Screening for eating disorders in children and young adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders (ED) are one of the most common psychiatric illnesses that may lead to physical and psychosocial morbidity in children and young adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of eating disorders symptoms and its associated risk factors among children and young adolescents in Lebanese schools. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 253 students aged between 8-13 years old, living in Lebanon. Participants were recruited from private schools located in Mount Lebanon. Each student were interviewed to collect information related to sociodemographic and mediconutritional characteristics. Prevalence of ED symptoms and its correlation with other risk factors were calculated. Results: Almost one third (36.4%) of students had a positive SCOFF screening, with the highest proportion for the age group 8 to 9 years old (47.9%, p=0.029), for obese (55.6%, p=O.Ol), and for hypo-energetic students (75%, p0.017). Conclusion: The high prevalence of ED symptoms among Lebanese students at early age points out the urgent need for further diagnosis and intervention.