Eating Disorders in Lebanon: Directions for Public Health Action.

Eating Disorders in Lebanon: Directions for Public Health Action.
Community Ment Health J. 2015 Aug 19;
Authors: Zeeni N, Safieddine H, Doumit R
Abstract
Research in the field of eating disorders (ED) is limited in the Middle East. The aim of the present study was to profile Lebanese ED outpatients. A mixed-method design was used. Clinicians across Lebanon filled individual questionnaires about their 2013 ED outpatients (n = 104) and participated in focus groups. Results showed that bulimia nervosa was the most prevalent ED (46.1 %) followed by anorexia nervosa (39.4 %) and binge eating (14.4 %). The emerging socio-demographic profile of the Lebanese ED patient was that of a single female young adult of middle to high socio-economic status with severe ED symptoms (amenorrhea, multiple purging behaviors) and depression. Also, there was a general delay in seeking help which made patient recovery more difficult. The present study emphasizes the critical need for a public health approach to ED awareness and could help in developing preventive and remedial educational programs targeting youth in Lebanon and the Middle East.
PMID: 26286080 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Community Mental Health Journal - August 19, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Zeeni N, Safieddine H, Doumit R Tags: Community Ment Health J Source Type: research