Female athletes need
intervention for sexual harassment and eating disorder
(Sports Medicine-November 17,
2003)
"The aims were to examine the
percentage of female elite athletes and controls reporting sexual harassment
and abuse (SHAB), and whether a higher percentage of female athletes with
eating disorders (ED) had experienced SHAB.
"A questionnaire was administered to the total population of female elite
athletes (n=660) and controls (n=780) aged 15-39 years. Sexual harassment
and abuse were measured through 11 questions, ranging from light to severe SHAB," according to recent research from Norway.
"In addition, questions about dietary-, menstrual- and training-history and
the Eating Disorder Inventory were included. The response rate was 88% for
athletes and 71% for controls. Athletes (n=121) and controls (n=81)
classified as ''at risk'' for ED and non-ED controls participated in a
clinical review," said J. Sungotborgen and colleagues, Norwegian University
of Sport and Physical Education.
"A higher percentage of controls compared with athletes reported experiences
of SHAB in general (59% vs. 51%, p<0.001). A lower percentage of athletes
had experienced SHAB inside sports than outside sport (28% vs. 39%,
p<0.001). A higher percentage of ED athletes than non-ED athletes had
experienced SHAB (66% vs. 48%, p<0.01),
both inside sport and outside
sport," researchers wrote.
"In spite of the fact that a higher percentage of controls compared with
athletes had experienced SHAB, it is necessary to formulate clear
guidelines, set up educational workshops and implement intervention programs
for both ED and SHAB in sport."
Sungotborgen and colleagues published their study in Scandinavian Journal of
Medicine & Science in Sports (Sexual harassment and eating disorders in
female elite athletes - a controlled study. Scand J Med Sci Sports,
2003;13(5):330-335).
For additional information, contact J. Sungotborgen, Norwegian University
Sport & Physics Education, Box 4014, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of
Eating Disorder, Neurology, and Women's Health. This article was prepared by
Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.
©Copyright 2003, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net
