earticle

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Purpose: This study was undertaken in order to examine relations of eating disorders, health locus of control of college women, and to determine factors affecting eating disorders of college women. Method: The subjects were 282 students at a university in Busan. The instrument used for this study was a questionnaire on general characteristics, eating disorders (24 items), health locus of control (11 items) and self-esteem (10 items). Data were analyzed using means, percentages, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression with a SPSS WIN 11.0 program. Result: Depending on BMI, there was no obese subject, 62.0% of the subjects were underweight, and 37.9% were normal. Over 40% of the subjects perceived them to be overweight while 62.1% of the women were underweight as defined by BMI. The total mean score of anorexia was higher than bulimia nervosa. There were significant differences in eating disorders according to BMI, perceived view of appearance, body satisfaction, experienced weight-control, and predictors of weight control method. Eating disorders showed a significant negative correlation with health locus of control and self-esteem. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the most powerful predictor of eating disorders was BMI. Experienced weight control, health locus of control and self-esteem and body appearance had significant effects on eating disorders. These predictive variables of eating disorders explained 27% of variance. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that eating behaviors among college women developed into eating disorders or were seriously disturbed. Therefore, to prevent eating disorders, health education should be provided to college women in relation to eating behaviors for health management.