Psychosocial risk factors for eating disorders in Hispanic females of diverse ethnic background and non-Hispanic females

Abstract

This study investigated differences in psychosocial risk factors for eating disorders among university females ( n = 406) of diverse Hispanic background (Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American/Mexican, Dominican, Venezuelan) and among White non-Hispanic ( n = 102) female students. Risk factors were assessed using the Psychosocial Risk Factor Questionnaire (PRFQ) which includes four subscales: Social Pressure for Thinness, Media Pressure for Thinness, Concern for Physical Appearance, and Perception of Physical Appearance. There were significant differences among the groups in total PRFQ score, F(7, 499) = 2.76, P < .008, and the subscale score for Concern, F(7, 499) = 2.99, P < .004, with Dominicans, Venezuelans and Columbians having higher scores than White non-Hispanics and Central Americans/Mexicans. In addition, there was a significant difference in BMI, F(7, 499) = 2.70, P < .009. Both Puerto Ricans (24.27 + 0.81) and Venezuelans (24.66 + 1.00) had higher BMIs than White non-Hispanics (21.87 + 0.37), Cubans (21.99 + 0.24) and Brazilians (21.46 + 0.96). There was also a significant, F(7, 498) = 2.70, P < .009, difference among the groups in Ideal Body Image score. Puerto Ricans had the highest score and Brazilians the lowest. Acknowledging that differences in psychosocial risk factors exist among Hispanic females of diverse background can assist us in creating more targeted approaches for the prevention of potential eating disorders in this population.