Primary prevention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls: Feasibility and short-term effect of a community-based intervention

Objective To evaluate a community-based intervention aimed at the primary p revention of disordered eating among preadolescent girls. Design Girl Scout troop members were randomized into control and interventi on groups. Program feasibility and effect at postintervention and 3-month f ollow-up were evaluated. Subjects/setting 226 girls (mean age = 10.6 years, standard deviation=0.7) from 24 Girl Scout troops. Intervention Six 90-minute sessions focusing on media literacy and advocacy skills. Main outcome measures Evaluation focused on program satisfaction and short- term effect on dieting behaviors, body image attitudes, and media knowledge , attitudes, and habits. Statistical analyses performed t tests, chi (2) tests, and analyses of cova riance including troop as a random source of variation. Results At baseline. 29% of the girls were trying to lose weight. The progr am had a notable positive influence on media-related attitudes and behavior s including internalization of sociocultural ideals, self-efficacy to impac t weight-related social norms, and print media habits. A modest program eff ect on body-related knowledge and attitudes was apparent at post-interventi on (ie, on body size acceptance, puberty knowledge, and perceived weight st atus) but not at follow-up. Significant changes were not noted for dieting behaviors, but they were in the hypothesized direction. Satisfaction with t he program was high among girls, parents, and leaders. Applications/conclusions It is feasible to use community youth settings, su ch as the Girl Scouts, to implement interventions to prevent disordered eat ing behaviors. The program led to positive trends in outcome variables; how ever, longer and more intensive interventions are needed for lasting change s in body image and dieting behaviors.