Knowledge and practice of eating disorders among a group of adolescent dental patients

The purpose of this study was to look at a cohort of female adolescent patients between the ages of 12-17 years to ascertain how much they knew about the eating disorders of bulimia and anorexia nervosa, determine if they had practiced behavior consistent with bulimia and/or anorexia nervosa, and compare the individual participant's personal body image to the participant's Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile to determine if there was a disconnect with actual and perceived healthy weight status. A validated survey instrument was self completed by 126 subjects and weight, height, and BMI percentile were obtained for all participants. Based on the response to the validated questions, 18.3% of the sample may have an eating disorder. The BMI percentiles were higher in the group suspected of having an eating disorder. Of those with a suspected eating disorder, only 38% could correctly identify the definition/symptoms of bulimia nervosa and 50% for anorexia nervosa. Educational interventions should be directed at this young age group, as it appears eating disorders are beginning at a very early age. If the at-risk individuals knew more about the disorders and the consequences that accompany them, they may be less likely to practice the behaviors