Predictors of disordered eating and/or eating disorders in children and adolescents in the Arab World: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction

The prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among children and adolescents is increasing in Arab countries. This systematic review explores the predictors of DE and eating disorders (EDs) in this demographic.

Methods

We searched PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest, Al Manhal, Al-Masdar, the website of the World Bank, and the grey literature for relevant studies, without language or time restrictions. We extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and results, and assessed the risk of bias using the MMAT tool. We performed an operate narrative synthesis of the studies adopting a bivariate vs. multivariate analysis, and meta-analyzed homogeneous studies adopting a multivariate analysis using RevMan 5.4.

Results

We included 36 studies and meta-analyzed 8. The risk of bias was assessed as high to unclear for a large proportion of the included studies. The predictors were categorized across biological, social, and psychological domains, but there was no consistency across studies, except for peer pressure. In the meta-analysis, excess body weight (OR=1.89; 95 %CI: 1.44, 2.49), female sex (OR=1.61; 95 %CI: 1.26, 2.06), urbanicity (OR=3.21; 95 %CI: 2.53, 4.08), perceived media pressure (OR=1.40; 95 %CI: 1.27, 1.54), and body shape dissatisfaction (OR=4.89; 95 %CI: 3.60, 6.66) predicted DE/EDs.

Conclusion

Culturally-sensitive prevention and intervention strategies with particular attention to perceived media pressure, are needed to address DE in children and adolescents.