Prevalence of the female athlete triad among secondary school athletes in Singapore

• Main Author: Choong, Pamela Peiling
• Other Authors: Swarup Mukherjee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/59407
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Female Athlete Triad involves three interrelated components on a continuum: low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Female athletes, particularly young adolescents, are at risk of developing the triad and its components. While research has been conducted overseas, published data on Singaporean female adolescent athletes is unavailable. The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of the female athlete triad among female Singaporean adolescent athletes, and gain insight into its risk factors in a context specific to Singapore. 220 female athletes representing nine sports from six secondary schools were administered questionnaires in early 2014. Low energy availability was assessed using participant Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0). Menstrual irregularity and bone health was assessed using self-reported menstrual and injury history questionnaires. Prevalence of the full female triad was low (2.3%), while 15% were found with two components, and 48.6% presented one. No significant difference was found between eumenorrheic and non-eumenorrheic athletes for BMI (p= 0.64), dietary restriction (p= 0.52), shape concern (p= 0.61), eating concern (p= 0.23), weight concern (p= 0.28) and global scores (p= 0.35), and menarcheal age (p=0.68). Although overall prevalence of the full triad was low a large number may be susceptible to progress of the triad beyond an innocuous stage, for components occur on a continuum. A multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders is critical for its effective prevention.