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. 2022 Mar;27(2):701-708.
doi: 10.1007/s40519-021-01214-4. Epub 2021 May 20.

Risk of eating disorders in a representative sample of Italian adolescents: prevalence and association with self-reported interpersonal factors

Giulio D'Anna  1 , Marco Lazzeretti  2 , Giovanni Castellini  3 , Valdo Ricca  1 , Emanuele Cassioli  1 , Eleonora Rossi  1 , Caterina Silvestri  2 , Fabio Voller  2
Affiliations

Risk of eating disorders in a representative sample of Italian adolescents: prevalence and association with self-reported interpersonal factors

Giulio D'Anna et al. Eat Weight Disord. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescence represents a critical period for the onset of eating disorders (EDs). The present study aimed to provide the prevalence of individuals at risk for EDs psychopathology in a representative population of adolescents aged 14-19 and to characterize this population regarding interpersonal and psychological factors.

Methods: The percentage of participants at risk for EDs in a representative high school population was assessed through the SCOFF screening questionnaire (cut-off score: 3) in the total sample (N: 6551) and in gender-based subgroups for different body mass index (BMI) categories. Odds ratios for being at risk of ED (SCOFF ≥ 3) were esteemed in a multivariable analysis including self-reported parental education, quality of family and peer relationships, bullying victimization, age at first sexual intercourse, and psychological distress.

Results: A SCOFF score ≥ 3 was found in 31.0% of participants (boys: 19.4%; girls: 44.6%), with a greater prevalence among higher BMI categories. Bad family relationships, being bullied, having the first sexual intercourse before the age of 14, and experiencing high distress were associated with this risk condition. Among girls, bad peer relationships were associated with a low-risk SCOFF score.

Conclusion: A remarkable percentage of adolescents reported significant body image or eating concerns. Screening programs are deeply needed, and particular attention should be devoted to interpersonal factors, such as the quality of family relationships and interactions with peers, which represent potential indicators of this vulnerability.

Level of evidence: Level V - Cross-sectional study.

Keywords: Adolescence; Bullying victimization; Family relationships; Psychological distress; SCOFF; Sexuality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships (other than those affiliations listed on the title page of the manuscript) that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. No grants, honoraria, or other forms of payment were tributed to Authors who contributed to draft and revise the present manuscript.

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