| dc.description.abstract | Research has shown substantial co-morbidities of disordered eating with various psychological
and medical indices, including alcohol dependence, substance abuse, affective disorders,
depression, physical disabilities, obesity, and diabetes. However, most research on disordered
eating and psychological and medical co-morbidities has focussed on adolescent, clinical
populations, and has originated from the United States and the United Kingdom. The current
study investigated the prevalence and co-morbidities of disordered eating in a non-clinical
representative sample of Ontario adults and older adolescents, and addressed the issue of
healthcare utilization in this population, by analysing data from the Canadian Community Health
Survey, Cycle 1.2-Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2). Results indicated a higher level of
disordered eating than has been shown in previous studies, and substantial co-morbidities of
disordered eating. Results also indicated that many disordered eating individuals did not utilize
healthcare services due to negative attitudes toward the healthcare system. Co-morbid
respondents were more likely to utilize healthcare services and to report barriers to healthcare
services. Treatment options need to address the overlapping nature of disordered eating and
other health and psychological factors, and also need to address a more general negative body
image, in addition to the more formal problem of disordered eating. | |
