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- Title
Prevalence and early risk factors for bulimia nervosa symptoms in inner-city youth: gender and ethnicity perspectives.
- Authors
Ruchkin, Vladislav; Isaksson, Johan; Schwab-Stone, Mary; Stickley, Andrew
- Abstract
Background: Research on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited. This study adds to the existing literature by providing the ethnicity- and gender-specific prevalence of BN in US inner-city youth and by exploring the longitudinal associations between a clinical level of BN and early risk factors assessed one year previously. Methods: The study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth (N = 2794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old (M(SD) = 12.77(1.29)); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on BN and early risk factors (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms, posttraumatic stress, somatic complaints). Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the longitudinal associations. Results: The 3-month BN prevalence was higher in girls (5.1%) than in boys (2.3%) (ratio 2.22:1). Significant differences in BN rates were found between White and African American students (higher in Whites), whereas Hispanic-Americans did not differ significantly from either group. Individuals with BN had significantly higher levels of early risk factors one year prior. Conclusions: Timely recognition of BN and associated early risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies. Plain English summary: This longitudinal study evaluated the prevalence of bulimia nervosa (BN) symptoms in US inner-city predominantly ethnic minority youth and explored the associations between early risk factors and probable BN one year later. The study was conducted on a large group of inner city youth (N = 2794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old (M(SD) = 12.77(1.29)); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reports were used to assess probable BN and early risk factors (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms, posttraumatic stress). The 3-month BN prevalence was higher in girls (5.1%) than in boys (2.3%). Significant differences in BN rates were found between White and African American students (higher in Whites), whereas Hispanic-Americans did not differ significantly from either group. Both boys and girls with BN had significantly higher levels of early risk factors as assessed one year previously. Timely recognition of BN symptoms and associated early risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.
- Subjects
BULIMIA; GENDER; SYMPTOMS; ETHNICITY; POST-traumatic stress
- Publication
Journal of Eating Disorders, 2021, Vol 9, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
2050-2974
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s40337-021-00479-5