Risk of eating disorders in a representative sample of Italian adolescents: prevalence and association with self-reported interpersonal factors

Abstract

Purpose Adolescence represents a critical period for the onset of eating disorders (EDs). The present study aimed to provide the prevalence of individuals at risk for EDs psychopathology in a representative population of adolescents aged 14–19 and to characterize this population regarding interpersonal and psychological factors. Methods The percentage of participants at risk for EDs in a representative high school population was assessed through the SCOFF screening questionnaire (cut-off score: 3) in the total sample (N: 6551) and in gender-based subgroups for different body mass index (BMI) categories. Odds ratios for being at risk of ED (SCOFF ≥ 3) were esteemed in a multivariable analysis including self-reported parental education, quality of family and peer relationships, bullying victimization, age at first sexual intercourse, and psychological distress. Results A SCOFF score ≥ 3 was found in 31.0% of participants (boys: 19.4%; girls: 44.6%), with a greater prevalence among higher BMI categories. Bad family relationships, being bullied, having the first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, and experiencing high distress were associated with this risk condition. Among girls, bad peer relationships were associated with a low-risk SCOFF score. Conclusion A remarkable percentage of adolescents reported significant body image or eating concerns. Screening programs are deeply needed, and particular attention should be devoted to interpersonal factors, such as the quality of family relationships and interactions with peers, which represent potential indicators of this vulnerability. Level of evidence Level V – Cross-sectional study.

Prevalence of Disordered Eating and Its Associated Factors From a Socioecological Approach Among a Sample of Spanish Adolescents: The EHDLA Study

“…Our findings indicated that female sex was linked with disordered eating. This result agrees with previous studies (2,21,22) but disagrees with others (23,47). Although sex differences in disordered eating are relatively minor in adolescence (50), these disorders are known to predominate among girls (2,51).…”

Global Proportion of Disordered Eating in Children and Adolescents

“…In this sense, the proportion of disordered eating is higher in young people with excess weight than in their counterparts with normal weight. 37,69,70 Young people who have excess weight may follow disordered eating behaviors while attempting to lose body weight. 71 Therefore, it has been described that young people with excess weight is the population that appears to experience symptoms of disordered eating most frequently (eg, unsupervised weight loss dieting may lead to eating disorder risk 72 ).…”

“…Importantly, we found that the proportion of children and adolescents with disordered eating became more evaluated with increasing BMI. In this sense, the proportion of disordered eating is higher in young people with excess weight than in their counterparts with normal weight . Young people who have excess weight may follow disordered eating behaviors while attempting to lose body weight .…”

Prevalence of probable eating disorders and associated risk factors: An analysis of the Northern Ireland Youth Wellbeing Survey using the SCOFF

“…A recent study in Italy, used a cut‐off score of 3 or more on the SCOFF in 14–19 year olds. The authors reported 31% of these young people screened positive for a probable ED (D'Anna et al, 2022 ).…”