Inpatients experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on eating behaviors: an exploratory focus group study

Background Unhealthy changes in eating behavior among people experiencing trauma have been observed. There is, however, a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the impact of the after effects of traumatic life experiences on eating behavior. Because eating behavior represents important components for promotion and maintenance of good health throughout life, this study aimed to explore inpatients' lived experiences of the impact of traumatic stress on eating behavior. Method Thirteen female and two male inpatients (age range 28-62 years), recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Norway, participated in this qualitative explorative focus group study. The data analysis was performed using systematic text condensation. Results The results in the present study describe the participants' experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on their eating behavior. Their discussions and descriptions disclosed problems that could be summarized into four main themes: "experiencing eating behaviors as coping strategies"; "experiencing being addicted to food and sweets"; "experiencing eating behaviors controlled by stress and emotions"; and "experiencing lack of appetite and reduced capacity to plan and prepare meals". Conclusion Traumatic stress can impact eating behavior in several complex ways that over time may cause adverse health consequences. The results add to an important understanding of changes in eating behavior that might appear in people struggling to cope with the after effects of traumatic life experiences to the existing literature. To better understand the complexity of how traumatic experiences may impact eating behavior, this knowledge is important and useful for health professionals offering support to those who experience struggling with eating behavior after traumatic experiences. Plain English Summary This study aimed to explore trauma-exposed inpatients experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on eating behavior. Thirteen female and two male inpatients with a history of trauma, recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Norway, participated in this qualitative explorative focus group study. The results in the present study describe the participants' experiences about the impact of after effects of traumatic experiences on eating behaviors. The findings are summarized into four main themes: "experiencing eating behaviors as coping strategies"; "experiencing being addicted to food and sweets"; "experiencing eating behaviors controlled by stress and emotions"; and "experiencing lack of appetite and reduced capacity to plan and prepare meals". The results contribute to the existing literature and provide an important understanding of changes in eating behavior that might appear in people struggling with traumatic stress after traumatic experiences. This knowledge is important and useful for health professionals offering help to those struggling with their eating behavior after traumatic experiences.