title: A comparison of eating disorder patients in India and Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Eating disorders (EDs) are an emerging concern in India. There are few studies comparing clinical samples in western and nonwestern settings.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to compare females aged 16-26 years being treated for an ED in India (outpatients n = 30) and Australia (outpatients n = 30, inpatients n = 30).
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples were matched by age and body mass index, and had similar diagnostic profiles. Demographic information and history of eating and exercise problems were assessed. All patients completed the quality-of-life for EDs (QOL EDs) questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Indians felt they overate and binge ate more often than Australians; frequencies of food restriction, vomiting, and laxative use were similar. Indians were less aware of ED feelings, such as, "fear of losing control over food or eating" and "being preoccupied with food, eating or their body." Indians felt eating and exercise had less impact on their relationships and social life but more impact on their medical health. No differences were found in the global quality-of-life, body weight, eating behaviors, psychological feelings, and exercise subscores for the three groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Indian and Australian patients are similar but may differ in preoccupation and control of their ED-related feelings.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia ; Department of Psychiatry, Northside Clinic, Greenwich, NSW 2065, Australia.
authors: Maala
authors: M
authors: Lal
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia ; Department of Psychiatry, Northside Clinic, Greenwich, NSW 2065, Australia.
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Abraham
authors: Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India.
authors: Samir
authors: S
authors: Parikh
authors: Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, India.
authors: Kamna
authors: K
authors: Chhibber
keywords: Australia; India; culture; eating disorders; quality-of-life
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