Understanding Eating Disorders in Chennai: Insights into Prevalence, Causes and Impacts

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions and comprehension of eating disorders among different groups in Chennai, India. The study revolves round the folk of Chennai whereas doctors and dieticians are included from other places likewise. The study objective is to determine the causes of disorders, evaluate the media’s role, and analyse the disorders’ side effects. It utilizes both primary and secondary sources for the research. Qualitative insights emphasize the role of cultural and psychosocial factors in shaping eating habits, with a shift from traditional to westernized patterns. Survey data measurement reveals significant perceptual differences among the general public, doctors and dieticians. The study highlights significant differences between folk and healthcare professionals. The study identifies a scarcity of specialised upset clinics in Chennai, with reliance on general psychiatric care, highlighting gaps in healthcare access and treatment. The research highlights the need for diagnostic criteria and treatment models that are culturally sensitive in order to effectively tackle eating disorders. It adds to the knowledge of how cultural factors, healthcare accessibility, and perceptions of eating disorders interact, laying the groundwork for focused interventions and further studies.

Keywords: Eating Disorders, Population, Mental Illness, Physical Health, Chennai

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