Abstract
BackgroundResearch on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited. This study adds to the existing literature by providing the ethnicity- and gender-specific prevalence of BN in US inner-city youth and by exploring the longitudinal associations between a clinical level of BN and early risk factors assessed one year previously.MethodsThe study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth (N = 2794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old (M(SD) = 12.77(1.29)); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on BN and early risk factors (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms, posttraumatic stress, somatic complaints). Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the longitudinal associations.ResultsThe 3-month BN prevalence was higher in girls (5.1%) than in boys (2.3%) (ratio 2.22:1). Significant differences in BN rates were found between White and African American students (higher in Whites), whereas Hispanic-Americans did not differ significantly from either group. Individuals with BN had significantly higher levels of early risk factors one year prior.ConclusionsTimely recognition of BN and associated early risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.
Highlights
Research on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited
This longitudinal study evaluated the prevalence of bulimia nervosa (BN) symptoms in US inner-city predomi‐ nantly ethnic minority youth and explored the associations between early risk factors and probable BN one year later
Most BN symptoms were significantly more prevalent in girls than boys in all ethnic groups, except for compensatory behaviors, which did not differ by gender among the three ethnicities
Summary
Research on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited. This study adds to the existing literature by providing the ethnicity- and gender-specific prevalence of BN in US inner-city youth and by exploring the longitudinal associations between a clinical level of BN and early risk factors assessed one year previously. BN symptoms have been extensively explored in adolescents [34, 71, 77], many studies have failed to examine gender-specific aspects of BN symptoms and potential associated risk factors, with only a few recent general population studies addressing this important omission Exploring BN rates from a gender perspective in the general population, and especially among urban ethnic minority youth, is timely and important
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