A comparison of psychometric profiles and admission data of white and black female eating disorder patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychometric profiles and admission data of black South African females with white South African females on admission to the Eating Disorder Unit at Tara the H. Moross Centre. A total of 20 eating disorder patients between the age range of 13 and 29 years admitted to the Tara between the periods 1998-2004 were studied. Of the 20 patients, 5 black and 5 white patients with a DSMIV diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa were used; and 5 black and 5 white patients with a DSMIV diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa. Psychometric profiles of each patient were established through the use of the EDI (Eating Disorder Inventory) the BITE (Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh) and the BECK Depression Inventory. Admission data consisted of age, race, sex, occupation, home language, province of residence, diagnosis, period of onset, year of admission, admission weight, goal weight, height, body mass index, own ideal weight, highest past weight, lowest past weight, amenorrhea (duration). All admission and psychometric measurements indicated no significant difference between culture groups for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Hence, it is seems as if the psychometric profiles of hospitalised eating disorder patients are similar despite racial/ethnic differences and that black South African females also have similar admission data as white females.