Disordered eating & cultural diversity: a focus on Arab Muslim women in Israel.
BACKGROUND
A dearth of data concerning eating problems among adult women from minority population groups leaves substantial knowledge gaps and constrains evidence-based interventions.


OBJECTIVE
To examine prevalence and predictors of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among Arab Muslim women in Israel, whose eating behaviors have not been previously examined and to compare with second generation Israeli-born Jews of European heritage.


METHODS
Community-based study includes sub-samples of Arab Muslims and Israeli-born Jews. DEB is assessed with fourteen DSM-IV related symptoms. Hierarchical regressions examine influence of weight, self-criticism and psychological distress on DEB severity.


RESULTS
Relatively high prevalence rates emerge for Muslims (27%) and Jews (20%), a nonsignificant difference. In contrast, regressions reveal substantially different predictor patterns. For Arab Muslims, weight has the strongest association; for Jews, weight is not significant while self-criticism is the strongest predictor. Explained variance also differs considerably: 45% for Muslims and 28% for Jews.


CONCLUSIONS
Surprising similarities and distinct differences underscore complex patterns of eating disturbances across culturally diverse groups. Culturally sensitive interventions are warranted along with more illuminating explanatory paradigms than 'one size fits all.'
Falk Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Kfar Shaul Hospital, Givat Shaul, Jerusalem 91060, Israel. Electronic address: mcfnew@gmail.com.
Marjorie C
MC
Feinson
Falk Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Kfar Shaul Hospital, Givat Shaul, Jerusalem 91060, Israel.
Adi
A
Meir
D000328:Adult; D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology*; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D007585:Jews / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
Arab Muslims; Cultural diversity; Disordered eating; Israel; Jews