Prevalence of eating disorders and picking/nibbling in elderly women. Issue 7 (16th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conceição, Eva M.; Gomes, Fabiana V. S.; Vaz, Ana R.; Pinto‐Bastos, Ana; Machado, Paulo P. P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 50:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 793
• Page End: 800
• Publication Date: 2017-03-16
• Subjects: binge‐eating episodes -- eating disorders -- elderly women -- picking/nibbling -- prevalence; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.22700
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the point prevalence of eating disorders and picking/nibbling in elderly women. Methods: This was a two‐stage epidemiological study that assessed 342 women aged 65–94 years old. In Stage 1, the following screening measures were used to identify possible cases: the Mini‐Mental State Examination, to screen and exclude patients with cognitive impairment; Weight Concerns Scale; SCOFF (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food) Questionnaire; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire—dietary restraint subscale; and three questions to screen for picking/nibbling and night eating syndrome. Women selected for Stage 2 ( n = 118) were interviewed using the diagnostic items of the Eating Disorder Examination. Results: According to the DSM‐5, the prevalence of all eating disorders was 3.25% (1.83–5.7, 95% C.I.). Prevalence of binge‐eating disorder was 1.68% (0.82–3.82, 95% C.I.), of other specified feeding or eating disorders was 1.48% (0.63–3.42, 95% C.I.), and of bulimia nervosa 0.3% (.05–1.7, 95% C.I.)]. Binge‐eating episodes were reported by 5.62% of women. No cases of anorexia nervosa or night eating syndrome were identified. The prevalence of picking/nibbling was 18.9%. Picking/nibbling was associated with increased body mass index ( t (322) = −3.28, p < .001) and binge‐eating episodes ( χ 2 (1) = 5.65, p < .017). Discussion: Prevalence rates of eating disorders on elderly Portuguese women were comparable to those found on young women. Our data support the literature that suggests that binge‐eating disorder is particularly prevalent in older adults. Picking/nibbling was the most prevalent eating behavior and we provide further evidence for its association with weight and disordered eating.