Date of Publication
2023
Abstract
Background: Eating disorders are a problem worldwide (1), and Vermont is no exception. A 2023 report to the Vermont legislature stated that one in ten Vermonters will develop an eating disorder and it emphasized the importance of prevention strategies (2). Our investigation sought to examine the current state of eating disorder prevention in Vermont public high schools by interviewing high school staff members.
Methods: We analyzed CDC data and Vermont state legislative reports to identify trends in youth body perception. School staff in Northern Vermont public high schools (n=12) were interviewed to obtain qualitative insights on their schools’ prevention strategies and present barriers. A survey was also administered to other school staff (n=24) with questions regarding their schools’ policies around eating disorder prevention.
Results: 96% of school staff agreed with the statement “disordered eating and body image is an issue for students in the school that I work.” 88% of educators agreed with the statement “I know where to go to acquire more information and resources on eating disorders.” 67% of educators disagreed with the statement “I have received training from the school to address disordered eating.”
Conclusion: Since most educators know where to access information, compiling lists of resources regarding disordered eating may not be an effective strategy. Most participants surveyed had not received training regarding disordered eating, therefore providing training for school staff or peers should be investigated further. Future research on this topic should be focused on effective prevention strategies that can be implemented in schools.
Advisor(s)
Mariah McNamara, MD, MPH
Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Justin Graham
University of Vermont Health Network
Subjects
Adolescent Health, Child and Adolescent Development, Community, Health Communication, Health Care, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Nutrition and Weight Status, Social and Community Context, Social Determinants of Health
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Aja, Adama A.; Ansell, Ella B.; Clark, Will P.; Goodrich, Isabel M.; Laud, Maisie; Nagy, Erzsie; Richardson, Olivia R.; and Watkins, Trevor, "Investigation on Eating Disorder Prevention in Vermont Public High Schools" (2023). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 340.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/340
