The risks of disordered eating in Hong Kong adolescents

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the risks of disordered eating among Hong Kong adolescents. SUBJECTS: A total of 893 students (12-18 years old) participated in a cross-sectional study in 2007. METHODS: Students' height and weight were measured and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was completed. The risks of disordered eating were assessed by EAT-26 results and weight status. Sex differences in the risks of disordered eating were examined by logistic regression models with adjustment for age. RESULTS: Based on the EAT-26 results, 18.5% of boys and 26.6% of girls were at risk of disordered eating with a significant adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-2.18] for sex. A significant OR of 1.60 (95%CI 1.21-2.13) for sex was also obtained when both EAT-26 results and weight status were used for the screening. CONCLUSIONS: Hong Kong adolescent girls have a higher risk of disordered eating than boys. EAT-26 results together with measured weight status are useful criteria for screening disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in adolescents. (Eating Weight Disord. 16: e289-e292, 2011). (C)2011, Editrice Kurtis