Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Rural, Regional, and Metropolitan Inpatients During Psychiatric Inpatient Eating Disorders Treatment

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 assess 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 to 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 specialty eating disorders services in rural and regional areas are needed for early detection, prevention, and multidisciplinary management.