Binge Eating and Bulimic Behaviors in a School-Age Population

Abstract

Binge eating and bulimia most commonly occur among females during late adolescence and young adulthood, with most known cases among college students. Few studies have been reported in school-age populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of binge-eating and bulimic behaviors among a randomly selected high school population. Using a self-report measure of binge-eating behaviors, eating practices and weight control, data were collected from 126 participants. Fifty-three percent, predominantly female, reported binge-eating episodes, with 22.4% occurring weekly and 10.4% daily. Fifty-five percent began binge eating between 10 and 14 years of age. Purging behaviors included vomiting (9.1%), laxatives (5.9%), and diuretics (2.9%). Following DSM-III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980) criteria and symptom severity levels by Hawkins and Clement (1980), the estimated prevalence rate for bulimia was 4.8 %. Using Ondercin's (1979) guidelines, 3.2 % were designated as severe binge eaters. The frequency of unwanted thoughts about food, restricted dieting, and the daily consumption of the basic four food groups were associated with binge eating. The best predictors of binge eating were unwanted thoughts about food and the meaning of food. Implications for community health nursing education and practice are also discussed.