Adolescents with chronic illnesses: discovering eating disorder susceptibility and risk factors

Information from the abstract

Adolescents with chronic illnesses face unique psychosocial and medical challenges, such as treatment-induced body changes and strict dietary regimens, that distinguish their vulnerability profile from that of the general population. This cross-sectional study (September 2021 to April 2024) of 388 adolescents (aged 11–18) at a Thai tertiary centre examined the prevalence and predictors of eating disorder susceptibility using the Thai versions of the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)1 and the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A)2. The findings revealed a remarkably high screen-positive prevalence of 54.9%; however, this estimate should be interpreted cautiously, as the EAT-26 is a screening tool and does not establish a clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder. Multivariable analysis identified moderate depression and suicide attempts (OR 2.45), immunocompromised conditions (OR 2.08), and maternal dieting practices (OR 2.85) as significant factors associated with higher susceptibility. The high rate of screening positivity observed, particularly with 20% of susceptibility patients being under age 13, suggests a need for earlier clinical screening within paediatric subspecialties. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary model that combined mental health support with weight-sensitive medical management is essential to address the unique vulnerabilities of this medically complex population.

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Related topics: Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Diabetes Management and Education