Assessment of Eating Attitude Behaviours and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms of a Group of University Students: A Pilot Study from Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study has been carried out in order to assess the eating attitude behaviours and obsessive-compulsive symptoms of a group of university students. Method:This cross-sectional study was carried out on 70 students who studied at Akdeniz University Communication Faculty. The research data, socio-demographic features of the students were collected using the questionnaire form consisting of Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40) and Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and classified according to the WHO. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 22.0 Statistical Packaged Software.Results: This study was conducted on 70 students. According to the eating attitude test, it was determined that 65.6% of women and 73.7% of men had low risk of eating behaviour disorder; according to the MOCI, it was found out that the incidence rate of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms was high in 53.1% of women, and 34.2% of men. No statistically significant relationship was found between the MOCI and EAT-40 scores and BMI classifications of the students (p > 0.05). Conclusion:As a result of the study, it was concluded that there were differences between the body weight, height and BMI of the students by gender, but these differences could not be associated with the level of incidence of OCD symptoms and eating attitude habits.