Effects of the "Claudia Carraro" Universal Prevention Program on Eating Disorder Risk Factors in Adolescents: A...

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Claudia Carraro universal prevention program in reducing eating disorder (ED) specific and non-specific risk factors in adolescents. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in Italian secondary schools (N = 1205; mean age = 15.2 ± 0.8 years; 65% girls). Schools were randomized to the intervention (three 2.5 h sessions delivered over three weeks) or no-intervention control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 24-week follow-up; the intervention group was also assessed post-intervention. Primary outcomes were ED psychopathology (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q), self-referred physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Of 938 participants with complete data, no significant overall differences emerged between intervention and control groups. However, subgroup analyses revealed that girls in the intervention group showed significant reductions in EDE-Q global score and shape concern at follow-up compared with controls EDE-Q global scores decreased in the intervention group (2.1-1.9) but not in controls (1.9-1.9; p = 0.028), with similar effects for shape concern (2.9-2.6 vs. 2.6-2.6; p = 0.017). In secondary analyses, girls maintained reductions in ED concerns from post-intervention to follow-up, whereas boys showed short-term improvements that were not sustained. The Claudia Carraro program did not demonstrate significant overall effects on eating disorder risk factors. Exploratory findings suggest small gender-specific effects among girls, but these should be interpreted cautiously given the limited effect sizes and underpowered subgroup analyses. Further research should evaluate targeted or gender-adapted approaches and longer-term outcomes.