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01-12-2021 | Eating Disorder | Research article

LGB prevalence in schools is associated with unhealthy weight-control behaviors in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: a multilevel analysis

Authors: Carolina da Franca Bandeira Ferreira Santos, Fabiana Godoy, Valdenice Aparecida de Menezes, Viviane Colares, Patrícia Maria Pereira de Araújo Zarzar, Raquel C. Ferreira, Ichiro Kawachi

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have found that a school climate of more heteronormativity is associated with adverse effects on the mental health of LGB students. Accordingly, our aim was to assess the association between lower LGB prevalence in schools and unhealthy weight-control behaviors among LGB youth.

Methods

A cross-sectional, multilevel study based in public high schools in the city of Olinda, Northeast Brazil. A multilevel logistic regression was performed, including 2500 adolescents enrolled in 27 schools. The contextual variable was the prevalence of LGB youth in each school (as a proxy for heteronormativity in schools), while the outcome was unhealthy weight-control behaviors (fasting, purging, and taking diet pills). We controlled for socioeconomic characteristics (age, sex, receiving a family allowance), obesity, and self-reported happiness.

Results

Lower LGB prevalence in schools was associated with higher odds of engaging in unhealthy weight-control behaviors (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.0, 2.2) among all youth, regardless of sexual orientation. No cross-level interactions between school context and individual characteristics were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Lower LGB prevalence in schools was associated with a higher risk of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in youth regardless of sexual orientation, which may reflect either the contextual influence of school climate, or may be due to residual confounding.

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Title: LGB prevalence in schools is associated with unhealthy weight-control behaviors in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Carolina da Franca Bandeira Ferreira Santos
Fabiana Godoy
Valdenice Aparecida de Menezes
Viviane Colares
Patrícia Maria Pereira de Araújo Zarzar
Raquel C. Ferreira
Ichiro Kawachi
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11260-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

LGB prevalence in schools is associated with unhealthy weight-control behaviors in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: a multilevel analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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