The prevalence and correlates of bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa: The Saudi National Mental Health Survey

Abstract

Objective Limited studies have been conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on eating disorders (EDs). This study presents national epidemiological survey data on the prevalence and correlates of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge‐eating disorder (BED) and their association with other mental health disorders, impairment in role functioning, and individual help‐seeking behaviors in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). Method A face‐to‐face survey was conducted in a nationally representative household sample of Saudi citizens aged 15–65 (n = 4004). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0) was used to produce estimates of lifetime and 12‐month prevalence and treatment of common DSM‐IV mental disorders. Results Twelve‐month prevalence of any of the three EDs was 3.2%; the overall lifetime prevalence was 6.1%. Education and marital status were significantly associated with both 12‐month and lifetime EDs prevalence. Significant mental health comorbidities associated with 12‐month EDs were anxiety, mood, and impulse‐control disorders, while lifetime EDs were significantly related to all disorders. A similar percentage of respondents that reported having ED‐related treatment at some point in their lifetime utilized healthcare and nonhealthcare sector. There was a significant relationship between body mass index category, and lifetime BED and BN. Discussion The 12‐month prevalence of EDs in the Saudi population was higher than the EDs rates reported worldwide. These findings can help healthcare experts, and policymakers in the implementation of initiatives for raising awareness of EDs among the Saudi population, and the development of a country‐wide plan for the prevention of EDs. Public Significance Statement The study presents data on the prevalence, correlates, and help‐seeking behaviors of AN, BN, and BED, in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). Obtaining information on this underrepresented region is essential due to the large differences in cross‐national data in addition to cultural beliefs about mental illness and treatment seeking to exert an important influence on eating disorders. Such knowledge could provide a better understand of mechanisms underlying the development of eating disorders and thereby improve prediction, prevention, and treatment.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: a Mendelian randomization study of gut microbiota

“…The escalating health and social burden attributed to eating disorders underscores the urgent need for effective treatments ( Murray et al, 2020 ; Arias et al, 2022 ). It has been well-documented that eating disorders such as AN and BN interact with a range of mental and organic disorders ( AlHadi et al, 2022 ). Blocking the progression of AN and BN by modulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites has received widespread attention from clinical researchers ( Jiao et al, 2023 ; Himmerich and Treasure, 2024 ).…”

The Saudi-Arabic adaptation of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34): Psychometrics and norms of the full version and the short version (BSQ8C)

“…For instance, Saudis who are dissatisfied with their bodies have an increased risk for unhealthy dietary habits ( Stice and Shaw, 2002 ), which may result in developing eating disorder symptoms, as a strong association was found between body-shape dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms in Saudi Arabia ( Melisse et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, eating disorder symptoms are associated with psychological symptoms in Saudi Arabia ( AlHadi et al, 2022 ), and body-shape dissatisfaction is associated with psychological symptoms in other cultures ( Rodríguez-Cano et al, 2006 ; Rich and LeClere, 2011 ; Murray et al, 2013 ; Gailledrat et al, 2016 ; Pritchard et al, 2021 ; Turk et al, 2021 ).…”