Ethnic variations in accessing treatment for Eating Disorders (EVATE)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Ethnic variations in accessing treatment for Eating Disorders in the West Midlands (EVATE)

• IRAS ID

  320141

• Contact name

  Helena Tuomainen

• Contact email

  Helena.Tuomainen@warwick.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Warwick

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 1 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Research shows there are few if any differences in eating disorder prevalence and presentation across ethnic groups. Despite this, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to seek and receive eating disorder treatment.

  In recognition of the majority of existing studies assessing access to eating disorder treatment and help-seeking being conducted in the USA and/or targeting adults (16+ years) and/or focusing on a specific ethnicity minority (e.g. South Asians), the proposed research study aims to explore ethnic differences (in any ethnicity) among people in the West Midlands, with a special focus on young people. We will investigate
  ethnic variations in
  1) Offer and uptake of eating disorder treatment
  2) Eating disorder admissions
  3) Clinical presentation of eating disorders
  4) Pathways to specialist eating disorder care
  5) Experiences providing & receiving treatment

  By doing so it is hoped the proposed research study will help to improve help-seeking and access to eating disorder treatment for young people of various ethnic backgrounds, working to reduce healthcare inequalities.

  The study aims to review existing patient notes across a long period of time, from August 2017-July 2022. This will involve extracting relevant data and outcomes from anonymised patient records. Semi-structured interviews with current service users of specialist eating disorder services and their parent/carers will also be completed to explore help-seeking and experiences accessing services in more detail. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed. No follow-up for the interviews is required and participants are free to withdraw at any time. Recruitment and data collection will take across four NHS Specialist Eating Disorder Services in the West Midlands.

  This study is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West Midlands and is expected to take place from September 2023 until December 2024.

• REC name

  North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/NW/0360

• Date of REC Opinion

  26 Jan 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion