Disordered eating and complexities of cultural origin: A focus on Jews from Muslim countries

ContextA dearth of data concerning eating problems among adult women from diverse cultural origins leaves substantial knowledge gaps and constrains evidence-based interventions.ObjectiveTo examine prevalence and predictors of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) among adult Jewish women (21+) from distinct cultural origins.DesignCommunity-based study includes 175 Israelis born to parents from Muslim countries (aka Sephardic) and 108 second generation Israelis mostly of European ancestry. DEB assessed with DSM-IV related symptoms. Hierarchical regressions examine influence of weight, self-criticism and psychological distress on DEB severity.ResultsDespite similar exposure to Israel's westernized norms, substantial group differences emerge. Considerably lower rate of DEB found among respondents of Sephardic origin (11.4%, 19.4%, p < .05); regressions reveal dissimilar patterns of clinical predictors.ConclusionsCommunity cohesiveness and deeply-rooted cultural and religious traditions may be protective for Israelis of Sephardic origin. Additional research is needed to clarify cultural influences and enhance culturally sensitive interventions for multicultural populations.

► Disordered eating (DEB) examined for 2 culturally diverse groups of Jewish women. ► Jews with roots in Muslim countries have lower DEB than those of European ancestry. ► Dissimilar clinical predictors of DEB warrant culturally sensitive interventions. ► Aspects of traditional culture may be protective against developing DEB.