scholarly journals Perceived Weight Gain and Eating Disorder Symptoms among LGBTQ+ Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Convergent Mixed-Method Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Tabler ◽  
Rachel M Schmitz ◽  
Ruby Charak ◽  
Eliza Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Weight Concerns ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Weight ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract BackgroundIn this study, we seek to further explore the role of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress, social support, and resilience on self-reported eating disorder symptoms (using the EDE-QS) and perceived weight gain among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ+ adults) in the US context during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsEmploying a convergent mixed method design, we surveyed 411 individuals, and conducted qualitative semi-structured follow-up interviews with 43 LGBTQ+-identifying survey respondents. Using OLS regression and multinomial logistic regression, we modeled eating disorder symptoms and perceived weight gain among LGBTQ+ individuals (n=120) and cisgender and heterosexual-identifying women (n=230), to cisgender and heterosexual-identifying men (n=61). We also explored complementary interview narratives among LGBTQ+ people by employing selective coding strategies. ResultsStudy results suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are likely experiencing uniquely high levels of pandemic-related stress, and secondly, that pandemic-related stress is associated with elevated eating disorder symptoms and higher risk of perceived weight gain. Nearly 1 in 3 participants reported eating disorder symptoms of potentially clinical significance. Social support, but not resilient coping, was found to be protective against increased eating disorder symptoms. Qualitative analyses revealed that LGBTQ+ individuals situated physical exercise constraints, challenging eating patterns, and weight concerns within their pandemic experiences. ConclusionsClinicians of diverse specialties should screen for eating disorder symptoms and actively engage patients in conversations about their COVID-19 related weight gain and eating behaviors, particularly with LGBTQ+-identifying adults.

scholarly journals Perceived weight gain and eating disorder symptoms among LGBTQ+ adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a convergent mixed-method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Tabler ◽  
Rachel M. Schmitz ◽  
Ruby Charak ◽  
Eliza Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Perceived Weight ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Background In this study, we further explore the role of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress, social support, and resilience on self-reported eating disorder symptoms (using the EDE-QS) and perceived weight gain among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+ adults) in the US context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Employing a convergent mixed method design, we surveyed 411 individuals, and conducted qualitative semi-structured follow-up interviews with 43 LGBTQ+ -identifying survey respondents. Using OLS regression and multinomial logistic regression, we modeled eating disorder symptoms and perceived weight gain among LGBTQ+ individuals (n = 120) and cisgender and heterosexual-identifying women (n = 230), to cisgender and heterosexual-identifying men (n = 61). We also explored complementary interview narratives among LGBTQ+ people by employing selective coding strategies. Results Study results suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are likely experiencing uniquely high levels of pandemic-related stress, and secondly, that pandemic-related stress is associated with elevated eating disorder symptoms and higher risk of perceived weight gain. Nearly 1 in 3 participants reported eating disorder symptoms of potentially clinical significance. Social support, but not resilient coping, was found to be protective against increased eating disorder symptoms. Qualitative analyses revealed that LGBTQ+ individuals situated physical exercise constraints, challenging eating patterns, and weight concerns within their pandemic experiences. Conclusions Clinicians of diverse specialties should screen for eating disorder symptoms and actively engage patients in conversations about their COVID-19-related weight gain and eating behaviors, particularly with LGBTQ+ -identifying adults.

scholarly journals Validation of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in Danish Eating Disorder Patients and Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3976
Author(s):  
Mia Beck Lichtenstein ◽  
Lauge Haastrup ◽  
Karen Krogh Johansen ◽  
Jacob B. Bindzus ◽  
Pia Veldt Larsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Weight Concerns ◽  
Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire ◽  
Eating Disorder Examination ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is a gold standard questionnaire to identify eating disorder symptoms but has not yet been validated in Danish. The scale consists of four theoretical constructs of disordered eating: Restraint eating, Eating concerns, Shape concerns and Weight concerns. However, the four-factor structure has been difficult to replicate across cultures. This study aimed to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the EDE-Q in Danish. The study consisted of four samples (aged 15–70): Patients with anorexia, bulimia and unspecified eating disorders (n = 101), patients with symptoms of binge-eating disorder (n = 300), recreational athletes (n = 404), and elite athletes (n = 526). Depending on the analysis performed, participants had to complete the EDE-Q, the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorders or the Binge Eating Disorders Questionnaire. In accordance with international research, we found no evidence for a four-factor structure in the EDE-Q among patients or among athletes. But our results showed significant, positive associations between EDE-Q and SCOFF, BED-Q and MDI in all samples. We conclude that the internal structure of EDE-Q is low, while construct validity is high, making EDE-Q useful as an instrument to identify individuals with eating disorder symptoms, including recreational, and elite athletes.

Assessing Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Lightweight and Open Weight Collegiate Rowers

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer I. Gapin ◽  
Brianna Kearns
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Eating Pathology ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Ongoing Monitoring

Athletes in sports with weight requirements may be especially vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs), yet there is limited research regarding collegiate rowers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine prevalence rates of ED symptoms in 133 male and female competitive collegiate rowers in lightweight and open weight programs. This is the first study to examine eating pathology in rowers using a diagnostic tool based on DSM-IV criteria, the Q-EDD; and examining ED symptoms using the EDI-2 (drive for thinness [DT] and body dissatisfaction [BD]). The majority of rowers were classified as symptomatic (n = 65; 49%) or clinical (n = 5; 4%). Lightweight rowers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating pathology and a significantly greater DT and BD than open weight rowers. Males had considerably higher prevalence of eating pathology than females, but females had significantly greater BD. Ongoing monitoring of rowers’ eating behaviors is highly encouraged. Implications for counseling and prevention are discussed.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Social and Emotional Well-Being, and Perceived Burdens of University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Kohls ◽  
Sabrina Baldofski ◽  
Raiko Moeller ◽  
Sarah-Lena Klemm ◽  
Christine Rummel-Kluge
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽  
Sum Score

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting everyone's daily life in unknown measures since its outbreak. Nearly all Universities around the globe were affected. Further, young people and University students in particular, are known to be vulnerable for developing mental disorders. This study aims to examine the mental health social and emotional well-being and perceived burdens of University students during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Germany.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and anonymous online survey among University students assessed mental health status with standardized measures (depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug consumption, and eating disorder symptoms), attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived burdens, and social and emotional aspects of the pandemic (social support, perceived stress, loneliness, and self-efficacy).Results: In total, N = 3,382 German University students participated. Nearly half of the students (49%) reported that they are worried or very much worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority supports the governmental lockdown measures (85%). A Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) sum score of 10 or above, indicating clinically relevant depressive symptoms, was reported by 37% (n = 1,249). The PHQ-9 sum score was on average 8.66 (SD = 5.46). Suicidal thoughts were indicated by 14.5% of the participants. Levels of depressive symptoms differed significantly for the different self-rated income changes during the pandemic (increase, decrease, no change in income). Further, levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation differed significantly for students from different faculties. Multiple regression analyses revealed that not being a parent, having no indirect social contact one or two times a week, higher perceived stress, higher experienced loneliness, lower social support, and lower self-efficacy significantly predicted higher scores of depressive symptoms, also higher hazardous alcohol use, and higher levels of eating disorder symptoms. Other aspects of lifestyle such as social and cultural activities, dating, and hobbies were reported to be negatively affected during the pandemic.Conclusion: The present study implies that University students are vulnerable and due to elevated depressive symptoms at risk, being hit hard by the pandemic, but are in general coping adaptively. Low-threshold online interventions promoting help-seeking and also targeting various mental health conditions might bridge the gap the COVID-19 pandemic opened up recently.

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