Eating disorders among Jordanian adolescents with and without dysglycaemia: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on eating disorders among Jordanian adolescents have reported variable prevalence rates of 12-40%. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of eating disorders among Jordanian adolescents with and without dysglycaemia and determine the associated factors. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the period November 2017-February 2018. The Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale was used to assess the presence of different types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. A typical anorexia nervosa and purging disorder were considered "other eating disorders" in this study. RESULTS: This study included 497 patients with dysglycaemia and 504 age-matched nondysglycaemic participants. Patients with dysglycaemia had a significantly higher prevalence of binge eating disorders compared with nondysglycaemic participants (11.9% vs 5.8%, P < 0.001). In dysglycaemia group, adolescents who were aged ≥ 14 years were more likely to have bulimia nervosa compared with those < 14 years old. Patients with a sedentary lifestyle were less likely to have bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders. In the nondysglycaemic group, those aged 14-18 years were more likely to have other eating disorders. Those with dysglycaemia were more likely to have binge eating disorders than those in the nondysglycaemic group (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-3.3; P = 0.002) after adjusting for possible confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with dysglycaemia had higher prevalence of eating disorders compared with their nondysglycaemic peers. Screening for eating disorders is recommended among adolescents to secure early detection and subsequent intervention.