Disordered eating behaviors and energy and nutrient intake in a regional sample of Brazilian adolescents from public schools.

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors and the association with energy and nutrient intake and nutritional status in adolescents.

METHODS

A school-based cross-sectional study was performed involving a probabilistic sample of 487 teenagers (aged 15-19 years) from public schools in the Metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Eating Attitude Test and the Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh questionnaires were applied to identify abnormal eating patterns and unusual dietary patterns, respectively. Nutritional status was defined by sex- and age-specific body mass index cutoffs. Energy and nutrient intake were assessed by a 3-day food record. The association between variables was assessed by the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals, Pearson's Chi-square test, and linear regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of abnormal eating patterns was 7.4% and that of unusual dietary patterns was 18.9%. Vitamin C intake was higher among girls with abnormal dietary patterns, with a consequent lower frequency of vitamin C deficiency when compared to those with normal dietary patterns. Calcium intake was lower in boys with unusual dietary pattern than in those without this behavior. Excess weight was associated with the presence of unusual dietary pattern in girls (PR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.6-3.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors was high, mainly in those who were overweight. It was associated with lower calcium intake in boys and with higher Vitamin C intake in girls.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, descriptive studies.