Eating disorders in Zambia A Minor Field Study focusing on nursing students’ perceptions

Sammanfattning: Background: In the western world eating disorders are usually described as psychiatric disorders that affects the views on eating and weight in an abnormal way. Eating disorders are common in western parts of the world but little research has been conducted in non-western countries. However, eating disorders are increasing in developing countries. Zambia is a developing country with limited health care resources. Mental health is described as a growing problem in the country.Aim: The aim of this Minor Field Study (MFS) was to describe how Zambian nursing students perceive eating disorders.Method: This MFS was designed with a qualitative approach and analyzed accordingly to qualitative content analysis.Result: The result describes how Zambian nursing students perceive eating diorders. Different perspectives regarding the definition of eating disorders and if it exists in Zambia is presented in the result.Conclusion: This MFS aimed to deepen the understanding of how eating disorders are perceived in Zambia. The essay lifts several new perspectives on eating disorders that can be used to further develop the understanding of a rather complex group of diseases.Key words: Eating disorders, minor field study, nursing students, perceptions, Zambia