PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF BINGE-EATING AND PURGING BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Purpose: This study aims to compare dieting, binge eating, and purging behaviors, and to examine predictors of binge eating and purging beha viors among adolescents with and without Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Metho ds: The index group included 310 adolescents who reported that they ha d DM on a statewide population survey of 36,284 adolescents in grades 7-12 in Minnesota. The comparison group included a random sample match ed for socioeconomic status (SES), of 850 adolescents without chronic illness. Disordered eating behaviors assessed in the present study inc luded binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, and diuretic use. Potentia l predictor variables assessed included weight loss behaviors, body im age, sexual abuse, sexual attractions, emotional well-being, family co nnectedness, poor school performance, age, race, Body Mass Index (BMI) , and SES. Results: Binge eating and purging were significantly mole p revalent among adolescents with DM than among the comparison group. Di fferent risk profiles were found for adolescents with and without DM a nd for males and females. Predictors of binge eating and purging among females with DM included weight dissatisfaction, bisexual/homosexual attractions, and younger age. Predictors among males with DM included bisexual/homosexual attractions, younger age, sexual abuse, and an int eraction between sexual abuse and emotional well-being. Conclusions: A dolescents with DM should be screened for unhealthy weight control pra ctices and eating disorders. If disordered eating is present, clinicia ns need to be sensitive to the variety of factors possibly associated with these behaviors among different individuals.