scholarly journals “No one did a thing about it:” Adults’ beliefs about the effects of poor eating disorder education in U.S. public schooling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maegan E. Jones ◽  
Elizabeth H. Blodgett Salafia
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
The United States ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Qualitative Focus Groups ◽  
Keywords Education ◽  
Educational Careers

Introduction. Educational policies in the United States addressing eating disorders are lacking, despite noted increases in risk factors such as body dissatisfaction that occur throughout students' education. Similarly, there seems to be no available scientific information on the potential effects of this lack of education. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the type, amount, and frequency of information regarding eating disorders that college students recalled receiving throughout their educational careers. Methods. The sample consisted of 43 participants, mostly female, from a tri-college area in the Midwestern U.S. Ten qualitative focus groups were conducted in order to assess a wide range of eating disorder topics, including education about eating disorders. The four education-related codes generated using thematic analysis by the researchers were: When participants learned about eating disorders, when they wish they learned, what they learned, and what they wish they learned. Results. The majority of participants indicated only receiving occasional information in a health class if at all, and this often did not occur until mid-to-late adolescence, which is problematic as the risk factors for eating disorders would have begun years earlier. Most information centered on simplistic definitions of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Participants said that education should be more in depth than simple definitions, and noted that this information should begin early in elementary school (ages 6-10). Participants also stated that they wished they had known more of the warning signs and how to seek help, as well as how to approach and help someone else. Conclusions. This study shows how the U.S. education system may fail to inform youths about the risks for and consequences of eating disorders, potentially leaving them vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits. The data provide suggestions for future educational efforts, namely that information should start in schools in early childhood, as information later in their educational careers may be too late. Keywords: Education, eating disorders, prevention, public policy

A Methodology for Identifying Ergonomics Risk Factors and Measuring the Results of Implementation of Corrective Actions

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 717-721
Author(s):  
Marilyn Joyce ◽  
Andrew J. Marcotte ◽  
Richard Barker ◽  
Edward J. Klinenberg
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
The United States ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Office Environments ◽  
And Control ◽  
Administrative Tasks

A methodology for identifying ergonomics risk factors and control strategies in office environments has been developed and pilot tested. Developed as part of an overall ergonomics program being implemented by the United States Air Force, the employees impacted include both civilian and military personnel performing a wide range of administrative tasks typically performed in offices. The research design included: a focused literature review; strategic site visits; and review of criteria established by the Air Force; an iterative developmental process of a Screening Survey and an Ergonomics Assessment Methodology Guide; and testing. The results indicate that the process can be used as an effective means for identifying and controlling ergonomics hazards in administrative work areas.

scholarly journals Examining multidimensional risk factors for all populations affected by eating disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Park ◽  
Susanna Im
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Body Style ◽  
Ideal Body Image ◽  
Ideal Body ◽  
The One

Decades of studies conducted on eating disorders have given researchers a better understanding of the risk factors of eating disorders. Nevertheless, the complexity of eating disorders results in studies only being able to test a limited sample population, making it difficult to generalize results to the general public. Research must also actively investigate the effect of ongoing technological advancements that have transformed the way people interact with one another on the development of eating disorders. The current study used a literature review style approach to address these current limitations in eating disorder research by analyzing all populations that are affected by eating disorders and the involved risk factors. The research question that this study sought to answer was why only a certain group of individuals develop eating disorders when the entire population is exposed to risk factors. The main hypothesis of this study was whether the internalization of an ideal body style different from the one that an individually currently had while using maladaptive ways to achieve this ideal body image was sufficient to developing an eating disorder. The results supported the hypothesis, as the common theme among all sample populations was that the idealized body style, shape, and size was simply different from the one that individuals currently had. The extent to which this different body style was internalized as well as the extent to which maladaptive measures were taken to achieve this ideal body image was associated with increased vulnerability and likelihood of developing an eating disorder.

scholarly journals Is exposure to family member incarceration during childhood linked to diabetes in adulthood? Findings from a representative community sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212090516
Author(s):  
Bradley A White ◽  
Keri J West ◽  
Esme Fuller-Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Diabetes is a prevalent and serious public health problem, particularly among older adults. A robust literature has shown that adverse childhood experiences contribute to the development of health problems in later life, including diabetes. Family member incarceration during childhood is an under-investigated yet increasingly common adverse childhood experience in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family member incarceration during childhood and diabetes in adulthood, while considering the role of gender as well as the impact of a range of potential confounds. Methods: A large representative community sample of adults aged 40 and older (n = 8790 men, 14,255 women) was drawn from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2012 optional adverse childhood experiences module to investigate the association between family member incarceration during childhood and diabetes. For each gender, nine logistic regression analyses were conducted using distinct clusters of variables (e.g. socioeconomic status and health behaviors). Results: Among males, the odds of diabetes among those exposed to family member incarceration during childhood ranged from 2.00 to 1.59. In the fully adjusted model, they had elevated odds of 1.64 (95% confidence interval = 1.27, 2.11). Among women, the odds of diabetes was much lower, hovering around 1.00. Conclusion: Findings suggest that family member incarceration during childhood is associated with diabetes in men, even after adjusting for a wide range of potential risk factors (e.g. sociodemographics, health behaviors, healthcare access, and childhood risk factors). Future research should explore the mechanisms linking family member incarceration during childhood and long-term negative health outcomes in men.

scholarly journals Weight suppression increases odds for future onset of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and purging disorder, but not binge eating disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 941-947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Stice ◽  
Paul Rohde ◽  
Heather Shaw ◽  
Chris Desjardins
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Purging Disorder ◽  
Weight Suppression ◽  
Current Weight

ABSTRACT Background Eating disorders affect 13% of females and contribute to functional impairment and mortality, but few studies have identified risk factors that prospectively correlate with future onset of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and purging disorder (PD). Identifying risk factors specific to each eating disorder is critical for advancing etiologic knowledge and designing effective prevention programs. Objectives This study examined whether weight suppression (the difference between a person's highest past weight at their adult height and their current weight) correlates with future onset of AN, BN, BED, and PD. Methods Data from 1165 young women with body image concerns (mean ± SD age: 21.9 ± 6.4 y) who completed annual diagnostic interviews over a 3-y follow-up period were examined. Logistic regression models evaluated the relation of baseline weight suppression to onset risk of each eating disorder controlling for age, dietary restraint, and intervention condition. Results Elevated weight suppression predicted future onset of AN (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.80), BN (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.62), PD (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.74), and any eating disorder (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.56), but not BED (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.37). Highest past weight correlated with future onset of BN and PD but not onset of AN, BED, or any eating disorder, and baseline current weight was inversely related to future AN onset only, implying that women with the largest difference between their highest past weight and current weight are at greatest risk of eating disorders. Conclusions The results provide novel evidence that weight suppression correlates with future onset of eating disorders characterized by dietary restriction or compensatory weight control behaviors and suggest weight-suppressed women constitute an important risk group to target with selective prevention programs. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01126918 and NCT01949649.

Law Enforcement Officer Suicide

2017 ◽  
pp. 176-197
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Clark ◽  
Elizabeth K. White
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
General Information ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Enforcement Officer ◽  
Law Enforcement Officer

Suicide is a serious public health problem that impacts individuals, families, communities, and law enforcement personnel. More than 42,000 completed suicides were counted in the United States in 2014. Suicide has long been a concern within law enforcement. In this chapter, the authors explore the current status of Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) suicide research and dispel the myth that officer suicides are dramatically higher than in the general population. We then review general information on suicide prevention, and supplement this general information with law enforcement-specific risk factors, warning signs, variables, tips, and recommendations for intervention and postvention. Additionally, we suggest a range of available resources for further consideration.

Psychosocial Correlates of Disordered Eating Among Male Collegiate Athletes

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trent A. Petrie ◽  
Christy Greenleaf ◽  
Jennifer E. Carter ◽  
Justine J. Reel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Few studies have been conducted examining male athletes and eating disorders, even though the sport environment may increase their risk. Thus, little information exists regarding the relationship of putative risk factors to eating disorders in this group. To address this issue, we examined the relationship of eating disorder classification to the risk factors of body image concerns (including drive for muscularity), negative affect, weight pressures, and disordered eating behaviors. Male college athletes (N= 199) from three different NCAA Division I universities participated. Only two athletes were classified with an eating disorder, though 33 (16.6%) and 164 (82.4%), respectively, were categorized as symptomatic and asymptomatic. Multivariate analyses revealed that eating disorder classification was unrelated to the majority of the risk factors, although the eating disorder group (i.e., clinical and symptomatic) did report greater fear of becoming fat, more weight pressures from TV and from magazines, and higher levels of stress than the asymptomatic athletes. In addition, the eating disorder group had higher scores on the Bulimia Test-Revised (Thelen, Mintz, & Vander Wal, 1996), which validated the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnosis (Mintz, O’Halloran, Mulholland, & Schneider, 1997) as a measure of eating disorders with male athletes. These findings suggest that variables that have been supported as risk factors among women in general, and female athletes in particular, may not apply as strongly, or at all, to male athletes.

Prevention of Eating Disorders

2017 ◽  
pp. 335-362
Author(s):  
Evelyn Attia ◽  
Anne E. Becker ◽  
Cynthia M. Bulik ◽  
Alison E. Field ◽  
Neville H. Golden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Weight Maintenance ◽  
Eating Disorder Prevention ◽  
Effectiveness Trials ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Disorder Prevention

This chapter examines risk factors for the development of eating disorders and efforts to prevent them. A number of variables are considered to be risk factors; however, extant research has notable limitations, including the low prevalence of these conditions within the general population, which complicates the identification of reliable risk factors. The impact of culture on eating disorders is reviewed, as well as social and biological factors thought to exert complementary impact and to contribute synergistically to risk. Considerable progress has been made in developing and evaluating models for prevention since the publication of the prior edition of this book. These advances include the publication of several large effectiveness trials, the development of models to prevent the onset of anorexia nervosa and combined eating disorder prevention and weight maintenance/loss programs, and the availability of interventions for both boys and girls.

Epidemiology and primary prevention of feeding and eating disorders

2020 ◽  
pp. 1059-1064
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Halmi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifetime Prevalence ◽  
The Past ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Standardized Mortality Rate

In the past 20 years, the incidence of anorexia nervosa (AN) in industrialized countries has remained stable at 4.2–7.7 new cases per 100,000 per year. During this period, the incidence of bulimia nervosa (BN) has decreased from 12.2 to 6.1 per 100,000. The lifetime prevalence of AN in females in the United States in the past decade was 0.9% and 0.3% in males, and that of BN was 0.88% in females and 0.12% in males in a European study. Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder (ED), with a lifetime prevalence of 3.5% in women in the United States and 2.0% in men. AN has the highest standardized mortality rate of 5.86, followed by BN with a standardized mortality rate of 2.29. Less than half of AN patients have a full recovery, compared to two-thirds of BN patients who recover. The prevalence of EDs is increasing in the Middle East and Asian countries, as well as among Latinos, African-Americans, and Asians in the United States. Body dissatisfaction and a family history of ED are consistent risk factors across all EDs. Perfectionism is a greater risk factor for restricting AN and conduct disorders, and substance abuse and sexual abuse are risk factors for BN and BED. ED prevention programmes have mainly targeted at-risk persons in specific age groups and environments. Both Internet-based and group session programmes have reduced ED-related symptoms. There are multiple issues concerning the implementation and maintenance of prevention programmes, including clinician training, costs, attrition rate, and effectiveness over time.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Among College Students: A Comparison of Military and Civilian Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Falvey ◽  
Samantha L Hahn ◽  
Olivia S Anderson ◽  
Sarah K Lipson ◽  
Kendrin R Sonneville
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptoms ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
The Military

ABSTRACT Introduction Eating disorders are often under-detected, which poses a serious threat to the health of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. There is evidence to suggest that the military represents a subpopulation that may be susceptible to high prevalence of eating disorders and vulnerable to their underdiagnosis. Underreporting of eating disorder symptoms in the military could lead to this underdiagnosis of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between military affiliation and eating disorder symptoms among college students and the likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms using a large, diverse college-aged sample of both military-involved and civilian students. Materials and Methods Participants for this study were from the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Healthy Minds Study (HMS). Healthy Minds Study is a large, cross-sectional cohort study of both undergraduate and graduate students from universities and colleges across the United States and Canada. The Healthy Minds Study survey questions include assessment of demographic information, military status, self-reported eating disorder symptoms using the SCOFF questionnaire, and self-reported eating disorder diagnosis. Univariate analysis, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression with an unadjusted and covariate adjusted model were used to examine the association between eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. These analyses were also used to examine the association between eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. All analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results The prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was high among both the civilian (20.4%) and military-involved (14.4%) students. Among females, there was a significantly higher (P value = .041) prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among civilian college students (24.7%) compared to military-involved students (21.3%). Among those with eating disorder symptoms, the prevalence of diagnosis was low in both military and civilian students. Specifically, the prevalence of diagnosis was significantly lower (P value = .032) among military-involved college students (10.8%) compared to civilian college students (16.4%). Differences in sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, and age) among military-involved and civilian college students appear to explain this association. Conclusions The underdiagnosis of eating disorders is far too common, and this represents a threat to the health of military and civilian populations alike. Underdiagnosis of eating disorders within military environments may be due to underreporting, particularly among men and racial/ethnic minority groups.

Health problems, impairment and illnesses associated with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder among primary care and obstetric gynaecology patients

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1455-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. JOHNSON ◽  
R. L. SPITZER ◽  
J. B. W. WILLIAMS
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Problems

Background. Although psychiatric patients with eating disorders are known to be at risk for a variety of health problems, relatively little is known about eating disorders and associated health problems in other populations. An epidemiological study was conducted to investigate health problems and impairment associated with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) among female primary care and obstetric gynaecology patients.Methods. Psychiatric disorders, physical illnesses, disabilities, functional status and stress were assessed among 4651 female patients (age range:18 to 99 years) at 8 primary care and 7 obstetric gynaecology clinics throughout the United States.Results. Two hundred eighty-nine women (6·2%) were diagnosed with BN or BED. The prevalence of BN was approximately 1% among young and middle-aged women. The prevalence of BED increased steadily from early (3·3%) through middle (8·5%) adulthood. Anxiety disorders, mood disorders and diabetes were much more common among women with BN or BED than among women without these eating disorders. Women with BN or BED reported markedly poorer functioning and much higher levels of disability, health problems, insomnia, psychosocial stress and suicidal thoughts than did women without BN or BED, after co-occurring psychiatric disorders were controlled statistically. Yet, fewer than one of ten cases of BN or BED was recognized by the patients’ physicians.Conclusions. Patients with BN or BED often experience considerable disability, impairment, distress and co-occurring illnesses. Increased recognition of eating disorders may be a crucial step towards encouraging more patients to seek treatment for these disabling conditions.

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