Rebeca María Elena Guzmán Saldaña

A preliminary study of the predictive factors of binge eating behavior in three cultures: Mexico, Spain and Argentina

Abstract The increased frequency of binge eating behavior, and its relationship to overweight and obesity, expressed a national and international real health problem. The objective of this study was to explore, identify and describe the risk factors that interrelate and explain Binge Eating Behavior, paying special attention to the similarities and differences inherent to samples from three different Spanish-speaking countries (Mexico, Spain and Argentina). The total sample consisted of N xa0=xa0258 women: Mexican ( n xa0=xa085, M age xa0=xa016.18, SD xa0=xa00.99); Argentine ( n xa0=xa075, M age xa0=xa017.00, SD xa0=xa01.24) and Spanish ( n xa0=xa098, M age xa0=xa017.00, SD xa0=xa01.36). The instruments used showed a good psychometrical properties. The eating for psychological compensation factor gets the highest β weight in the three groups and its intercultural relevance is confirmed by the Path Analysis. It is discussed the emotional nature of the eating for psychological compensation factor, its contribution to prevention, and its predictive power.

Disordered eating behaviours and sedentary lifestyle prevention among young Mexicans: a pilot study

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a universal prevention programme for disordered eating behaviours (DEB) and sedentary lifestyle among Mexican young people. Design: Non-experimental single group field study with repeated measures (pre-test, post-test and at 6-month follow-up). Setting: Public high school in Hidalgo, Mexico. Methods: In all, 214 young women and 154 young men aged 15–18u2009years with a mean age of 16.4 participated in the study. For both young women and men, data were collected using the Brief Questionnaire for Disordered Eating Behaviours (DEB) and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Among young men, additional data were collected using the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS). Intervention: Five activity-based sessions. In the first four sessions, the following topics were addressed: thinness culture, myths and realities of dieting and supplements, healthy eating behaviours and healthy menus. At the end of each session, students engaged in an enjoyable physical activity hour. In the fifth session, participants were divided into three parallel workshop groups focusing on: thinness culture, healthy menus, and physical activity. The programme incorporated a variety of dissonance-based interventions using interactive psychoeducational strategies. Results: After 6 months, repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed a significant reduction in the mean DEB scores in young women. In young men, DEB and DMS mean scores decreased but not significantly. Physical activity frequency and duration showed a significant increase in the total sample over time. Conclusions: Overall, implementation of the programme had positive effects on young people and important differences were found between the sexes.

Discriminatory power and correct classification of the Scale of Risk Factors Associated with Eating Disorders (EPHRATA-II)

Abstract The increased frequency of binge eating behavior, and its relationship to overweight and obesity, expressed a national and international real health problem. The aim of the study was to establish the discriminatory and correct classification of the Scale of Risk Factors Associated with Eating Disorders (Ephrata-II), for boys and girls. The non random sample was formed by 934 public school students: 474 girls and 460 boys with a mean age of 10.6 years ( SD =.80). Discriminant analysis with Mahalanobis D method, yielded a correct classification of 100% of cases at high and low risk. The food overeating dimension of psychological compensation was the most relevant, followed by chronic restricted diet. The Ephrata-II is a suitable indicator for estimation of risk factors in eating behavior of tweens, and represents a valuable contribution in the development of prevention programs for eating disorders.