating disorder among female undergraduates, effects of eating disorder on their academic performances, problems associated with eating disorder among female and ways to enhance healthy eating behaviors among female undergraduates in Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Self-developed questionnaire was administered to one hundred (100) female undergraduates in the College. The findings of the study reveal a desire of most of the female undergraduates to have flat stomach. The financial situations of the families of the female undergraduates as well as, peer influence serve as causes of eating disorder among them. Developing illnesses like ulcer and loss of concentration on their studies were the results of eating disorder. It was concluded from the study that eating disorder, affects female undergraduates thinking and also influence their academic performances. It was recommended in the study that female undergraduates should be enlightened on the importance of eating breakfast before starting their day, nutritionist should give the students health talk on the importance of eating nutritious food, parents should try as much as possible to make necessary provisions needed by their wards and medical attention should be sought if any unhealthy life is discovered in any form.