Understanding the Intersection of Social Determinants and Disordered Eating: Implications for Practitioners
Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) pose significant long-term health risks and are notably prevalent among socially marginalized groups. Recent research by Simone et al. (2022) delves into the complex relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and DEBs in young adults. This blog post aims to translate these findings into actionable insights for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and understanding in this critical area.
The Study at a Glance
The study utilized data from the EAT 2010–2018 longitudinal study, involving 1,568 participants aged approximately 22 years. By employing conditional inference tree analyses, researchers identified key SDoH that intersect with DEBs, particularly binge eating and extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors.
- Binge Eating: Five subgroups emerged with prevalence rates ranging from 6.3% to 23.2%. Key influencing factors included appearance-based teasing, financial difficulty, gender, and everyday discrimination during emerging adulthood.
- Extreme Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors: Six subgroups were identified with prevalence rates between 2.3% and 45.5%. Influences included weight teasing, gender during emerging adulthood, public assistance, and neighborhood safety during adolescence.
Implications for Practitioners
This research underscores the importance of considering SDoH when addressing DEBs in young adults. Here are some strategies practitioners can implement:
- Cultural Competency: Develop a nuanced understanding of how cultural and social contexts influence eating behaviors. Tailor interventions to address specific SDoH affecting different subgroups.
- Holistic Assessment: Incorporate assessments of financial difficulties, experiences of discrimination, and other SDoH into routine evaluations of clients presenting with DEBs.
- Targeted Interventions: Design interventions that specifically address identified risk factors such as teasing or discrimination. This might include cognitive-behavioral strategies to build resilience against these stressors.
- Advocacy and Education: Advocate for policies that reduce social inequities contributing to DEBs. Educate clients about the impact of SDoH on their health behaviors.
The Need for Further Research
The findings from Simone et al.'s study highlight the need for hypothesis-driven research to further explore the nuances of SDoH's impact on DEBs. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research efforts that aim to replicate and expand upon these findings.
