2020 Volume 60 Issue 2 Pages 162-172
Background : Eating disorders are a widespread and serious problem, particularly among women. However, research on the recognition of this disease in general is limited. This study aims to clarify the awareness about the disease name of eating disorders and misunderstandings and prejudices about diseases among Japanese women. In addition, we examined the influence of acquiring information on eating disorders from five sources : TV, internet, magazines, school lessons, experts, and personal contact with people who have eating disorders on misunderstanding and prejudice.
Method : We conducted a WEB questionnaire for women members of a company specializing in epilation.
Results : Among 4107 respondents (average of 27.0±7.4 years), 27.8% were familiar with eating disorders ; 43.5% knew of them to some extent ; 27.8% had heard of the disease name, but did not know the symptoms ; and 6.5% had never heard of eating disorders. The decreasing order of awareness of disease name can be indicated as follows : “Depression” ＞ “Anorexia Nervosa” ≒ “Bulimia Nervosa” ＞ “Cervical Cancer” ＞ “Eating Disorders” ＞ “Schizophrenia.” Generally, more information acquired corresponded to less misunderstanding about or prejudice against eating disorders. However, obtaining information from specific means such as TV or expert led more women to think of diet as the primary reason for eating disorders and their own upbringing by their mothers as another reason for eating disorders. Respondents who have had personal contact with eating disordered patients have less misunderstanding about or prejudice against eating disorders.
Conclusion : The disease name eating disorders was recognized lesser than depression, bulimia, and anorexia. The study results can be used for educational activities to promote an accurate understanding of eating disorders
