Disordered eating & cultural diversity: A focus on Arab Muslim women in Israel

• Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) among Arab Muslims compared with Israeli Jews
• Relatively high DEB prevalence rates emerge (> 20%), a nonsignificant difference.
• Clinical variables examined in regressions for associations with DEB severity
• Weight predictive of DEB severity for Muslims, self-criticism for Jews
• Surprising similarities & sharp differences highlight cultural complexities of DEB.

ContextA dearth of data concerning eating problems among adult women from minority population groups leaves substantial knowledge gaps and constrains evidence-based interventions.ObjectivesTo examine prevalence and predictors of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among Arab Muslim women in Israel, whose eating behaviors have not been previously examined and to compare with second generation Israeli-born Jews of European heritage.DesignCommunity-based study includes sub-samples of Arab Muslims and Israeli-born Jews. DEB is assessed with fourteen DSM-IV related symptoms. Hierarchical regressions examine influence of weight, self-criticism and psychological distress on DEB severity.ResultsRelatively high prevalence rates emerge for Muslims (27%) and Jews (20%), a nonsignificant difference. In contrast, regressions reveal substantially different predictor patterns. For Arab Muslims, weight has the strongest association; for Jews, weight is not significant while self-criticism is the strongest predictor. Explained variance also differs considerably: 45% for Muslims and 28% for Jews.ConclusionsSurprising similarities and distinct differences underscore complex patterns of eating disturbances across culturally diverse groups. Culturally sensitive interventions are warranted along with more illuminating explanatory paradigms than ‘one size fits all.’