459 Family Factors Modifying the Eating Disorders of Young People In Poland

Abstract

Background and Aims The independent predictors of eating disorders model, characteristic of the families whose children suffer from anorexia is to prefer to be "good parents" than marriage ties and close family relationship. In those families the influence of a father on the premorbid and the accompanying disease personality of children is underestimated. The role of fathers is especially important during daughters' adolescence, who need then their full acceptance. The aim of the study: is there a relationship between age and education of parents and behaviors that may precede the incidence of anorexia. Methods 1050 middle school students (13.8+/-0.98 year old) from Poland, have been examined using anonymous standardized questionnaire. Different behavior of children has been evaluated: perfectionism, ambition, self-esteem, control of food portions eaten, stress-eating as well as paying attention to other's opinion and appearance. Results Daughters of younger fathers significantly more often ate in response to worries or problems (p=0.017) and had poorer selfesteem compared to the daughters of older fathers (p=0.0013). The sons of fathers with higher education significantly more often pointed out slim figure as important (p=0.0089). Daughters of fathers with primary education often had low self-esteem compared to their friends (p=0.014). Conclusions 1. The independent predictors of eating disorders father's age and education has been an important modifying factor. Children (especially daughters) of the young, uneducated fathers have more often shown abnormal behaviour and habits in nutrition, indicating anorexia. 2. Mother's age and education have not affected the eating disorders of their children.