Factors associated with the risk of eating disorders among academics in the area of health

Abstract

The object of this study was aimed at identifying factors associated with the risk of eating disorders in undergraduate students in the area of Health Sciences. It is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study carried out in Montes Claros, MG (Brazil), from August to October 2012. The profile of the university students was identified and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) applied. 200, students aged 23.4 ± 6.13 years participated in the study, 76.5% of them females. A frequency of 4.0% of the students were at high risk of developing eating disorders, 21.0% at low risk and 75.0% had no risk factors. Various inadequate self-perceptions of the body, dietary practice, missed breakfasts and snacking during intervals were associated with factors for eating disorder risk (p<0.05). For students with inadequate nutritional status, 34.4% were at risk of an eating disorder (p=0,004). The high risk of developing eating disorders among students in a nutritionally deficient condition indicates that they should receive preventive dietary advice.

Ansiedad e insatisfacción corporal en universitarios

“…En este sentido, no parece que el grado que estudian sea una característica determinante a la hora de hacer valoraciones cognitivas desagradables sobre una situación amenazante, ni subjetivas sobre la imagen corporal. Los resultados del presente estudio no son coincidentes con los de Aguiar et al (2014), quien afirma que los universitarios de grados que tienen que ver con la salud tienen niveles más altos en la ansiedad como factor de riesgo para la patología alimentaria.…”

Autopercepción de la imagen corporal y conductas alimentarias de riesgo en estudiantes universitarios de medicina en Xalapa, Veracruz, México (2014)

“…Undergraduate students enrolled in health sciences, with an inadequate body self-perception and following a diet, presented a larger possibility of being in eating disorder risk (P < 0.01). In those who did not have breakfast nor refreshments in breaks, prevalence of risk for eating disorders reached 41.1 % and 36.1 %, respectively (P < 0.05) (30).…”

Sociodemographic Variables and Body Mass Index Associated with the Risk of Eating Disorders in Spanish University Students

“…The scientific literature has established that over 60% of university students hold erroneous perceptions of their physical image, overestimating their body mass index (BMI) [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. This body dissatisfaction accompanied by slimming diets constitutes one of the main risk factors of EDs [ 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Body dissatisfaction is characterized by the presence of value judgments about the body that do not match the actual characteristics [ 10 , 23 , 24 ].…”