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RISK BEHAVIOR FOR BULIMIA AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Lorenna Mendes Temóteo Brandt1, Liege Helena Freitas Fernandes1, Amanda Silva Aragão2
1Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil.
Summary
Female adolescents exhibit high rates of bulimia risk behaviors, with many unaware of their condition. Students in private schools are more likely to engage in these risky practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Bulimia nervosa poses a significant public health concern among adolescents.
- Understanding risk behaviors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze risk behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa in female adolescents.
- To compare these behaviors between students attending public and private high schools.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 850 female students aged 15-18.
- The Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE) was used to assess bulimia risk.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and robust Poisson regression tests.
Main Results:
- 42.0% of students exhibited risky dietary and weight control practices; 1.4% showed installed bulimia signs.
- Fear of weight gain was prevalent (62.8%). Risk practices were lower in public school students (OR 0.82).
- Fasting was common (29.9%). Many at-risk individuals perceived their habits as normal (PR 0.42).
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of bulimia risk behaviors and lack of awareness exists among female adolescents.
- Risk behaviors constitute a collective health problem.
- Students from private schools demonstrated a higher likelihood of engaging in these risk behaviors.
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