Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the daily lives of children and adolescents. This study aims to clarify the actual eating disorder-related behaviors of children and adolescents in the school settings during the pandemic and to use the findings to strengthen collaboration between education and health systems.
Subjects and Methods: The online survey was conducted nationwide in Japan among Yogo teachers (school nurses in Japan) regarding eating disorder-related behaviors in the school setting. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, focusing on the changes in students with eating disorders during the pandemic and the impact of social media on the onset and exacerbation of the disorders.
Results: Approximately 60% of respondents had experience of students with eating disorders, and 13% felt that the number of students with eating disorders increased during the pandemic. Yogo teachers recognized a mixture of changes in eating disorders due to the pandemic and consistent trends from before the pandemic. In addition, students often obtained information from social network services, but lacked the ability to critically evaluate it.
Discussion: Lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic have influenced the onset and exacerbation of eating disorders among students. This study highlights the need to strengthen the education to Yogo teachers regarding awareness of eating disorders. Effective dissemination of the guideline for schools on eating disorders and a support system tailored to the needs of Yogo teachers are essential. Furthermore, the impact of social media on students’ eating behaviors suggests the need for enhancing digital literacy education.
Conclusion: This study sheds light on the state of eating disorders in school settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. To better support students, it is crucial to strengthen support systems in schools, increase dissemination of the guideline for schools on eating disorders, and improve digital literacy education.
