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Radunz M, Wade TD. Towards an understanding of help-seeking behaviour for disordered eating: Refinement of a barriers to help-seeking measure. Early Interv Psychiatry 2023; 17:1012-1020. [PMID: 36650706 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM Early intervention in eating disorders (EDs) is hampered by a lack of validated measures of barriers to treatment seeking. The present study examined the factor structure of the Perceived Barriers to Psychological Treatment scale (PBPT) and a combination of PBPT and Barriers to Seeking Help for ED items (BATSH-ED) with respect to treatment-seeking for an ED. METHOD Participants were 456 female university students aged 17-25 reporting a wide range of disordered eating severity. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with the whole sample followed by correlational and regression analyses with a high-risk sample to assess validity of the selected questionnaire items. RESULTS Four models were tested. First, we replicated the original PBPT 8-factor structure in our sample with comparable fit indices. Second, the addition of six ED items comprising a Denial and Ambivalence subscale improved model fit. Third and fourth, when only significant subscales predicting treatment seeking were retained, with removal of items with weak loadings, a 15-item six-factor solution provided a best fit. A range of psychosocial measures had relationships in the expected directions with the questionnaire subscales. In addition to disordered eating, the denial subscale was uniquely associated with treatment seeking. CONCLUSIONS While the present study contributes to refining the assessment of barriers to help-seeking, future studies should consider co-design with lived experience to further improve the model fit of the questionnaire and improve predictiveness of help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Radunz
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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Radunz M, Ali K, Wade TD. Pathways to improve early intervention for eating disorders: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:314-330. [PMID: 36346008 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment-seeking rates among eating disorder (ED) populations are relatively low, with only one in four individuals seeking help. Previous research has identified many factors that might be associated with help-seeking in EDs, but to date no review has investigated the quantitative association between these factors and actual help-seeking behavior. The aim of the current review was to synthesize the relevant quantitative literature on factors (i.e., perceived barriers, characteristics associated with treatment seeking, demographic variables) associated with help-seeking using meta-analytic strategies, as well as provide recommendations on future early intervention research strategies to promote early help-seeking. METHOD Overall, 19 studies were included, identifying 141 perceived barriers (e.g., stigma) or individual characteristics (e.g., BMI, duration of illness) and 56 demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity), which were synthesized into 24 unique variables. RESULTS Less help-seeking was predicted by higher levels of denial and less perceived ability of others to provide help. DISCUSSION Given the small number of studies these results should be considered preliminary. Future studies should consider barriers to help-seeking when creating early intervention approaches. To improve help-seeking rates we suggest the use of targeted psychoeducational materials and co-design with people with lived experience when developing new strategies. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE The present study addresses a significant gap in the literature by synthesizing factors associated with help-seeking, with the aim of informing early intervention strategies to promote early help-seeking in eating disorder populations. Denial of illness and perceived inability of others to provide help were associated with lower help-seeking. Future studies should consider barriers to help-seeking and co-design with people with lived experience when creating new early intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Radunz
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kathina Ali
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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3
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Dufour R, Novack K, Picard L, Chadi N, Booij L. The use of technology in the treatment of youth with eating disorders: A scoping review. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:182. [PMID: 36434657 PMCID: PMC9700893 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is a high-risk period for the development of eating disorders. In recent years, there has been an increase in use of technology-based interventions (TBIs) for the treatment of eating disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the types of technology used for eating disorder treatment in youth and their effectiveness. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four databases were searched. Eligible articles included: (1) a TBI (2) participants with a mean age between 10- and 25-years and meeting DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria for any eating disorder and (3) qualitative or quantitative designs. Quantitative and qualitative studies were assessed for quality. RESULTS The search identified 1621 articles. After screening of titles and abstracts, 130 articles were read in full and assessed for eligibility by two raters. Forty-nine (29 quantitative and 20 qualitative, observational, or mixed methods studies) met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings indicated that 78% of quantitative studies had a low risk of bias and 22% had a moderate risk. Technologies reviewed in our study included videoconference therapy, mobile applications, and online self-help. We considered interventions used both within sessions with clinicians as well as those used in between sessions by patients alone. Fifteen of 18 (83%) quantitative studies found that TBIs reduce eating disorder symptomatology, with nine of those reporting medium-to-large effect sizes. Qualitative data was of high quality and suggested that virtual interventions are acceptable in this population. CONCLUSIONS Although identified studies are of high quality, they are limited in number. More research is needed, particularly regarding videoconferencing and mobile applications. Nonetheless, TBIs show promise for the treatment of eating disorders in youth. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dufour
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kaylee Novack
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Louis Picard
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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4
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Hay P, Hart LM, Wade TD. Beyond screening in primary practice settings: Time to stop fiddling while Rome is burning. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1194-1201. [PMID: 35633193 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This forum presents the current state of research in the screening and identification of people with eating disorders in community and primary care, taking a longer-term perspective that highlights the slow rate of progression in development of instruments, and impact on polices and practice. METHOD An historical overview is presented, followed by a critique of contemporary instruments and practice, and barriers to case detection and appropriate referral pathways. RESULTS There are now many instruments but all lack high levels of positive predictive power. However, some do have high sensitivity. Barriers contributing to poor detection and the treatment gap include need for improved education and support for primary care professionals and lack of confidence of individuals with eating disorders to initiate a discussion with health professionals. The best screening instrument would not overcome either of these barriers. DISCUSSION We purport there is an urgent need to improve current screening instruments (not to develop more), particularly those with high sensitivity. These should be being employed alongside programs to both improve primary care professionals' skills in assessment and management of people with eating disorders, and to empower consumers to navigate care pathways. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We argue that further screening instruments for eating disorders are not needed. Rather, it is more urgent to have a greater research focus on how to encourage primary care workers to ask about eating and body image and how to best translate that to more individuals with eating disorders being offered treatment. This work needs to be linked with tools that empower consumers to navigate care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillipa Hay
- School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, SWSLHD, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura M Hart
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Blackbird Initiative, Órama Institute, Flinders University, Australia
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Jardine J, Bowman R, Doherty G. Digital interventions to enhance readiness for psychological therapy: A scoping review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37851. [PMID: 36040782 PMCID: PMC9472056 DOI: 10.2196/37851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological therapy is an effective treatment method for mental illness; however, many people with mental illness do not seek treatment or drop out of treatment early. Increasing client uptake and engagement in therapy is key to addressing the escalating global problem of mental illness. Attitudinal barriers, such as a lack of motivation, are a leading cause of low engagement in therapy. Digital interventions to increase motivation and readiness for change hold promise as accessible and scalable solutions; however, little is known about the range of interventions being used and their feasibility as a means to increase engagement with therapy. Objective This review aimed to define the emerging field of digital interventions to enhance readiness for psychological therapy and detect gaps in the literature. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, Embase, ACM Guide to Computing Literature, and IEEE Xplore Digital Library from January 1, 2006, to November 30, 2021. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) methodology was applied. Publications were included when they concerned a digitally delivered intervention, a specific target of which was enhancing engagement with further psychological treatment, and when this intervention occurred before the target psychological treatment. Results A total of 45 publications met the inclusion criteria. The conditions included depression, unspecified general mental health, comorbid anxiety and depression, smoking, eating disorders, suicide, social anxiety, substance use, gambling, and psychosis. Almost half of the interventions (22/48, 46%) were web-based programs; the other formats included screening tools, videos, apps, and websites. The components of the interventions included psychoeducation, symptom assessment and feedback, information on treatment options and referrals, client testimonials, expectation management, and pro-con lists. Regarding feasibility, of the 16 controlled studies, 7 (44%) measuring actual behavior or action showed evidence of intervention effectiveness compared with controls, 7 (44%) found no differences, and 2 (12%) indicated worse behavioral outcomes. In general, the outcomes were mixed and inconclusive owing to variations in trial designs, control types, and outcome measures. Conclusions Digital interventions to enhance readiness for psychological therapy are broad and varied. Although these easily accessible digital approaches show potential as a means of preparing people for therapy, they are not without risks. The complex nature of stigma, motivation, and individual emotional responses toward engaging in treatment for mental health difficulties suggests that a careful approach is needed when developing and evaluating digital readiness interventions. Further qualitative, naturalistic, and longitudinal research is needed to deepen our knowledge in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Jardine
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Bowman
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gavin Doherty
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Nicula M, Pellegrini D, Grennan L, Bhatnagar N, McVey G, Couturier J. Help-seeking attitudes and behaviours among youth with eating disorders: a scoping review. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:21. [PMID: 35164872 PMCID: PMC8845232 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early intervention is crucial in interrupting the development of eating disorders, little is currently known about help-seeking behaviours among individuals experiencing eating disorder symptoms. Given that eating disorders typically begin early in life, it is necessary to investigate the processes employed by children, adolescents, and emerging adults when seeking services for troubling symptoms. This is a growing concern as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the number of individuals engaging in disordered eating behaviours. This scoping review explores the current state of the literature for evidence on how youth with eating disorder symptoms seek help, with the aim of better understanding how to identify and treat more individuals earlier. METHODS Using scoping review methodology, we searched seven databases for studies published from January 2000 to April 2021 that reported on help-seeking attitudes, behaviours, and healthcare utilization patterns for children and adolescents (< 18 years), emerging adults (18-25 years), and a mixture of these groups (< 25 years). Seven thousand, two hundred, and eighteen articles were identified for review. After duplicates were removed, three reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed full-text articles. Findings related to help-seeking activity were extracted from the 62 articles that were ultimately included in this scoping review. RESULTS Study findings were summarized into help-seeking patterns (i.e., rates, types) as well as factors ranging from the individual level to society that influenced help-seeking behaviour. Many youth meeting eating disorder criteria were not seeking help. Notable barriers to help-seeking included poor mental health literacy, experiences with healthcare providers who failed to detect and lacked knowledge about eating disorders, minimal support from family and friends, and stigma surrounding eating disorders and help-seeking for mental health concerns. CONCLUSIONS The results of this scoping review can be used to inform early intervention and health promotion program development. Future research should focus on the help-seeking attitudes and activities among underrepresented groups with eating disorders (e.g., men, ethnic and gender minorities), the perspectives of family and other supporters in the help-seeking process for youth, and retrospective accounts from adults with lived experience of an eating disorder. Plain English summary Addressing and interrupting eating disorder-related thoughts and behaviours as soon as possible, with the help of a mental health professional, leads to better outcomes for youth struggling with an eating disorder. However, little is known about what prompts youth to talk about their weight, body, or eating concerns with someone-like their parent, friend, teacher, guidance counsellor, or primary care practitioner. This review explores the available published research on help-seeking patterns and preferences among youth with eating disorder concerns. Our team followed a standardized process to find 62 relevant articles for this paper. Of note, many young people who reported eating disorder concerns were not seeking help for themselves. Feeling supported by family and their primary care provider, understanding the signs of an eating disorder, and not feeling shame for reaching out for help reportedly led youth to speak up about their concerns. The findings have clinical implications for learning effective ways to help youth feel safe to speak freely about their eating disorder-related concerns, which enhances the chances of intervening early and catching symptoms before they worsen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nicula
- McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | | | - Laura Grennan
- McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Neera Bhatnagar
- McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Gail McVey
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Couturier
- McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada. .,McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Reducing stigma-discrimination. Help seeking-empowerment. Emotional education-mental health literacy. NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:49-54. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.04178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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8
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McLean SA, Hurst K, Smith H, Shelton B, Freeman J, Goldstein M, Jeffrey S, Heruc G. Credentialing for eating disorder clinicians: a pathway for implementation of clinical practice standards. J Eat Disord 2020; 8:62. [PMID: 33292654 PMCID: PMC7607662 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-020-00332-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances are needed to ensure safe and effective treatment is available for people with eating disorders. Recently developed clinical practice and training standards for mental health professionals and dietitians represent a significant step in this direction by providing a consensus statement on eating disorder treatment as a foundation on which to build competent practice. This commentary argues that a credentialing system could promote implementation of these practice standards through formal recognition of qualifications, knowledge, training and professional activities to meet minimum standards for delivery of safe and effective eating disorder treatment. Drivers for credentialing include the imperative to provide safe and effective care, promotion of workforce development in eating disorder practice and, importantly, readily available and transparent information for referrers, consumers, and carers to identify health professionals credentialed to provide eating disorder treatment. However, a number of factors must be considered to ensure that credentialing does not restrict access to care, such as prohibitively narrow criteria to become credentialed, absence of pathways for education, training, or professional development opportunities, and lack of consultation with or endorsement by stakeholders of the credentialing criteria, application and approval processes, and ways of identifying credentialed practitioners. Further work, including development of credentialing criteria and aligned training opportunities, currently being undertaken by the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders and the National Eating Disorders Collaboration in consultation with stakeholders in the eating disorders sector and health professions will advance understanding of the feasibility of a system of credentialing for eating disorders within Australia and New Zealand. The availability of clinical practice and training standards, supported by implementation pathways, including credentialing of eating disorders practitioners, aim to improve quality of life, reduce financial burden, and close the treatment gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân A McLean
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia.
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
| | - Kim Hurst
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia
- Eating Disorder Service, Robina Private Hospital, Robina, Australia
- School of Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hilary Smith
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Beth Shelton
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeremy Freeman
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mandy Goldstein
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia
- Mandy Goldstein Psychology, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shane Jeffrey
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia
- River Oak Health, Brisbane, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gabriella Heruc
- Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
- Eating Disorder Service, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Linardon J, Rosato J, Messer M. Break Binge Eating: Reach, engagement, and user profile of an Internet-based psychoeducational and self-help platform for eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:1719-1728. [PMID: 32776693 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Internet-based psychoeducational and self-help platforms hold promise for alleviating existing help-seeking barriers and addressing the unmet needs of people with eating disorders (EDs). In this paper, we report data related to the reach, engagement, and visitor profile of Break Binge Eating, an online platform designed to provide evidence-based information and self-help strategies for people at all stages of an ED. METHOD Two sources of data were presented: (a) usage data from platform visitors generated through Google Analytics; and (b) characteristics of a sample of platform visitors (n = 786). RESULTS In 13 months, approximately 46,311 unique users worldwide have accessed this platform, with usage rates rapidly increasing each month. Most visitors came from organic searches (when ED-related information is directly searched in a browser). Self-help content was the most accessed material, and 81% of the sample stated that their reason for accessing the platform was to get help. Sample visitors were highly symptomatic; 52% met criteria resembling a threshold ED and 87% engaged in at least one ED behavior in the past month. Across different symptomatic subgroups, ∼50% were unsure whether they needed help, ∼80% were not receiving any help, and ∼75% were highly concerned with their symptoms. CONCLUSION This online platform has broad reach and is engaging its intended audience. It is an aim of this platform to improve mental health literacy, facilitate symptom recognition and improvement, and alleviate help-seeking barriers. Evaluating whether this platform is achieving its intended aims in a randomized controlled trial is the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Linardon
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Rosato
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mariel Messer
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Viguria I, Alvarez-Mon MA, Llavero-Valero M, Asunsolo Del Barco A, Ortuño F, Alvarez-Mon M. Eating Disorder Awareness Campaigns: Thematic and Quantitative Analysis Using Twitter. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17626. [PMID: 32673225 PMCID: PMC7388051 DOI: 10.2196/17626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health awareness initiatives are frequent but their efficacy is a matter of controversy. We have investigated the effect of the Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Wake Up Weight Watchers campaigns on Twitter. Objective We aimed to examine whether the Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Wake Up Weight Watchers initiatives increased the volume and dissemination of Twitter conversations related to eating disorders and investigate what content generates the most interest on Twitter. Methods Over a period of 12 consecutive days in 2018, we collected tweets containing the hashtag #wakeupweightwatchers and hashtags related to Eating Disorder Awareness Week (#eatingdisorderawarenessweek, #eatingdisorderawareness, or #EDAW), with the hashtag #eatingdisorder as a control. The content of each tweet was rated as medical, testimony, help offer, awareness, pro-ana, or anti-ana. We analyzed the number of retweets and favorites generated, as well as the potential reach and impact of the hashtags and the characteristics of contributors. Results The number of #wakeupweightwatchers tweets was higher than that of Eating Disorder Awareness Week and #eatingdisorder tweets (3900, 2056, and 1057, respectively). The content of tweets was significantly different between the hashtags analyzed (P<.001). Medical content was lower in the awareness campaigns. Awareness and help offer content were lower in #wakeupweightwatchers tweets. Retweet and favorite ratios were highest in #wakeupweightwatchers tweets. Eating Disorder Awareness Week achieved the highest impact, and very influential contributors participated. Conclusions Both awareness campaigns effectively promoted tweeting about eating disorders. The majority of tweets did not promote any specific preventive or help-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iranzu Viguria
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Llavero-Valero
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Felipe Ortuño
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.,Internal Medicine and Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcala de Henares, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Ali K, Fassnacht DB, Farrer L, Rieger E, Feldhege J, Moessner M, Griffiths KM, Bauer S. What prevents young adults from seeking help? Barriers toward help-seeking for eating disorder symptomatology. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:894-906. [PMID: 32239776 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate help-seeking attitudes, intentions, and behaviors, and to systematically explore perceived barriers to help-seeking for eating, weight, or shape concerns among young adults. Differences in perceived barriers as a function of type of eating disorder symptomatology were also examined. METHOD Data were collected using an online survey among individuals (aged 18-25 years) in Australia. Overall, 291 young adults with varying levels of eating disorder symptoms completed measures of disordered eating, weight or shape concerns, help-seeking barriers, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. According to their self-reported symptoms, participants were classified into four subgroups (i.e., anorexia nervosa [AN] symptoms, bulimia nervosa [BN] symptoms, binge-eating disorder [BED] symptoms, and other eating disorder symptoms). RESULTS Despite the belief that help-seeking is useful, only a minority of participants with elevated symptoms, namely those with AN, BN, and BED symptoms, believed they needed help. Across the sample, the most frequently cited barriers to seeking help for eating disorder symptoms were: concern for others, self-sufficiency, fear of losing control, denial and failure to perceive the severity of the illness, and stigma and shame. DISCUSSION The findings highlight the need to educate young adults about the severity of eating disorders and the importance of seeking help, and to increase the awareness of help-seeking barriers among those designing public health interventions as well as clinicians. Our findings suggest that help-seeking barriers may differ depending on the type of eating disorder symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathina Ali
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Daniel B Fassnacht
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Johannes Feldhege
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathleen M Griffiths
- Research School of Psychology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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McLean SA. Impact of viewing body image health promotion videos in adult men and women: Comparison of narrative and informational approaches. Body Image 2020; 33:222-231. [PMID: 32334146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is a serious public health issue, however, low awareness of its seriousness, and stigma, may inhibit treatment seeking. Social marketing videos using narrative-entertainment or documentary-informational style approaches may enhance awareness but little research has evaluated their impact, particularly potentially harmful effects. The current study addressed this gap. Men (n = 226) and women (n = 229), were randomly allocated to view one of four videos; (1) Narrative, (2) Narrative plus persuasive appeal, (3) Informational, and (4) Informational plus persuasive appeal. Outcome variables were assessed before and after viewing. A time-by-video interaction indicated an increase in perception of the importance of body dissatisfaction as a public health problem following informational, but not narrative videos. Time by gender interactions showed that women, but not men, experienced increased body weight satisfaction and reduced intentions to engage in body-talk after video viewing. Time main effects revealed improvements in perceptions of the problematic nature of body dissatisfaction related behaviours, in shape and muscularity satisfaction, and reduced anxiety and intentions to use body-talk and appearance comparison. Findings suggest that social marketing can increase awareness of body dissatisfaction without inadvertently causing harm. Results from this study provide preliminary support for dissemination through social marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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Fernández-Aranda F, Casas M, Claes L, Bryan DC, Favaro A, Granero R, Gudiol C, Jiménez-Murcia S, Karwautz A, Le Grange D, Menchón JM, Tchanturia K, Treasure J. COVID-19 and implications for eating disorders. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2020; 28:239-245. [PMID: 32346977 PMCID: PMC7267370 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Casas
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Medicina Legal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Vall d'hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laurence Claes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Danielle Clark Bryan
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, UK
| | - Angela Favaro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua and Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roser Granero
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlota Gudiol
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Institut de Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) and Institut Català d'Oncologia-Hospitalet, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,REIPI (Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Disease), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Karwautz
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Le Grange
- Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jose M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, UK
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14
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Bauer S, Goldschmidt A. Introduction to the special issue on advancing assessment of, and interventions for, eating disorders via innovative uses of technology. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1073-1076. [PMID: 31578732 PMCID: PMC7477920 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this editorial is to introduce a Special Issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders on "Advancing Assessment of, and Interventions for, Eating Disorders via Innovative Uses of Technology." The 10 contributions to the Special Issue focus on the following main questions: (a) How can we optimize technology-enhanced interventions for eating disorders? (b) To what extent can technology help professionals to reach underserved populations? (c) How can innovative technology-enhanced tools improve assessment and treatment of eating disorders? The findings cumulatively suggest that technology can play a critical role in the detection and treatment of eating disorders, and may be used to enhance understanding of the etiology, maintenance, and course of these conditions. The contributions to this Special Issue have important implications for the conceptualization, design, and evaluation of technology-enhanced interventions as well as for the optimization of current assessment methods. Hopefully, they will stimulate future research in this quickly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 54, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany;,Correspondence should be addressed to Stephanie Bauer, PhD, Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 54, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; ; Phone: ++49-6221-567345
| | - Andrea Goldschmidt
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Brown Medical School/The Miriam Hospital, 196 Richmond St., Providence, RI
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