The Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Diverse School-Based Population Study
Background
Adolescence is an important period for the onset of eating disorders (EDs), yet questions remain regarding the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of ED symptoms in diverse populations. This paper examines these characteristics in a large, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of UK adolescents.
Methods
We analysed cross-sectional data from the Born in Bradford Age of Wonder Cohort. We used univariable and multivariable linear regression models to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, gender identity, ethnicity, deprivation) and ED symptom scores, measured using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short. We also estimated probable ED and ED symptom prevalence by sociodemographic characteristics.
Findings
The analytic sample included 7434 (51·9% female, 59·9% ethnic minority) adolescents aged 12 to 15. One in four girls (23·5%) and one in ten boys (10·7%) met the threshold for a probable ED. Asian (mean difference [MD]: −2·18, 95% CI: −2·77 to −1·59) and Black (MD: −1·58, 95% CI: −2·99 to −0·16) females reported lower ED symptom scores compared to White females. In contrast, Asian (MD: 0·77, 95% CI: 0·31 to 1·24), Black (MD: 1·49, 95% CI: 0·47 to 2·52), and other ethnicity (MD: 1·85, 95% CI: 0·83 to 2·87) males had higher ED symptom scores compared to White males. We found higher ED symptom scores in gender diverse compared to cisgender adolescents (MD: 4·51, 95% CI: 3·00 to 6·01), and in adolescents from the most deprived areas compared to those from the least deprived areas (MD: 1·52, 95% CI: 0·75 to 2·29).
Interpretation
This study found high levels of ED symptoms among UK adolescents, with notable disparities by gender identity, ethnicity, and deprivation, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that are inclusive to underserved populations.
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Author(s):
Mental Health Theme Co-Lead