Disordered eating behaviors and psychological correlates. Data from the Ensanut 2018-19

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship between disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, and alcohol and tobacco use in adolescents in a national survey in Mexico.

Materials and methods: Data from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2018-19 were used. Three levels of DEB were established: no risk (DEB-NR), moderate risk (DEB-MR), and high risk (DEB-HR). An ordinal logistic regression model was performed with level of DEB risk as a dependent variable.

Results: National prevalence of DEB-MR was 6.0 (95CI: 5.6, 6.5), while that of DEB-HR was 1.3 (95CI: 1.1, 1.6). Suicide attempt (OR 1.82, 95CI: 1.02,3.25) and depressive symptoms (OR 2.6, 95CI: 1.40,4.98) were associated with being at a higher risk of DEB.

Conclusion: Since both depressive symptoms and suicide attempt are associated with DEB, prevention strategies should consider interventions that simultaneously address the various mental health problems present in adolescence.