Disordered eating behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional population-based study in Italy.

Project Abstract

<p> </p><h3></h3><div><h4>OBJECTIVE</h4><p>To evaluate the association of clinical, metabolic and socioeconomic factors with disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes screened using the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R).</p><h4>METHODS</h4><p>A cross-sectional, population-based study involved 163 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, aged 11-20 years, recruited from the registry for type 1 diabetes of Marche Region, Italy, who completed the DEPS-R (response rate 74.4%). Clinical characteristics, lipid profile, HbA1c , family profile of education and occupation were evaluated. The Italian version of DEPS-R was validated, and the prevalence of DEB estimated. The association of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors with DEB was evaluated by multiple correspondence analysis and multiple logistic regression.</p><h4>RESULTS</h4><p>The prevalence of DEPS-R-positive (score ≥20) was 27% (95% CI 17-38) in boys and 42% (95% CI 31-53) in girls. A clinical profile of DEPS-R-positive was identified overweight, little time spent in physical activity, low socioeconomic status, poor metabolic control, skipping insulin injections. Furthermore, the probability of DEPS-R-positive increased 63% for every added unit of HbA1c , 36% for every added number of insulin injections skipped in a week and decreased about 20% for every added hour/week spent in physical activity. Overweight youth were six times more likely to be DEPS-R-positive.</p><h4>DISCUSSION</h4><p>A specific clinical profile of DEPS-R-positive was identified. A multidisciplinary clinical approach aimed to normalize eating behaviors and enhance self-esteem should be used to prevent the onset of these behaviors, and continuous educational programs are needed to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.</p><p> </p><h4>KEYWORDS</h4><p>adolescent; body mass index; exercise; feeding and eating disorders; social class; type 1 diabetes mellitus</p> <br><p></p></div> <br><p></p>

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