A factor that can yield to eating attitude disorders in university students: Self-esteem

Objective: To determine prevalence of eating attitude disorder (EAD) and the effect of self-esteem on EAD in female university students. Study Design: In this cross-sectional study, female university students were included. The dependent variable was EAD determined by Eating Attitude Test-40. Socio-demographic characteristics, body perception, obesity, self-compassion and self-esteem were independent variables. Logistic regression (LR) models have been established to determine the associated factors of EAD. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: EAD were found in 3.3% (n = 20) of the participants (n = 600). 44.5% had low and medium self-esteem and %13.4 were overweight (body mass index (BMI) >= 25.0). According to LR models, after adjusted for age, increased self-esteem score (decreased self-esteem) (OR:1.8, 95%CI:1.063-3.303) and practicing popular diet (OR:12.6, 95%CI:4.439-35.904) increased the risk of EAD significantly. Conclusion: EAD were less than expected in this group of university students. Self-esteem is an important factor affecting EAD. Students with EAD may be recommended to get psychological support as well as nutritional counseling.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of eating attitude disorder (EAD) in female university students and examined the impact of self-esteem on EAD. The results showed a lower than expected prevalence of EAD, and self-esteem was found to be an important factor influencing EAD.