Smoking and mortality among persons aged 75–94

ObjectivesExamine the effect of current level of smoking and lifetime tobacco consumption on mortality in persons 75–94 years of age.MethodsData were from a representative sample of older Jewish persons in Israel, which included 1,200 self-respondent participants aged 75–94 (Mean = 83.1, SD = 5.3) from the Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Aging Study (CALAS). Data collection took place during 1989–1992. Mortality data on 95.1% of the sample at 20-year follow up were recorded from the Israeli National Population Registry.ResultsThe following variables adversely affected mortality for the whole sample: Smoking 11–20 cigarettes daily (HR = 1.276, p < .05), smoking over 20 cigarettes daily (HR = 1.328, p < .05), total tobacco consumption (HR = 1.002, p < .01), and heavy lifetime tobacco consumption (HR = 1.270, p < .01). Results were similar for persons aged 75–84, but the effect of smoking seems to decrease or disappear for ages 85 and above.ConclusionThis is the first report of all-cause mortality risk in both genders of a representative population aged 75 and over. Increased mortality risk is related to high daily quantity of current smoking, and to cumulative amount of lifetime smoking. The effect of smoking may disappear for ages 85 and above, and should be studied in larger oldest–old samples.     

Linezolid versus vancomycin cost in the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia

ObjectiveStaphylococcus aureus is involved in around 20% of nosocomial pneumonia cases. Vancomycin used to be the reference antibiotic in this indication, but new molecules have been commercialized, such as linezolid. Previous studies comparing vancomycin and linezolid were based on models. Comparing their real costs from a hospital perspective was needed.MethodsWe performed a bicentric retrospective analysis with a cost-minimization analysis. The hospital antibiotic acquisition costs were used, as well as the laboratory test and administration costs from the health insurance cost scale. The cost of each hospital stay was evaluated using the national cost scale per diagnosis related group (DRG), and was then weighted by the stay duration.ResultsFifty-eight patients were included. All bacteria identified in pulmonary samples were S. aureus. The cost of nursing care per stay with linezolid was €234.10 (SD = 91.50) vs. €381.70 (SD = 184.70) with vancomycin (P = 0.0029). The cost of laboratory tests for linezolid was €172.30 (SD = 128.90) per stay vs. €330.70 (SD = 198.40) for vancomycin (P = 0.0005). The acquisition cost of linezolid per stay was not different from vancomycin based on the price of the generic drug (€54.92 [SD = 20.54] vs. €40.30 [SD = 22.70]). After weighting by the duration of stay observed, the mean cost per hospital stay was €47,411.50 for linezolid and €57,694.0 for vancomycin (NSD).ConclusionThese results, in favor of linezolid, support other former pharmacoeconomic study based on models. The mean cost per hospitalization stay was not statistically different between the two study groups, but a trend in favor of linezolid is emerging.     

Promoting Tdap immunization in pregnancy: Associations between maternal perceptions and vaccination rates

ObjectiveTdap vaccine uptake among US pregnant women is low despite current recommendations. This study evaluated if a Tdap vaccine information statement (VIS) affected overall perception, vaccination intention, and components of a health behavior model associated with Tdap vaccination rates.MethodsA randomized, prospective study was conducted among pregnant women receiving care at two women's clinics in May–August 2014. Verbally consented participants were randomized to receive either the standard CDC Tdap VIS (sVIS) or a modified version (mVIS) before completing the first multi-part survey (T1). After T1, participants read their assigned VIS then completed the second part (T2). A 2015 chart review identified vaccinated participants. A health behavior model was hypothesized using the Reasoned Action Approach and Health Belief Model. Logistic regression, path analysis, and chi-square tests were used in the analysis.Results279 surveys were analyzed. Average age of the participants was 26.4 years (SD = 5.7) with average gestational age of 25.9 weeks (SD = 9.2). 13% self-reported receiving Tdap vaccine prior to the survey. Overall perception scores significantly increased (3.1–3.4, p < 0.001) after VIS review. A chart review showed that 131 (47%) received the vaccine post study. There was no significant difference in vaccination rates between the sVIS and mVIS groups (45% vs. 49%). Perceived benefits (B = 0.315) and self-efficacy (B = 0.197) were positively associated with the overall perception (T1), while perceived barriers (B = −0.191) were negatively associated with the overall perception (T1). Social norms (B = 0.230), self-efficacy (B = 0.213), and perceived benefits (B = 0.117) were positively associated with vaccination intention (T1). The vaccination intention (T2) was positively associated with participants’ decision to receive Tdap vaccine (B = 0.223).ConclusionA VIS improved overall perception of the Tdap vaccine. Vaccination intention was a predictor of Tdap vaccination. It is crucial to provide information about immunization benefits to promote maternal Tdap vaccination.     

Vitamin D,bone mineral density and body mass index in eating disorder patients

AimTo investigate associations of vitamin D with BMD and BMI in ED patients.MethodsVitamin D, BMD and BMI for 50 patients admitted to a specialised ED inpatient unit were measured. Patients were aged 15–54 years with BMI 8–25 kg/m².ResultsOf the patients, 18% were vitamin D deficient. There was a significant linear relationship between vitamin D and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p = 0.029), femoral neck (p < 0.001) and total hip (p = 0.001). There was no relationship between vitamin D and BMI. There was a significant linear relationship between BMI and BMD T-score at the lumbar spine (p < 0.001), femoral neck (p = 0.008) and total hip (p = 0.001).ConclusionsLow vitamin D and low BMI are associated with low BMD in ED patients. Despite widespread belief that it is not necessary, our findings suggest it is appropriate to measure vitamin D in ED patients. It should not be assumed ED patients take supplements.     

Troubles des conduites alimentaires : prévalence et facteurs de risque chez des étudiants en médecine tunisiens

ObjectivesYoung students, in particular those in the medical field, seem to be at risk of developing psychiatric disorders, especially eating disorders (ED).We aimed to determine the prevalence of ED in Tunisian medical students and to study the risk factors associated to it.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study at the Tunis medical university including 250 students. Each student filled out a self-administered questionnaire with the necessary individual information as well as the HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression) scale assessing anxiety and depression, EDI2 (Eating Disorder Inventory 2) assessing the cognitive behavioral profile of participants and PSS (Perceived Stress Scale), assessing their level of perceived stress. Eating disorders were screened using the EAT40 and BITE self-questionnaires. We used the DSM-5 classification to specify the types of ED.ResultsThe sex ratio (M/F) was 0.4. Anxiety, depressive symptoms and high stress level were found in 34%, 17% and 75.2% of cases, respectively. The prevalence of ED was 16.4%. Independent factors associated with ED were female sex (P = 0.009), physical activity (P = 0.04), body dissatisfaction (P < 0.001) and the feeling of ineffectiveness (P = 0.032). The risk of ED was five times higher in students using anxiolytics (P < 0.001), laxatives (P = 0.046), or induced vomiting (P = 0.045) and 9.55 times higher in students on a diet (P < 0.001).ConclusionThese results justify the need for systematic screening for ED in medical students in order to ensure early and effective treatment and thus preserve the physical and mental health of future caregivers.     

HCV and HBV testing acceptability and knowledge among urban emergency department patients and pharmacy clients

ObjectiveHepatitis C and hepatitis B are public health problems in the United States and remain largely undiagnosed. In response to the availability of rapid, point of care hepatitis tests, we assessed hepatitis knowledge and acceptability of hepatitis testing during an emergency department (ED) or pharmacy visit.MethodsFrom June 2010 to May 2011, an anonymous prospective survey was administered to a convenience sample of New York City ED patients and pharmacy clients.ResultsThe study population (N = 2078) was 54% female, 36% Hispanic and 41% black. Mean age was 39, SD ± 15 years. The majority (72%;1480/2,2060) of the participants responded that they would get tested if free testing were offered, and 67% (1272/1912) of those responded that they would test for hepatitis B/C in conjunction with HIV. Participants who had previously tested for hepatitis had higher mean knowledge scores than those who had never tested. Pharmacy clients, those of black race, and those with higher mean knowledge scores would be more willing to accept hepatitis B/C testing if offered.ConclusionsUrban ED patients and pharmacy clients were receptive to hepatitis testing. Most individuals would elect to be tested for hepatitis with HIV, which raises the possibility of integrated testing.     

Grupos de morbilidad ajustados: características y comorbilidades de los pacientes crónicos según nivel de riesgo en Atención Primaria

AimsTo describe the characteristics of patients with chronic conditions according to their risk levels assigned by the adjusted morbidity groups (AMG). To analyse the factors associated with a high risk level and to study their effect.DesignObservational cross-sectional study with an analytical focus.LocationPrimary care (PC), Madrid Health Service.ParticipantsPopulation of 18,107 patients stratified by their risk levels with the AMG in the computerised clinical records of Madrid PC.Main measurementsThe variables studied were: socio-demographic, clinical-nursing care and use of services. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.ResultsOf the 18,107 patients, 9,866(54.4%) were identified as chronic patients, with 444 (4.5%) stratified as high risk, 1784 (18,1%) as medium risk, and 7,638 (77.4%) as low risk. The high risk patients, compared with medium and low risk, had an older mean age [77.8 (SD = 12.9), 72.1 (SD = 12.9), 50.6 (SD = 19.4)], lower percentage of women (52.3%, 65%, 61.1%), a higher number of chronic diseases [6.7 (SD = 2.4), 4.3 (SD = 1.5), 1.9 (SD = 1.1)], polymedication (79.1%, 43.3%, 6.2%), and contact with PC [33.9 (28), 21.4 (17.3), 7.9 (9.9)] (P <. 01). In the multivariate analysis, the high risk level was independently related to age > 65 [1.43 (1.03-1.99), male gender (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.64-4.52), immobility (OR = 6.33, 95% CI = 4.40-9.11), number of chronic conditions (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 2.41-2.81), and PC contact > 7 times (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.36-2.80)] (P < .01).ConclusionsMore than half of the population is classified by the AMG as a chronic, and it is stratified into 3 risk levels that show differences in gender, age, functional impairment, need for care, morbidity, complexity, and use of Primary Care services. Age > 65, male gender, immobility, number of chronic conditions, and contact with PC > 7 times were the factors associated with high risk.     

Emotional and instrumental support during childhood and biological dysregulation in midlife

ObjectiveTo determine whether greater emotional and instrumental support during childhood is associated with less dysregulation across multiple physiological systems in midlife.MethodsData are from participants in the second wave of the Midlife in the United States study (2004–2005) who participated in a clinic-based assessment of health status. Emotional and instrumental support was measured using a seven-item scale (α = 0.89) based on participant retrospective self-report. Biological dysregulation was assessed using an allostatic load (AL) score constructed from 24 measures across seven physiological systems (N = 1236, aged 34–84 years).ResultsEmotional and instrumental support in childhood was associated with lower AL in a monotonic fashion: compared to individuals in the lowest quartile of support, respondents in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had − 0.08 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.08), − 0.13 (SD = 0.08) and − 0.21 (SD = 0.08) units lower AL, adjusting for age, sex, and race. This pattern was maintained after adjustment for reporting bias, childhood socioeconomic disadvantage, past-year depression, and physician-diagnosed cardiovascular disease or diabetes (p ≤ 0.01). The inflammation and metabolic-lipid subscales showed the strongest associations.ConclusionsGreater emotional and instrumental support in childhood was associated with less biological dysregulation in midlife, even after accounting for socioeconomic disadvantage in childhood and other potential confounders.     

The impact of age and BMI on impairment due to disordered eating in a large female community sample

The impact of age and BMI on functional impairment in eating disorders was assessed by the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) scale in a representative community sample. The CIA was administered to 1080 women aged 16–50 years (M = 36.2, SD = 9.5) with a range of BMI from 13.5 to 55.0 (M = 24.6, SD = 4.9) randomly selected from the Norwegian National Population Register. The average global CIA score was 5.3 (SD = 8.5). Impairment tended to decrease with age (r_s = ?.20, p < .01), yet increased with greater BMI (r_s = .31, p < .01). Approximately 30% of the participants with obesity scored in the clinical range compared to 7% of the underweight and normal-weight participants. Data supported the utility and feasibility of the CIA as a measure of functional impairment secondary to weight, shape, and eating concerns. It is recommended that age and BMI be considered during the interpretation of CIA data.     

Many vaginal microbicide trial participants acknowledged they had misreported sensitive sexual behavior in face-to-face interviews

ObjectiveWe investigated whether participants in a phase II randomized clinical trial of a candidate vaginal microbicide ever intentionally misled interviewers.Study Design and SettingWe used audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) to ask the South African women (n = 132) participating in the trial about the accuracy of self-reported data collected during face-to-face interviews. The trial protocol recommended that women use their assigned gel (active microbicide or placebo) with condoms during each vaginal sex act.ResultsNearly four-fifths of participants (n = 104, 79%) reported that they had misinformed trial interviewers at least once. Motivations included politeness (n = 45, 34% of ACASI participants) to avoid criticism or seek praise (n = 32, 24%), and embarrassment (n = 24, 18%). Participants acknowledged misreporting eligibility characteristics to enroll (11%) and, during follow-up, exaggerating their enthusiasm for the study gel (13%), applicator (13%), and the effect of the gel on sexual pleasure (13%). In general, women who were untruthful had actually used the gel with condoms less and used the gel alone more than they had reported during the trial. Women overwhelmingly found the computer survey easy.ConclusionResearchers cannot assume that participants always tell the truth about sensitive behaviors in face-to-face interviews. ACASI was efficient and acceptable in this population.     

Victimización sexual autorreportada en adolescentes españoles comunitarios y en colectivos de riesgo

ObjectiveTo determine the extent of sexual victimization in four groups of Spanish adolescents based on their own reports.MethodAn observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted. Sexual victimization was assessed by seven questions included in the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. The samples were composed of 1,105 adolescents (mean age [M] = 14.52, standard deviation [SD] = 1.76) from seven secondary schools; 149 adolescents (M = 14.28; SD = 1.45) from 14 child and adolescent mental health centers; 129 adolescents (M = 14.59, SD = 1.62) institutionalized in 18 long-term (78.3%) and short-term (21.7%) residential centers belonging to the child protection system; and 101 adolescents (M = 16.08, SD = 0.99) recruited from three detention centers (77.2%) and five open regime teams or follow-up services for court orders for minors not requiring loss of freedom (22.8%).ResultsThe extent of lifetime sexual victimization ranged from 14.7% of the adolescents in the community sample to 23.5% of youths attended in mental health services, 35.6% of youths involved in the juvenile justice system, and 36.4% of children protected by the child welfare system. Most of the victims were female, the only exception being the group of male victims from the juvenile justice system.ConclusionsSexual victimization of children is widespread in Spain and its distribution differs depending on the group of children under study.     

Items from patient-oriented instruments can be integrated into interval scales to operationalize categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

ObjectiveTo exemplify the construction of interval scales for specified categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by integrating items from a variety of patient-oriented instruments.Study Design and SettingPsychometric study using data from a convenience sample of 122 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients completed six different patient-oriented instruments. The contents of the instrument items were linked to the ICF. Rasch analyses for ordered-response options were used to examine whether the instrument items addressing the ICF category b130: Energy and drive functions constitute a psychometrically sound interval scale.ResultsNineteen items were linked to b130: Energy and drive functions. Sixteen of the 19 items fit the Rasch model according to the chi-square (χ²) statistic (χ²_df=32 = 38.25, P = 0.21) and the Z-fit statistic (Z_Mean = 0.451, Z_SD = 1.085 and Z_Mean = ?0.223, Z_SD = 1.132 for items and persons, respectively). The Person Separation Index r_β was 0.93.ConclusionThe ICF category interval scales to operationalize single ICF categories can be constructed. The original format of the items included in the interval scales remains unchanged. This study represents a step forward in the operationalization and future implementation of the ICF.     

Perfectionistic cognitions and eating disturbance: Distinct mediational models for males and females

ObjectivePerfectionism has long been known to correlate with eating disturbance (ED). One mechanism through which this personality tendency may lead to ED is through increasing one's daily perfectionistic thoughts. This study examined the mediating role of perfectionistic thinking in the personality perfectionism–ED relationship among both male and female college students, and included measures assessing both typically-male and typically-female ED symptoms.MethodA majority-White sample of 140 males and 329 females completed online versions of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 1991), Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (Flett, Hewitt, Blankstein, & Gray, 1998), Drive for Muscularity Scale (McCreary, Sasse, Saucier, & Dorsch, 2004), items from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (Fairburn, 2008), and other measures. Regression tests examined the hypothesized role of perfectionistic cognitions as a mediator, including participant age, BMI, and positive and negative affect as covariates.ResultsAmong women, relationships between both self-oriented (Sobel's statistic = − 4.63, p < .001) and socially prescribed perfectionism (Sobel's statistic = − 5.77, p < .001) and dieting behavior were fully mediated by increased perfectionistic thinking. Among men, however, the relationship between only self-oriented perfectionism and bulimic (but not dieting) behavior, was fully mediated by increased perfectionistic thinking (Sobel's statistic = − 2.53, p = .01).ConclusionsPerfectionistic cognitions play an important linking role between personality perfectionism and ED, and can illuminate important differences by gender in eating disturbance. Such findings can improve validity of ED assessment in both genders, and provide a clear pathway to interventions to decrease ED in both genders.     

Norms and discriminative validity of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)

The first aim of this study was to provide norms for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in a diverse and large clinical sample of individuals with an eating disorder (ED), and a general population sample without an ED. Norms for individuals with obesity without an ED were also provided, as a more relevant comparison group for individuals with binge eating disorder. The second aim was to investigate the discriminative validity of the EDE-Q. A sample of females with an ED (N = 935), women from the general population without an ED (N = 235), and obese females without an ED (N = 321) completed the EDE-Q. Explorative factor analyses did not support the theorized four subscales of the EDE-Q. Norms for EDE-Q global scores were provided for each of the three samples. Within the ED sample, norms were provided separately for patients with different ED diagnoses. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed the EDE-Q global score to be highly accurate in discriminating individuals with an ED from those without, and moderately accurate in discriminating individuals with binge eating disorder from those with obesity. The presented norms contribute to a more accurate interpretation of EDE-Q scores, providing an index of the severity level of ED psychopathology. Furthermore, these norms can be used to assess clinical significant change during treatment. In addition, this study demonstrates that the EDE-Q, when using its global score, is a valid instrument to assess levels of ED psychopathology.     

Summary-of-findings tables in Cochrane reviews improved understanding and rapid retrieval of key information

ObjectiveTo measure the effects of a summary-of-findings (SoF) table on user satisfaction, understanding, and time spent finding key results in a Cochrane review.Study Design and SettingWe randomized participants in an evidence-based practice workshop (randomized controlled trial [RCT] I) and a Cochrane Collaboration entities meeting (RCT II) to receive a Cochrane review with or without an SoF table. In RCT I, we measured user satisfaction. In RCT II, we measured correct comprehension and time spent finding key results.ResultsRCT I: Participants with the SoF table (n = 47) were more likely to “agree” or “strongly agree” that it was easy to find results for important outcomes than (n = 25) participants without the SoF table—68% vs. 40% (P = 0.021). RCT II: Participants with the SoF table (n = 18) were more likely to correctly answer two questions regarding results than (n = 15) those without the SoF table: 93% vs. 44% (P = 0.003) and 87% vs. 11% (P < 0.001). Participants with the SoF table spent an average of 90 seconds to find key information compared with 4 minutes for participants without the SoF table (P = 0.002).ConclusionIn two small trials, we found that inclusion of an SoF table in a review improved understanding and rapid retrieval of key findings compared with reviews with no SoF table.     

How much does what you eat matter? The potential role of meal size,fat content,and gender on ratings of desirability

This study examined how the amount and type of food that a person eats affects perceptions of their personal desirability, femininity/masculinity, and body size while accounting for any assumed similarity biases. Female students (18 to 59 years old) were recruited through the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide. Participants (n = 191) rated the characteristics of a fictional person based on information in a personal profile. Profiles were identical aside from experimental manipulations of gender (male/female), meal size (small/large) and meal type (regular fat/high fat) with meal manipulations calculated using nutrient recommendations. Ratings of desirability and body size were affected primarily by meal type with targets described as eating a regular fat meal seen as more desirable (M = 5.40, SD = 0.56) and thinner (M = 3.93, SD = 1.05) than those having a high fat meal (M = 5.09, SD = 0.66; M = 4.29, SD = 1.04) (p = .001). Meal size manipulations affected only ratings of body size with larger meals (M = 4.25, SD = 0.88) resulting in higher ratings relative to smaller meals (M = 3.96, SD = 1.20) (p = .036). Despite a suggestion of interactions between target gender and both meal characteristics for ratings of femininity/masculinity in our results, post-hoc analyses largely failed to reveal any pairwise differences. Perceived similarity to the target did relate to levels of desirability (p = .006), and self-esteem positively associated with ratings of target body size (p = .010). Even though men's perceptions of eating behaviours were not reported in this paper, these findings have implications for a better understanding of social pressures faced not only by women, but also for men, as potentially both genders may be affected by eating norms regarding the healthiness of a meal.     

Too strict or too loose? Perfectionism and impulsivity: The relation with eating disorder symptoms using a person-centered approach

Although both perfectionism (i.e. personal standards perfectionism and evaluative concerns perfectionism) and impulsivity have been shown to be implicated in eating disorders, no previous studies have examined the interplay between both personality dimensions in their association with eating disorder symptoms. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between empirically derived personality subtypes based on perfectionism and impulsivity and eating disorder symptoms (i.e., dietary restraint, and concerns over eating, weight and shape). Cluster analysis was used to establish naturally occurring combinations of perfectionism and impulsivity in adolescent boys and girls (N = 460; M age = 14.2 years, SD = .90). Evidence was obtained for four personality profiles: (1) a resilient subtype (low on perfectionism and impulsivity), (2) pure impulsivity subtype (high on impulsivity only), (3) pure perfectionism subtype (high on perfectionism only), and (4) combined perfectionism/impulsivity subtype (high on both perfectionism and impulsivity). Participants in these four clusters showed differences in terms of eating disorder symptoms in that participants with a combination of high perfectionism and high impulsivity (rather than the presence of one of these two characteristics alone) had the highest levels of ED symptoms. These findings shed new light on extant theories concerning ED.     

Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Prevention: What Impact Do Related Adverse Events Have on Quality of Life?

ObjectivesTo elicit utilities for health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) impact of adverse events (AEs) associated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer prevention.Study DesignCross-sectional, online survey of men aged ≥55 years, experiencing symptoms similar to one or more AEs related to ADT (erectile dysfunction [ED], loss of libido, gynecomastia, ejaculatory problems) outside the context of treatment for prostate cancer (n = 190, plus n = 10 had prostate cancer, included to allow greater representation of men with gynecomastia) and an age/sex equivalent control group (n = 100). Utilities were collected using the EQ-5D and a condition-specific measure of sexual HRQL from which a preference-based single index could be scored (SQoL-3D). Regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of the AE on utility values using a variety of model types.ResultsMany participants reported more than one symptom, including ED (most common at n = 139), reduced libido (n = 99), ejaculatory disorder (n = 98), and gynecomastia (n = 20). EQ-5D and SQoL-3D utilities were weakly correlated (r = 0.296). From the ordinary least squares regression, EQ-5D and SQoL-3D disutilities were estimated for ED (?0.042; ?0.074), reduced libido (?0.053; ?0.048), ejaculatory disorder (?0.047; ?0.028), and gynecomastia (?0.043; ? 0.038), respectively. The use of tobit regression did not improve model predictions.ConclusionsUtility values elicited in this study provide useful indicators of the impact of AEs related to ADT in older men for use in cost-effectiveness evaluation of prophylaxis for prostate cancer, and of benefits of treatments for sexual dysfunction or gynecomastia in older men.     

Weight-related teasing,emotional eating,and weight control behaviors in Hispanic and African American girls

PurposeTo assess the association among parent and peer weight-related teasing, emotional eating, and weight control behaviors in minority girls.Methods141 Hispanic and African American preadolescent girls (mean age = 11.1 years, SD = 1.5 years) participated. Most of the participants were of Hispanic origin, had a bicultural orientation, and were obese. Participants completed surveys assessing weight-related teasing, emotional eating, weight control behaviors, demographic, and acculturation characteristics. Body weight and height were also assessed. Hierarchical regression analyses were run to determine the associations among study variables.ResultsFifty-nine percent of participants reported being weight-related teased by peers and 42% participants reported weight-related teasing by parents. Weight-related teasing by parent was associated with emotional eating and binge eating, whereas peer weight-related teasing was only associated with emotional eating.ConclusionsFindings demonstrated the differential association of weight-related teasing from peers and parents to emotional and binge eating in minority girls.