Assessing the Number of UNO Students with Eating Disorders and Their Need for
Advisor Information
Jeanette Harder
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 3:15 PM
End Date
7-3-2014 3:30 PM
Abstract
Eating disorders are an equal opportunity problem that affects at least 24 million people nationwide. Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. Nationwide, 25 percent of college-aged women exhibit eating disorder behaviors such as restricting, binging, and purging as a method of weight control (National Eating Disorder Association, 2013). This researcher created a 15 question anonymous online survey using templates from well-known eating disorder treatment facilities. The survey was distributed to UNO students by email and social media sites. Students who completed the survey were then able to forward the survey to other UNO students. There were 447 student responses; in addition, interviews were conducted with the UNO counseling office and student health center. This research project reveals that the UNO campus is comparable to the nation in that 25 percent of college-aged women are either at risk or are engaging in some form of eating disorder behaviors. Data analyses also revealed the lack of awareness and utilization of services for eating disorders on campus. By knowing this information, UNO can begin to reach out to students by increasing the overall awareness of eating disorders on campus and the available student services, and decreasing stigma. Due to limited participation, additional research is needed to further explore the effects of eating disorders on the male student population on college campuses.
Assessing the Number of UNO Students with Eating Disorders and Their Need for
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Eating disorders are an equal opportunity problem that affects at least 24 million people nationwide. Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships. Nationwide, 25 percent of college-aged women exhibit eating disorder behaviors such as restricting, binging, and purging as a method of weight control (National Eating Disorder Association, 2013). This researcher created a 15 question anonymous online survey using templates from well-known eating disorder treatment facilities. The survey was distributed to UNO students by email and social media sites. Students who completed the survey were then able to forward the survey to other UNO students. There were 447 student responses; in addition, interviews were conducted with the UNO counseling office and student health center. This research project reveals that the UNO campus is comparable to the nation in that 25 percent of college-aged women are either at risk or are engaging in some form of eating disorder behaviors. Data analyses also revealed the lack of awareness and utilization of services for eating disorders on campus. By knowing this information, UNO can begin to reach out to students by increasing the overall awareness of eating disorders on campus and the available student services, and decreasing stigma. Due to limited participation, additional research is needed to further explore the effects of eating disorders on the male student population on college campuses.