Risk Factors and Comorbidities of Eating Disorders in a Large Military Cohort
Abstract
Given the capacity for eating disorders to significantly impact service member and family readiness, it is critical to understand which factors may confer increased risk for the development of eating disorders, as well as those that may precede or co-occur with eating disorders. This study analyzed longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study and the Millennium Cohort Family Study to track service members and spouses for up to 15 years to address three main aims: 1) identify demographic, military, and behavior factors that are associated with the development of BN (Bulimia Nervosa), BED (Binge Eating Disorder), or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders) among service members, 2) determine the temporal relationship between eating disorders and comorbid conditions among service members, and 3) examine risk and protective factors for the development of BED among military spouses. Risk factors (Aim 1) that were significantly associated with increased risk for all three eating disorders among service members included active-duty component, serving in the Army, Marines or Navy, deployment with combat experience, feeling bothered by lack of social support, experiencing one or more stressful life events, and screening positive for probable PTSD, probable depression, or problem drinking. Experiencing a sexual assault was also a significant risk factor for BN and BED among service members. For comorbidities (Aim 2), bidirectionality between eating disorders and mental health disorders was consistently observed; however, the magnitude of these prospective associations varied by BED and BN. Specifically, mental health disorders more strongly predicted subsequent BED, whereas BN more strongly predicted subsequent mental health outcomes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1219940
Entities
People
- Shira Maguen
Organizations
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education