Abstract
ObjectiveAlthough clinical studies suggest that bulimia symptoms are common in youth, research on the prevalence of such symptoms and of their association with comorbid internalizing problems in the general population has been limited. This study aimed to evaluate the gender-specific prevalence of bulimia symptoms in Czech youth and explored the association between a clinical level of self-reported bulimia symptoms (CLBS) and internalizing problems by gender, controlling for age, socio-economic status and puberty status.MethodThe study was conducted on a representative national sample of Czech youth (N = 4430, 57.0% female) using self-report scales. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to examine the associations.ResultsThe 3-month CLBS prevalence was higher in girls (11.4%) than in boys (3.8%) and in both genders a CLBS was associated with higher levels of comorbid internalizing problems.DiscussionTimely recognition of bulimia symptoms and associated risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.Level of evidenceV, cross-sectional descriptive study (according to Oxford (UK) CEBM Levels of Evidence, 2011).
Highlights
In recent years, there has been a plethora of clinical studies addressing a broad range of factors relating to eating disorders (ED)
The scale consists of four statements addressing the occurrence of anorexia and bulimia symptoms, namely: “I worried a lot about how to stop gaining weight”, “I felt fat even when others told me I am too thin”, “I felt very upset about my overeating or weight gain” and “I ate large amounts of food even when I didn’t feel hungry”
The number of adolescents that attempted to correct a perceived weight gain or distorted body image with compensatory strategies was more limited. This finding can be potentially explained by the general worries concerning body image typical for adolescents [56]. Those with a clinical level of self-reported bulimia symptoms (CLBS) had a significantly higher body-mass index (BMI) when compared to those without a CLBS, which could have caused them greater concerns about their own weight, as adolescents commonly tend to compare themselves to their peers [56]
Summary
There has been a plethora of clinical studies addressing a broad range of factors relating to eating disorders (ED). It is well documented that ED are associated with a number of adverse physical, social and psychological consequences [1]. They are difficult to treat, impose a significant burden on health services and have one of the highest mortality rates of all psychological disorders [2]. The point prevalence of the disorder peaks in older adolescence or young adulthood [14], bulimia symptoms are becoming more common in younger age groups [3, 15], as yet, research examining prevalence rates in adolescents from the general population has been limited [e.g. 3, 5, 16–18]
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