Adolescent health in the Caribbean: a regional portrait.

Objectives: This study assessed youth health in the Caribbean Community and Common Market countries and describes the prevalence of health-related factors.

Methods: We used a self-administered classroom questionnaire; questions addressed general health, health care, nutrition, sexual history, drug use, mental health, violence, family characteristics, and relationships with others.

Results: Most youths reported good health; however, 1 in 10 reported a limiting disability or significant health problems.

Weight-related sports involvement in girls: who is at risk for disordered eating?

A 225-item questionnaire was completed by 5163 female 7th, 9th and 11th grade public school students in their classrooms to examine factors associated with eating disorders among girls involved in weight-related sports. Eating disorder symptoms were found in almost one third of girls involved in weight-related and non-weight-related sports. However, after controlling for grade, race, SES, and study design effect, girls in weight-related sports were 51% more likely to have eating disorder symptoms.