title: Predictors of dropout from in-patient treatment of eating disorders: an Italian experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to examine possible risk factors for dropout from in-patient treatment for eating disorders (ED).
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study consisted of a retrospective analysis of clinical and non-clinical available information about 186 patients suffering from ED consecutively admitted into the Villa Maria Luigia Private Hospital (Parma, Italy) in a three-year period (01/01/2006 - 31/12/2009). Sociodemographics, clinical history and current features, and results to the following psychometric instruments were analysed: Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDQ), Predisposing, On-set and Maintaining risk factors list for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders Inventory-II, Body Uneasiness Test and SCL-90.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 186 patients, 46 (24.7%) voluntarily left the treatment program prematurely. Predictive factors included poor educational and professional achievements, parents' divorcing, parents' history of substance abuse and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dropout is a multifactorial phenomenon with deep clinical consequences: the recognition of possible risk factors may support the choice of specific therapeutic strategies to improve the treatment of ED and its outcomes.
authors: International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. trp@unimore.it
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Pingani
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Catellani
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Arnone
authors: E
authors: E
authors: De Bernardis
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Vinci
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Ziosi
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Turrini
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Rigatelli
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ferrari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires