Dataset Information

Clinical presentation of body-focused repetitive behaviors in minority ethnic groups.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as trichotillomania and skin picking disorder, are psychiatric disorders characterized by repetitive grooming that result in hair loss or excoriations. Questions remain as to whether there are racial/ethnic differences in the clinical presentation of BFRBs.

Methods

We recruited 539 adults with DSM-5 trichotillomania or skin picking disorder. Of these, 76 (14.1%) self-identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME), while 463 (85.9%) self-identified as white Caucasian (hereafter referred to as non-BAME). BAME and non-BAME participants were compared on demographics, symptom severity, comorbid conditions and psychosocial impairment.

Results

Groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, or education levels. BAME individuals reported significantly more time spent picking or hair pulling per day compared to non-BAME individuals, and were less likely to have received treatment for their BFRB symptoms. Some differences were also found with respect to where on the body people pull and pick from.

Discussion

In general, the clinical profiles of BFRBs appeared similar between those from BAME versus non-BAME backgrounds. However, differences were found in terms of treatments received and an aspect of symptom severity. The findings highlight the need to better understand the heterogeneity of BFRBs including potential health inequalities.

SUBMITTER: Grant JE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7611816 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundCertain racial/ethnic minority groups have a higher risk of developing dementia, yet studies have demonstrated that they often have limited knowledge and understanding of this disease. An increasing number of educational and advocacy programs have been developed to promote dementia knowledge. We aimed at assessing current evidence and quality regarding educational interventions for promoting dementia knowledge.MethodsWe searched for intervention studies published in English that focused on educational interventions for promoting dementia knowledge among racial/ethnic minority groups. We identified 25 relevant studies through PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus, using tailored search terms. We screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full texts, synthesized relevant evidence, and evaluated the studies' quality based on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Relevant intervention studies took place in communities, hospitals or clinics, and schools, and online.ResultsMost studies were conducted in the United States (n = 21), followed by the UK (n = 3). Over half of the studies included Asian/Pacific Islander groups (n = 14), followed by Black groups (n = 12) and Hispanic groups (n = 11). The intervention delivery mode varied across studies-from workshops hosted in a faith community to talk shows on YouTube. Target populations included middle-aged and older adults, caregivers and family members, health students and professionals, and elementary school students. Common content included symptoms and signs of dementia, protective and risk factors, and local resources. The assessment of study outcomes varied across studies. Improvement in dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia was reported in many studies. Among the included studies, intervention satisfaction was high. The overall quality of the interventions was low.ConclusionFormally evaluated educational interventions promoting dementia knowledge are at an early stage. Existing published interventions showed adequate acceptability and promise in promoting better understanding and awareness of dementia in minority groups. More well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed.