Which of the following is true of the study about the 151 anorexics who were followed 12.5 years after being hospitalized for an eating disorder?

Which of the following is true of the study about the 151 anorexics who were followed 12.5 years after being hospitalized for an eating disorder? The anorexic women who were mothers had better all-around functioning The women had the same fertility rate as non-anorexic women The infant mortality rate 5 months pre- and 1 month post-partum was only twice that of the normal population The rate of pre-maturity of infants was 8 times that of the normal population Most of the 11 male anorexics had children

Based on studies examining the long-term outcomes of individuals hospitalized for anorexia nervosa, here are the findings relevant to your question:

Fertility Rate: The study found that anorexic women tended to have lower fertility rates compared to non-anorexic women, primarily due to long-term effects of malnutrition and amenorrhea that can affect reproductive health.

Premature Births: The rate of prematurity for infants born to women with a history of anorexia nervosa was found to be significantly higher than that of the general population, with some studies indicating a rate as much as eight times higher, likely due to the nutritional and physiological challenges associated with the disorder.

Infant Mortality Rate: While the infant mortality rate in this population may be elevated, the rates are not typically reported to be exactly “twice” those of the general population. Research on this is limited, but it shows that while risk may be increased, the exact figures can vary.

Functioning of Anorexic Mothers: Some research has indicated that women who recover from anorexia and go on to have children may show improved social and psychological functioning, potentially motivated by the responsibilities of parenthood. However, this is not a universally consistent finding.

Male Anorexics: Anorexia nervosa is rarer in males, and studies on male anorexics have not consistently shown a tendency for many of them to have children, given both lower prevalence and unique health challenges associated with the disorder in men.

Therefore, the most accurate statement is likely the one indicating an eight-fold increase in prematurity rates among infants born to women with a history of anorexia. This aligns most closely with findings from long-term studies on the effects of anorexia nervosa on pregnancy outcomes.