The Importance of Developing Culturally Specific Screening Tools for Eating Disorders in Indigenous Australian Youth

Recent research from Edith Cowan University (ECU), published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, underscores a significant gap in mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Australia. Although studies have revealed that eating disorders are more prevalent among this population—affecting approximately 28.6% of Indigenous youth compared to 21.7% of non-Indigenous peers—with binge eating being the most common form, there remains a critical shortage of culturally tailored screening tools and early response programs.

This lack of culturally specific instruments is concerning, given that eating disorders often present differently in Indigenous communities, and current Western-developed tools may not accurately capture their experiences. Dr. Kanita Kunaratnam, an accredited dietitian, emphasizes that psychosocial factors such as racism, trauma, and food insecurity are deeply intertwined with eating disorders in these populations. Her clinical insights highlight that many Indigenous young people grow up in food-insecure environments, making binge eating a common issue, which can persist into adulthood if left untreated.

Furthermore, high levels of body image concerns, intergenerational trauma, and socioeconomic disadvantages compound mental health challenges, complicating diagnosis and intervention efforts. Dr. Kunaratnam points out that misconceptions within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities often lead to misunderstandings about eating disorders, with some perceiving larger bodies as solely due to overeating, ignoring underlying health conditions.

A significant barrier identified by the research is the absence of specialized screening tools developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Effective prevention and early detection rely on culturally appropriate approaches that incorporate Indigenous stories, voices, and lived experiences. Without these, many cases are likely to go unnoticed in both clinical and community settings.

The study advocates for building these tools from the ground up, ensuring they are inclusive, respectful, and sustainable. Addressing this gap is crucial to improve health outcomes and provide equitable mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-highlights-culturally-specific-screening-tools.html