Perfiles sociales, alimentación y predicción de trastornos de la alimentación en adolescentes urbanos Andaluces

Abstract

Objective. To know the social profile of Andalusian urban adolescents and analyse the similarities and differences they have with those at risk of presenting with eating disorders. Design. Cross-sectional community study. Stratified cluster sampling. Setting. Public and private education institutions in Andalusian cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants (Sevilla, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Huelva, Almeria, Jaen, Algeciras, and Jerez). Participants. Pupils from 12 to 16 years, attending an academic course in the year 2002-2003 (N=1667). Main measurements. To compare the results of the sample with adolescents who are at risk of presenting with eating disorders (those who scored more than 20 in the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26]) we used the χ2 test for the nominal variables and the Spearman rho for the interval variables, with a significance level of P=.05. Results. There were no differences between either group as regards family structure, friend relationships, academic performance, and sporting activities. The differences centred on disciplinary practices, the number of friends diagnosed with an eating behavioural disorder, the objectives for practicing sports, and the type of diet that they followed. The subjects who scored highest on the EAT-26 were those who had a higher body mass index and a lower social status. Conclusions. It appears that diet changes are a response to certain social conditions. It would be speculative to include subjects who obtain high EAT-26 scores in the population at risk of anorexia.