The Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS): a study of middle school students.
OBJECTIVE
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are known to occur in children although prevalence studies are lacking.


METHODS
Using a newly developed self-report instrument, the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS), 3,175 students (1,610 females, 1,565 males) enrolled in grades 5 to 8 were surveyed.


RESULTS
More than 40% of respondents reported feeling fat and/or the wish to lose weight. These frequencies of weight control behaviors were reported, many of which were significantly greater in girls than boys (*p < 0.05, chi-square): dieting (31.4%*), fasting (8.7%*), diet pill use (2.4%*), vomiting (4.8%), diuretic use (1.5%). The effects of age, grade, weight, and race on responses are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings demonstrate that development of prevention programs aimed at recognizing problem eating behavior in children is indicated.
Childress
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AC
Institute of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-0742.
Brewerton
T D
TD
Hodges
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Jarrell
M P
MP
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013022:South Carolina