Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #101895

Ashley Falcon, MPH¹, Karen M. Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN¹, and Teri Malo, MPH². (1) Dept. of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813 974 6704, kperrin@hsc.usf.edu, (2) Dept. of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612

Background: The literature demonstrates the great potential of internet technology as a vehicle for eating disorder prevention. Internet-delivered prevention programs report positive outcomes, but what about the unreliable information that is shared among individuals with eating disorders on non-regulated chat rooms.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine common themes from a content analysis of entries from an anonymous pro-eating disorder chat room.

Methods: 2,632 entries from a 31-day period (August 2004) of an anonymous pro-eating disorder chat room were printed and coded for common themes.

Results: The results revealed that of the individuals posting comments to the chat room, approximately 77.7% were anorexic, 5.0% were bulimic and 17.0% were both anorexic and bulimic. The central themes centered on the following topics: a) asking and giving advice; b) venting anger and expressing depression; c) sharing eating disorder “trade secrets”; d) coping with family and friends; and e) making pacts with others, e.g. fasting or achieving weight goals. Not a central theme, but one of special interest, is the references to suicide ideation and self-mutilation intertwined among the entries.

Conclusion: Since it is common for individuals to hide their eating disorders from their closest friends and family members, this research reveals insight into eating disorders that is rarely seen by professionals.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify common themes that were determined by the qualitative analysis.
• 2. Describe how professionals and parents may use these data to recognize eating disorders among young adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.