Orthorexia nervosa tendency among students of the department of nutrition and dietetics at a university in Istanbul

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]To determine Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) scores and the orthorectic tendencies according to the distribution of some properties.[¤]METHODS[|]This cross-sectional study was carried out between May-June 2016; among 208 students of nutrition and dietetics department at a university in Istanbul. Ethical approval was obtained from local committee before the investigation. Participants were applied a questionnaire form(about characteristics and ORTO-11 scale) filled in face to face. The study data were collected with the ORTO-11 Scale and a questionnaire included questiones for the characteristics. ORTO-11 Scale has been adapted to Turkish and low scores at ORTO-11 Scale indicates orthorectic tendency. Mann-Whitney U test, T-test, Kruskal Wallis and ANOVA test were used in independent groups. P <0.05 was accepted as statistical significance.[¤]RESULTS[|]Orthorectic tendency was significantly higher in males(p=0.050) and students who live with family (p = 0.002). No significant difference at ORTHO-11 Score means were found between the groups when the participants were grouped by smoking, alchol consumption, chronic disease status, body mass index, diet, supportive product use.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The orthorectic tendency was higher in men and in students who live with family. The simultaneous assessment of the individual's eating habits, eating behavior, and personality characteristics will be shed light on the reasons for the differences between the gender groups. Qualitative studies should be carried out and possible confounding factors should be determined. [¤]

Keywords

• orthorexia
• eating behavior disorder
• food choice