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Anorexia nervosa and bulimia: a prevalence study.
1Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|December 1, 1992
Summary
This study found a low prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia among secondary students in São Miguel, Azores. These eating disorder rates contrast with common reports, suggesting unique sociocultural factors may be at play.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are often reported as increasingly prevalent in adolescent populations.
- Sociocultural factors are widely believed to influence the development and prevalence of these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in a secondary school student population on São Miguel Island, Azores.
- To compare these findings with existing literature on eating disorder prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A large sample of secondary school students were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents.
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) criteria were used for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of partial anorexia nervosa was 0.48% (0.76% in girls, 0.17% in boys).
- The prevalence of bulimia nervosa was 0.16% (0.30% in girls, 0% in boys).
- Overall eating disorder prevalence, including partial syndromes, was 0.64%.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a notably low prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in this specific student population.
- The findings challenge the notion of widespread high prevalence and suggest that a lack of sociocultural pressure regarding eating and weight may contribute to lower rates.