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Primary prevention of eating disorders: characteristics of effective programmes and how to bring them to broader dissemination
Author(s) -
Berger Uwe,
Sowa Melanie,
Bormann Bianca,
Brix Christina,
Strauss Bernhard
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.861
Subject(s) - hotline , eating disorders , anorexia nervosa , psychology , intervention (counseling) , christian ministry , medical education , health promotion , family medicine , medicine , public health , nursing , psychiatry , political science , telecommunications , computer science , law
Objective Based upon the observation of advances in the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED), it is summarized that school‐based programmes, focusing on risk factors for females with interactive elements, dissonance induction and booster sessions yield significant effects even under strong methodological conditions. However, beyond the presented research findings it remains often unclear, if and how programmes can be brought to a broader dissemination within a community, region or country. Method Introducing the programme PriMa (German school‐based programme for the primary prevention of anorexia nervosa (AN) for girls up to the age of 12), we describe the process of programme evaluation (including 1.006 girls from 42 schools in Thuringia, Germany, who participated in a controlled study using a pre‐post‐design and a 3 months follow‐up), programme implementation and development of follow‐up programmes, including an intervention for boys and flanking secondary preventive actions (such as a telephone hotline). Results Using standardized measures, the girls in the intervention group of PriMa reported significant improvements in body self esteem, figure dissatisfaction, knowledge and eating attitudes. The teachers, who conducted the programme, felt well qualified and were evaluated significantly positive by their students. Based upon the PriMa evaluation, we established a comprehensive health promotion programme at 60 Thuringian schools within the last 3 years, which could function as a model of a fruitful cooperation between a governmental institution (Thuringian Ministry of Culture) and a research institution (University Hospital Jena). Conclusions Existing programmes have the potential for effective prevention of ED. To confirm these effects under ‘real world conditions’ within a given community will still be a great challenge that often requires methodological and organizational concessions and compromises. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.