Latent profile analyses of disordered eating behaviors and nonsuicidal self‐injury among Vietnamese adolescents

Abstract

Objective Comorbidity of disordered eating (DE) behaviors and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is linked to increased functional impairment. The present study identified subtypes of DE and NSSI comorbidity in a non‐Western, low‐ and middle‐income country where there has been particularly little research in this area. Method Latent profile analyses (LPA) were conducted to identify patterns of subgroup comorbidity in self‐reported DE behaviors and NSSI behaviors, in a sample of Vietnamese high‐school students (N = 1451, 51% female). Parallel‐process LPA was used to predict NSSI subgroup membership from DE subgroup membership. Results A seven‐class LPA model was identified for DE: (1) Low frequencies of all DE behaviors; (2) Frequent levels of all DE behaviors; (3) Frequent fasting and purging behaviors; (4) Frequent binge eating only; (5) Moderate binge eating; (6) Moderate fasting and purging behaviors; (7) Exercise and fasting. A two‐class (high versus low) model was identified for NSSI. Odds of membership in the high‐NSSI class were significantly increased for all DE classes except the class characterized by moderate binge eating. Odds of belonging to the high‐NSSI class were highest for those in DE classes involving purging behaviors. Males predominated in classes characterized by high behavior dysregulation. Discussion DE and NSSI represent important clinical concerns among Vietnamese youth in urban contexts, and males may show particular vulnerability for certain risk behaviors. The association of classes of DE behaviors to NSSI was particularly strong for classes that involved purging, highlighting the importance of this specific behavior for understanding comorbidity of DE and NSSI. Public Significance Disordered eating and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI; hurting oneself without intending to die) commonly co‐occur. There has been less research on disordered eating and NSSI among individuals from non‐Western or low/middle‐income countries. We examined patterns of these behaviors in a school‐based sample of Vietnamese adolescents. We found that patterns of disordered eating distinguished by purging showed particular links to NSSI, which could have implications for screening and treatment.