21st international Congress of the ESCAP 2025
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Contribution title Exploring Help-Seeking Attitudes and Barriers for Eating Disorders Among Adolescents in Greece.
Contribution code D2.089
Authors
  1. Maribella Vogopoulou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Health Sciences
  2. Vasiliki Efstathiou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Philosophy
  3. Ioannis Michopoulos National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Health Sciences
  4. Ioanna Giannopoulou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Health Sciences Presenter
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T18 - Eating disorders
Abstract Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate adolescents’ help-seeking attitudes, intentions, and behaviours related to eating problems, as well as to explore perceived barriers to help-seeking for these issues. It also examined gender and eating disorder symptom differences in these perceived barriers.
Method: A representative sample of 2200 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from secondary schools (Grades 8-12) in the Metropolitan Athens area (Attica) completed an online or paper survey. The survey included the EAT-26, measures of help-seeking barriers, attitudes, intentions and behaviours relating to eating disorders.
Results: Data analysis, including content analysis of open-ended questions, is currently underway. The analysis aims to answer: (a) Preferred pathways for seeking help for eating concerns, (b) Perceived barriers to seeking help from mental health professionals, and (c) How these factors relate to own eating habits and personal experiences with eating disorders.
Conclusions: The findings will be discussed in the context of existing international studies and are expected to inform health policies and the development of prevention and early intervention programs targeting eating disorders among adolescents in Greece.