Nutritional Concerns among Female International Volunteers Based on the Income and Development Status of Their Country of Service.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female athlete triad risk factors among female international volunteers based on the development and income status of their country of service. A total of 2164 past volunteers completed a retrospective survey. Countries’ income and development statuses were coded using the respective annual United Nations World Economic Situations and Prospects reports. Independent t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson’s Chi-Squared tests were used to assess group differences; corresponding odds ratios were calculated. Volunteers in nondeveloped (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.85–2.75) and non-high-income (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.75–2.70) countries had over twice the odds of experiencing secondary amenorrhea. More volunteers who served in nondeveloped countries reported an increase in exercise while serving (p = 0.005). Those who served in a nondeveloped (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.16–1.98) or non-high-income (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.08–1.94) country had higher odds of weight loss. However, volunteers serving in nondeveloped (OR = 0.52, CI = 0.44–0.63) and non-high-income (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.4–0.61) countries were less likely to report food insecurity compared to those in developed and high-income countries. Bone mineral density was within the expected range regardless of income and development status. Female volunteers who served in nondeveloped and non-high-income countries experienced higher odds of secondary amenorrhea, which was likely influenced by an increase in exercise and higher odds of weight loss.