A study of burden of anorexia nervosa in India - 2016

Abstract

Introduction: The emergence of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in India been sporadically reported and till date, no epidemiological study has been reported. Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 (GBD 2016) offers a unique opportunity to study the AN as well as to estimate its burden quantification. Materials and Methods: Using the GBD 2016 approach and accounting for gender, age, and disability weight were accounted to calculate the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Results: As accounted in the model, the prevalence rate of AN for males was 10/100,000, whereas for females, it was 37.2 and combined gender burden was 22.3/100,000. A loss of 73782.7 DALYs was estimated. An estimated 55 deaths due to AN was observed. Most of the burden of the AN was borne by females in the age of 15–19 years than others with a male:female ratio of 1:4. The prevalence rate was observed to increase from 1990 to 2016. Discussion: Within the confines of the current mathematical modeling and secondary data analysis, the Indian burden of AN is significant, particularly among young females. AN is least studied mental illness in India. With increasing distorted body image perception and “western” style living, eating disorder in reported to increasingly prevalent among Indians. Mental health professions need to include AN for screening at the community level. Nonavailability of specific literature and parameters to quantify disability. Conclusion: A mathematical estimate of the AN in India is presented with its implication using a secondary data approach. In wake of rapid changes in society, the mental health community should realize that India shall not be immune to AN in the present and future.