Factors Associated with Eating Disorders in Children with Type ۱ Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objective: Eating disorders among children with type ۱ diabetes are complex, multifactorial conditions that can adversely affect growth and development. These disorders may stem from social pressures, concerns about body image, and fears related to blood glucose fluctuations. The dietary management demands of diabetes can contribute to maladaptive eating behaviors. Recognizing and understanding these disorders is crucial for prevention and intervention. This study aimed to identify factors associated with eating disorders in children diagnosed with type ۱ diabetes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included ۲۰۰ children with type ۱ diabetes attending Bou-Ali Educational and Medical Center in Ardabil, recruited using a census sampling method. Data were collected using the Eating Problems in Children with Diabetes questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version ۲۴, employing descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential tests (independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis). Statistical significance was set at p ۰.۰۵. Results: Most participants were female (۵۲.۵%) and first-born children (۴۴%). Overall, ۷۷.۵% demonstrated a moderate level of eating disorders. Multiple regression analysis indicated that individual and social variables explained ۱۸.۶% of the variance in eating disorder scores. In univariate analysis, weight (inverse association), father's occupation, family economic status, and history of hypoglycemia (positive association) were significantly related to eating disorders. In multivariate analysis, father's educational level and the presence of comorbid conditions emerged as significant positive predictors of eating disorders. Conclusion: Given that individual and social factors significantly influence eating disorders in children with type ۱ diabetes, targeted family-centered interventions addressing these determinants are recommended to reduce the prevalence of such disorders.

کلیدواژه ها:

Eating disorders ، Type ۱ diabetes ، Children