Abstract
Objective
Eating disorders were previously considered less common in rural/regional areas. However, emerging research suggests that eating disorders may be more prevalent in these populations than initially recognized. We aimed to describe demographic/clinical characteristics of metropolitan compared to rural/regional inpatients during psychiatric inpatient eating disorder treatment at the Eating Disorders Unit (EDU), Austin Health in Melbourne, Australia.
Methods
Retrospective review of patient files was undertaken for inpatients aged 18–65 years who resided within the Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service (BETRS) catchment area and were admitted to EDU between 01/01/21 and 30/10/23.
Results
Regional/rural patients were on average 2.7 years older and first diagnosed 3.5 years later compared to metropolitan inpatients. These groups showed otherwise similar characteristics in relation to psychiatric/medical history.
Conclusion
Available and accessible speciality eating disorders services in rural and regional areas are needed for early detection, prevention, and multidisciplinary management.
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