AbstractsPsychology

Knowledge, experience, and opinions of Chinese clinicians about eating disorders

by Yue Huang




Institution: University of Hawaii – Manoa
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: eating disorders
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2100241
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10125/101373


Abstract

M.A. University of Hawaii at Manoa 2011. Eating disorders (EDs), initially considered specific to Western societies, are becoming more common in non-Western cultures, including China. The present study investigated Chinese clinicians' knowledge, experience, and opinions about EDs. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and consultation with ED experts and Chinese clinicians. The final survey was mailed to 437 clinicians in different geographic regions of Mainland China after an initial phone contact. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted on 434 completed surveys. Respondents in the present study demonstrated limited knowledge of EDs with weakness in knowledge of physical complications on the developed scale. About 80% of respondents reported having no experience in diagnosing or treating an ED although the majority (73.5% to 90.8%) indicated seeing an increase in ED-related concerns and behaviors among their patients. On average, respondents reported 'sometimes' or 'often' screening for EDs when patients presented ED-like symptoms. They also expressed moderate confidence in the diagnosis and management of EDs. Issues related to emotion, acculturation and sociocultural transition were identified as important risk factors for EDs. ED care in China was characterized as inadequate by respondents; especially, rural clinicians were considered unlikely to know about EDs. In general, most respondents held the same views on ED care as Western clinicians and perceived similar clinical features between Chinese and Western ED patients. In conclusion, Chinese clinicians in the present sample appear to have limited knowledge and experience in EDs as measured by the developed instrument. ED-related issues are perceived to be increasing while ED care is considered inadequate in China. All this indicates a need for further education and training. The clinical profile of Chinese ED patients perceived by Chinese clinicians does not support the existence of a culturally specific form of EDs in China. Further research in clinicians across different cultures using the same instruments and procedures may further clarify cultural universals and particulars in EDs.