Journal article
The relation of food insecurity to eating disorder characteristics and treatment-seeking among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen
Eating behaviors : an international journal, v 50, 101776
01 Aug 2023
PMID: 37390519
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI), characterized by limited or uncertain access to adequate food, has been associated with eating disorders (EDs). This study explored whether FI was associated with ED behaviors, ED diagnosis, current treatment status, and treatment-seeking intentions among adults who completed an online ED screen.
Respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screening tool self-reported demographics, FI, height and weight, past 3-month ED behaviors, and current treatment status. Respondents were also asked an optional question about treatment-seeking intentions. Hierarchical regressions evaluated relations between FI and ED behaviors, treatment status, and treatment-seeking intentions. Logistic regressions explored differences in probable ED diagnosis by FI status.
Of 8714 respondents, 25 % screened at risk for FI. FI was associated with greater binge eating (R2Change = 0.006), laxative use (R2Change = 0.001), and presence of dietary restriction (R2Change = 0.001, OR: 1.32) (ps < .05). Having FI was associated with greater odds of screening positive for a probable ED or as high risk for an ED (ps < .05). FI was not associated with current treatment status or treatment-seeking intentions (ps > .05).
Findings add to existing literature supporting a relation between FI and EDs. Implications include a need to disseminate EDs screening and treatment resources to populations affected by FI and to tailor treatments to account for barriers caused by FI.
•FI was independently associated with greater ED behaviors.•Participants with FI were more likely to have an ED diagnosis or be at risk for an ED.•FI risk was not associated with treatment status or treatment-seeking intentions.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- The relation of food insecurity to eating disorder characteristics and treatment-seeking among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen
- Creators
- Agatha A. Laboe - Washington University in St. LouisLaura D'Adamo - Drexel University, Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL) [Historical]Anne Claire Grammer - Washington University in St. LouisClaire G. McGinnis - Washington University in St. LouisGenevieve M. Davison - Washington University in St. LouisKatherine N. Balantekin - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkAndrea K. Graham - Northwestern UniversityLauren Smolar - National Eating Disorders AssociationC. Barr Taylor - Palo Alto UniversityDenise E. Wilfley - Washington University in St. LouisEllen E. Fitzsimmons-Craft - Washington University in St. Louis
- Publication Details
- Eating behaviors : an international journal, v 50, 101776
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL) [Historical]; Drexel University
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001056064900001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85163176892
- Other Identifier
- 991021861277804721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical