The prevention of eating disorders: a review of the research on risk factors with implications for practice.
OBJECTIVE
Eating disorders are a significant health problem among children and adolescents. A synthesis of recent research findings on the risk factors for eating disorders describes prevention strategies for practice.


OBJECTIVE
To present research findings on risk factors for eating disorders that specifically relate to prevention for advanced practice. Current investigations are reviewed and critiqued for biologic, psychological, family, and sociocultural risk factors. A critique of the research and findings from important studies describes strategies for prevention of eating disorders for advanced practice.


METHODS
Published literature and clinical and research expertise of the author.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifiable risk factors for eating disorders are found in children as well as adolescents. Findings from risk factor research provide the advanced practice nurse strategies for prevention of eating disorders. Few prevention programs exist; even fewer have been tested. An important clinical and research focus for advanced practice nurses is the prevention of eating disorders.
White
J H
JH
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA. Whitejh@erols.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors