ABSTRACT
Eating disorders are complex disorders requiring specialised care, thus knowledge and attitudes are crucial for management. This study aims to examine nurses' knowledge, attitudes, reported practice, and perceptions towards patients with eating disorders in Singapore. A concurrent mixed-methods study was carried out in Southeast Asia's only psychiatric unit with eating disorders programme. Twenty nurses were recruited using census sampling. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed with content and thematic analysis. Certain personal factors were associated with nurses' levels of perceived knowledge. Different attitudes towards managing these patients were identified during interview sessions.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Feeding and Eating Disorders/therapy , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Staff, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Psychiatric Department, Hospital , Singapore , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
This review consolidates findings regarding knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals, together with challenges faced while caring for patients with eating disorders. A rigorous and systematic approach was taken to identify 21 articles, which include 12 quantitative, 7 qualitative, and 2 mixed-method papers. Healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward patients with eating disorders will be discussed, while identifying if factors like age, gender, work experience or profession have an impact on these two variables. Challenges faced during care provision will also be examined. Methodological limitations and knowledge gaps from these articles will be discussed, together with implications of this review.
