International training programs on eating disorders for professionals, caregivers, and the general public: A scoping review

Skills-based online self-help program for carers of people with an eating disorder (SupportED): A case series evaluation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of "SupportED," a novel, online, self-paced skills-based program for carers/support people of those with lived and/or living experience of an eating disorder (ED).

METHOD

Carers of a loved one with an ED were invited to undertake a five-module skills-based (one core module, four optional modules) online program at their own pace. Modules cover general information about EDs, communication, practical skills, treatment engagement, and recovery. Participants completed demographics and were assessed using EDSIS, CASK, and DASS-21 for caregiver burden, skills, and distress, respectively, at program completion and 3-month follow-up. Feedback on the program and modules was also collected.

RESULTS

Most carers (65%; 82/126) completed the core module of the program, which is on par with other online learning programs. Nearly half of program completers responded to the 3-month follow-up (n = 39). On average, carers rated the program as relevant and useful and found the information validating and easy to understand, albeit a few carers found the program time-consuming and technically challenging. Intent-to-treat (ITT) linear mixed models demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness of the program for improving carer burden and skills, although the change in carer distress was non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this case series evaluation suggest SupportED is an acceptable and feasible program for carers and may improve burden and support skill development. Although the online, self-paced format was highly rated, small improvements to improve acceptability were suggested. Reasons for a lack of impact on carer distress are discussed.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

This article describes a case series evaluation of "SupportED," an online skills-based support program for families, carers, and supporters of people with lived experience of an eating disorder. This is the first online carer support program that is designed to be inclusive of all carer types (e.g., partners, siblings) for all eating disorder presentations. Findings suggest the program's suitability and helpfulness for reducing carers' load and bolstering skills and knowledge.

Eating disorders amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (Indigenous Australians) have poorer mental health compared to other Australians. Yet, there is a lack of research into mental disorders among this population, especially for eating disorders (ED), which are amongst the most lethal and debilitating mental disorders.

AIM

We aimed to answer 2 questions: 1. What is the volume and content of literature on ED among Indigenous Australians? 2. Has a screening or diagnostic tool/instrument been developed for the assessment of ED amongst Indigenous Australians?

METHOD

We conducted a scoping review of electronic databases (Pubmeb, Embase, PsychInfo, Proquest, Cochrane Library, Indigenous HealtInfoNet and Scopus), for studies addressing ED, body image, muscle dysmorphia, weight and shape concern among Indigenous Australians, as well as diagnostic and screening tools. All relevant studies were reviewed in full by 2 researchers. Narrative synthesis of the data was performed.

RESULTS

There is limited evidence for ED among Indigenous Australians, however, the evidence available strongly suggests that ED are more common among Indigenous Australians compared to other Australians. Eating disorders among Indigenous Australians are also associated with high levels of overvaluation of weight and shape. The increased risk of ED among Indigenous Australians was largely explained by factors such as poorer psychosocial wellbeing. No evidence was found for the existence of validated diagnostic or screening tools for ED in Indigenous Australians.

CONCLUSION

The evidence suggests ED are common among Indigenous Australians, and there are no diagnostic or screening tools available to assist clinicians in assessing them. More research is required in this field, especially towards the development of a validated and culturally specific screening or diagnostic tool for ED among Indigenous Australians.