The role of schools in combating eating disorder
Schools hold a significant role in management and prevention of eating disorder in schools through transmission of culture, the shaping of peer interactions, and the development of knowledge about the body and the self.
The first step schools take to prevent eating disorder is by changing behavior of students, entire staff and the school stakeholders that influences body language, self- esteem, eating habit and skill coping. At this level the schools eliminate or reduce sociocultural factors that results to students engaging in behaviors that exposes them to eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
The second level, called secondary prevention, the schools identifies, accurately refer and prompt treatment and care for individuals showing symptoms of anorexia nervosa or bulimia at early stage to avoid severe and chronic eating disorder conditions.
At the tertiary prevention level, the individual is exposed to severe eating disorder conditions and effective treatment is done and care is given to the patient to prevent further complications.
Reference
Brown, J. M., Mehler, P. S., & Harris, R. H. (2000). Medical complications occurring in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The Western journal of medicine, 172(3), 189–193. https://doi.org/10.1136/ewjm.172.3.189
Haines, J., Ziyadeh, N. J., Franko, D. L., McDonald, J., Mond, J. M., & Austin, S. B. (2011). Screening high school students for eating disorders: validity of brief behavioral and attitudinal measures. Journal of School Health, 81(9), 530-535.
Levine, M. P. (1987). How Schools Can Help Combat Student Eating Disorders. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. NEA Professional Library, PO Box 509, West Haven, CT 06516.