A Study to assess knowledge regarding Anorexia nervosa among nursing students in selected nursing colleges at Mysuru

Abstract

Background: Anorexia Nervosa is defined as an eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat. The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge regarding anorexia nervosa among nursing students in selected nursing colleges at Mysuru. Objectives: To assess the knowledge regarding anorexia nervosa among nursing students. To find the association between the level of knowledge regarding anorexia nervosa among nursing students with their selected demographic variables. Methodology: Based on the nature of the problem and objectives of study the research approach chosen for the study is descriptive approach. 60 samples were selected by non probability convenience sampling technique. The tool used for data collection consisted of Performa and structured knowledge questionnaire. Validity of the tool was appraised by 5 experts and was found to be valid for the study with required modification. Reliability of structured knowledge questionnaire was done using split half method and found 0.74. The tools were found reliable. The pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of the study design at selected colleges of Mysuru. The collected data was analyzed on the basis of the objectives and hypothesis of the study by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that 34(56.6%) of nursing students had average level of knowledge, 17(28.3%) had poor level of knowledge and 09(15%) had good level of knowledge regarding anorexia nervosa. The knowledge level ranged from 8-27. The mean level score was 12.05 with standard deviation of ±5.92. The study findings also revealed that there is no significant association between the level of knowledge regarding anorexia nervosa with their selected demographic variables like age, religion, place of residence, dietary habits, place of stay, previous knowledge on anorexia nervosa.