Sociocultural correlates of eating disorders among Asian schoolgirls in Bradford

Article Abstract:

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are thought to be relatively rare in non-Western cultures and among non-Caucasians living in the West. Presumably, this is because there is greater cultural emphasis on being slim in Western societies. Attitudes regarding body image have been shown to differ across cultures. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) are two instruments that have been developed to screen for eating disorders and measure dissatisfaction with body shape in those with eating disorders. They have not been used to any degree with non-Caucasians. A study was designed to assess the validity of the EAT and BSQ with Asian schoolgirls living in Britain, to measure the prevalence of eating disorders in this population, and to determine which social and cultural factors might correlate with high scores and eating disorders. Two hundred four Asian girls and 355 Caucasians girls were administered the questionnaires. Age ranged from 14 to 16 years and, among the Asian girls, 88 percent were Muslim, nine percent were Sikh, and three percent were Hindu. Statistical analysis of the results suggest that the instruments were as valid for the Asian subjects as they were for the Caucasians. Regarding social and cultural factors, it was found that Asian girls who paid the most importance to language and dress were more likely to achieve high scores on the questionnaires. The use of English in the home showed no effect, and, surprisingly, girls diagnosed as bulimic scored higher on traditional items as opposed to Western items. This is explained in terms of the internal conflict between traditional values and Western ideas, and rigidity in traditional Asian families that may foster greater intergenerational conflict. The EAT and BSQ are thus valid instruments for the measurement and differentiation of eating disorders in Asian girls living in Britain. These disorders do exist in this population. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surveys

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A psychiatric study of deviant eating behaviour among mentally handicapped adults

Article Abstract:

There have been relatively few studies assessing eating disorders among the mentally handicapped. Existing studies have focused on pica (eating non-food substances) or food pica (eating bizarre foods such as frozen food). In an attempt to identify patterns of deviant eating behaviors among the mentally handicapped, 48 moderately to severely mentally handicapped adults (28 men and 20 women) living in residential settings were observed over a 28-day period, and were given various measures to assess psychopathology and eating behavior. Subjects were divided into six diagnostic groups: autistic (31 percent); schizophrenic (4 percent); hyperactive (8 percent); depressed (20 percent); neurotic (15 percent); and no psychiatric disorder (20 percent). The average age of patients was 39 years. The depressed group ate significantly more, and ate more carbohydrates and sweets than any other group. They also tended to eat all the sweet foods which were available to them. Both the depressed and autistic groups demonstrated significantly higher food-searching behavior than other groups. They were hypervigilant as far as food was concerned, and tended to constantly look for food (e.g., would try locked doors to get at it). Pica was found in 2 of the 15 autistic subjects but not in any other group. Although the groups with psychiatric diagnoses tended to show more deviant eating patterns, significantly deviant food behaviors were not found in the schizophrenic, hyperactive or neurotic groups. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Food and nutrition, Mental retardation, Mentally disabled persons, Pica (Pathology), Pica

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Anorexia nervosa in a group of Asian children living in Britain

Article Abstract:

Researchers have consistently argued that the eating disorder anorexia nervosa is limited to Caucasians and is not necessarily a product of socioeconomic differences, although it has been said that these results may be, in part, due to poor research techniques in developing countries. In the 1980s it became more apparent that eating disorders are present in patients from different ethnic backgrounds. They have been seen in Japan, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. Analysis of cases of non-Caucasian patients who have been diagnosed with eating disorders suggest that there may be culturally determined attitudes that interact with psychological variables. When children live in cultures other than their parents' native culture, they are potentially exposed to conflicts regarding loyalty to the two cultures. Often parents push for loyalty to the traditions of the original culture, while children want to become assimilated into the current culture. This can be a source of conflict between families, generations, and cultures, creating stresses that may contribute in adolescence to the development of anorexia. Delay in diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis, which makes awareness of the existence of anorexia in non-Caucasian families important to recognize. Four cases of anorexia in Asian schoolgirls living in Britain are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Anorexia nervosa

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