"It is more isolating to patients if you aren't familiar with the resources": a pilot test of a clinician sensitivity training on eating disorders in pregnancy.

It is more isolating to patients if you aren't familiar with the resources: A pilot test of a clinician sensitivity training on eating disorders in pregnancy.(IRB Number: 1909705198).Background Pregnant women with a history of eating disorders (EDs) or active EDs have greater maternal and child health complications. They are also unlikely to disclose their history with an ED to their clinician, few of which are confident in their knowledge to provide appropriate care for patients who present with EDs. This study's goal was to evaluate changes to knowledge, behavior, and attitudes for health professionals who were part of a sensitivity training (to provide information of and awareness, address potential clinician biases, and offer strategies for more patient-centered care with de-stigmatizing language) about eating disorders and pregnancy compared with those who received a reference document.Methods Our pilot study compared responses of health professionals before and after this sensitivity training (N = 54) with a group who were provided a clinician reference document about the same topic (N = 61).Results Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon tests showed significant differences between the sensitivity training and reference document groups, with the sensitivity training resulting in increases to participants' perception of ED's relevance to overall treatment (p = 0.018), comfort in providing resources (p < 0.0001), frequency of ability to introduce strategies (p = 0.001), and interest in additional strategies/recommendations in treating patients with eating disorders (p = 0.009). Thematic analysis of the open-ended responses indicated four major themes: Resources and support, Treatment, Additional training, and Clinician Strategies. Discussion Results indicated that the sensitivity training improved training outcomes compared to the reference document group. Qualitative responses from both groups indicated four themes that can help inform ED-centered care. This study provides context for future directions for continuing education courses as well as clinical training recommendations for treating pregnant patients with EDs.

The Relationship Between Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence, and Eating Disorder Symptomatology Among College Students.

This study examined the interrelationship of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault (SA), and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among a sample of college students (n = 1,580). Students reporting a history of SA were 2.5 times more likely to screen positively for further ED assessment. A history of IPV also increased odds of having a positive ED screener. The model showed that 6% of the variance in ED symptomatology was explained by IPV and SA. Results did not differ based on gender. This study furthers our understanding of the relationship between IPV, SA, and ED to guide future prevention and treatment efforts. Specifically, the use of trauma-informed ED treatment could assist with full ED recovery and other comorbid mental health conditions.

Life satisfaction among a clinical eating disorder population.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective was to understand life satisfaction (LS) of patients with eating disorders (EDs) in relation to eating pathology severity, personal/familial ED history, and key demographic and anthropometric variables. METHODS: Participants (N = 60) completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Eating Pathology Severity Index (EPSI), and demographic questionnaires. Bivariate associations via correlations and multiple linear regression models were used to explore these relationships. RESULTS: The SWLS mean score was 3.7 out of 7, suggesting it is below the population-based norm. LS was positively statistically significantly associated with private insurance, past ED, EPSI muscle building, EPSI restricted eating, and EPSI negative attitudes. When included in multiple linear regression, the model explained 33% of the variability of LS [F (7, 56) = 3.4, p = 0.0054, R2 = 0.33]. EPSI muscle building remained the strongest predictor (ß = 0.13, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data, individuals who have/have had EDs scored lower on the SWLS than the general population. Individuals scoring within this range typically experience significant issues in several areas of life or a substantial issue in one area.