Eating disorders represent a critical concern on college campuses, as they are increasingly recognized as one of the most pervasive mental health challenges among undergraduate students. Recent studies show a dramatic rise in the incidence of eating disorders, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated pre-existing mental health issues. Researchers at the University of Kansas have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative designed to address this urgent need. Their program, known as BEST-U, aims to leverage technology to improve the accessibility of treatments for students suffering from eating disorders, significantly increasing their chances of recovery.
The BEST-U program incorporates an innovative blend of guided self-help cognitive behavioral therapy and mobile technology. This 11-week treatment protocol is specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by college students. Participants engage with a mobile application for about ten minutes each week, which features interactive elements such as quizzes and videos, along with 25 to 30 minutes of telehealth coaching from trained professionals. This hybrid approach not only aids in recovery but also minimizes the barriers often associated with traditional treatment options, such as geographic distance, cost, and limited access to specialized care.
The inception of the BEST-U program aligns with alarming statistics indicating a surge in eating disorders amongst college students—62% among university women and a staggering 140% among university men, according to the findings from a recent study published in a leading nursing journal. Such statistics underscore the pressing need for effective, scalable intervention strategies to reach students who might not otherwise seek help. The creators of BEST-U aim to fill this gap by providing accessible treatment options tailored specifically for the collegiate demographic.
Kelsie Forbush, a distinguished professor of clinical child psychology at the University of Kansas, serves as the co-principal investigator of the project. Her extensive experience in researching and treating eating disorders since 2000 uniquely positions her to drive the program forward. In tandem with her colleague Kara Christensen-Pacella from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Forbush’s team will expand the program’s reach across multiple institutions, enhancing its potential impact. The program’s expansion is bolstered by a substantial $715,516 grant from the National Institutes of Health, allowing the team to train non-mental health care professionals in university health settings to deliver effective treatment.
Forbush’s motivation to develop BEST-U stemmed from an acute awareness of the unmet needs of students grappling with eating disorders. Many students have reported feeling isolated and disadvantaged due to the scarcity of local treatment providers, often having to travel significant distances or facing high costs without insurance coverage. This lack of practical support can be detrimental, as untreated eating disorders can profoundly affect a student’s academic performance and overall quality of life.
The researchers undertook a comprehensive analysis to understand the scale of the problem on the KU campus, revealing distressingly high rates of eating disorders that were consistent with national data. This analysis informed their approach to developing a solution that would not only be effective but also logistically feasible for college students. The traditional methods of treatment often do not translate well into the college setting, which demands a more adaptable and accessible approach.
By creating BEST-U, Forbush and her team aim to utilize a mobile health application to engage students in their recovery actively. The app’s interactive features promote user engagement while providing essential resources that facilitate self-monitoring and progress tracking. Moreover, weekly coaching sessions with trained graduate students help ensure that participants receive personalized support throughout their journey toward recovery.
The collaborative nature of this project is evident in the diverse expertise brought together by Forbush’s team. Professionals from various institutions, such as Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, contribute to developing the program, ensuring that it is rooted in cutting-edge research and clinical practice. Through qualitative research aimed at scaling the program to other universities, the team hopes to create a sustainable model for improving access to eating disorder treatment nationwide.
The response to the pilot trials has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being. Forbush recounts inspiring stories about how participants have been transformed through the program, illustrating its potential to change lives. One anecdote highlights the experience of a participant who, upon meeting a new study coordinator, shared that the BEST-U program had significantly impacted her life, reinforcing the program’s critical role in recovery.
Beyond BEST-U, Forbush’s research portfolio includes addressing eating disorders in various populations, including active-duty military personnel and developing digital health tools aimed at teenagers suffering from anorexia nervosa. Her commitment to addressing these issues through innovative research and practical solutions continues to define her career, amplifying the need for targeted interventions in often-overlooked demographics.
The establishment of the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE) at the University of Kansas further underscores the institution’s commitment to tackling eating disorders. With a focus on early identification, screening, and treatment monitoring, CARE aims to implement research findings in clinical settings, revolutionizing the way eating disorders are treated on college campuses.
In summary, the expanding availability of the BEST-U program is a game-changer for many students struggling with eating disorders. The combination of technology-enhanced treatment and professional support represents a transformative approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by this demographic. By targeting college students during a critical period in their development, the BEST-U initiative embodies the hope of providing timely and effective intervention, fostering not only recovery but also a more fulfilling collegiate experience. This targeted approach could mean the difference between a student sidelined by an eating disorder and a student empowered to thrive during their college years.
Subject of Research: Eating Disorders Treatment Accessibility for College Students
Article Title: Innovative Program Expands Access to Eating Disorder Treatment for College Students
News Publication Date: October 23, 2023
Web References: University of Kansas News
References: Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services Study
Image Credits: Credit: University of Kansas
Keywords: Eating Disorders, College Students, Mental Health, Treatment Accessibility, Mobile Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
