I Engström1, C Norring. 1. Psychiatric Research Centre, Orebro, Sweden. ingemar.engstrom@orebroll.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the late-adolescent population "at risk" for eating disorders (EDs), establish its stability over time using repeated measures, and analyse its social and demographic background factors. METHOD: The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and a number of related questions were administered to students in their last year of high school in five Swedish towns in 1993 (n=3855) and 1998 (n=2925). RESULTS: It was found that 6% of girls were "at risk" for eating disorders with no increase over time. There was an association between this risk and certain socio-demographic factors (living alone, moving away from home early, excessive physical training and experiences of bullying). No differences were found between cities of different size. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of girls in late adolescence are preoccupied with weight and dieting, and may be considered "at risk" for developing a clinical eating disorder. This proportion seems to be fairly stable over time.
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the late-adolescent population "at risk" for eating disorders (EDs), establish its stability over time using repeated measures, and analyse its social and demographic background factors. METHOD: The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and a number of related questions were administered to students in their last year of high school in five Swedish towns in 1993 (n=3855) and 1998 (n=2925). RESULTS: It was found that 6% of girls were "at risk" for eating disorders with no increase over time. There was an association between this risk and certain socio-demographic factors (living alone, moving away from home early, excessive physical training and experiences of bullying). No differences were found between cities of different size. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of girls in late adolescence are preoccupied with weight and dieting, and may be considered "at risk" for developing a clinical eating disorder. This proportion seems to be fairly stable over time.
Authors: G Alvarez-Rayón; J M Mancilla-Díaz; R Vázquez-Arévalo; C Unikel-Santoncini; A Caballero-Romo; D Mercado-Corona Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2004-12 Impact factor: 4.652