Ontario, Canada witnessed a 139% increase in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations from 2002 to 2019, with alarming shifts in patient demographics and diagnoses.
Key Findings:
- Overall Increase: The study, encompassing 11,654 pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations, reveals a substantial surge of 139% in rates from 2.0 to 4.8 per 10,000 population over the 17-year span.
- Demographic Shifts: Notably, the largest relative changes were observed among males (416% increase), individuals aged 12 to 14 years (196% increase), and those with eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia nervosa (255% increase).
- Gender Dynamics: Female patients still constitute the majority, with 91.4% of hospitalizations. However, the proportion of male patients has risen from 5.4% in 2002 to 11.8% in 2019.
- Age Group Trends: While hospitalization rates increased across all age groups, the most significant relative change occurred among patients aged 12 to 14 years, with a 196% rise.
- Diagnostic Group Impact: Hospitalizations for eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia nervosa increased by 255%, emphasizing the evolving spectrum of these conditions.
Implications and Recommendations:
- Tailored Treatments: The study underscores the urgent need for tailored treatment approaches and programs to address the diverse and increasing care needs within different subpopulations of pediatric patients with eating disorders.
- Clinical Awareness: Healthcare practitioners need to be educated about the changing landscape of pediatric eating disorders to facilitate early identification and appropriate referrals, especially for male patients and younger individuals.
- Program Adaptation: Existing eating disorder programs must adapt to accommodate changing patient presentations and increased volumes to ensure effective care delivery.
Conclusion:
The significant rise in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations in Ontario signals a critical need for proactive measures, including tailored treatments, increased clinical awareness, and program adaptations. This study highlights the evolving nature of these disorders and emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific needs of diverse subpopulations to ensure the well-being of affected children and adolescents.