PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF EATING DISORDER RISK AMONG TUNISIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction The transition to college life can be a stressful period for young adults, and coping strategies can involve changes in eating behaviors. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of eating disorder risk among Tunisian university students. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study among 144 university students in Tunisia. Data were collected using an online questionnaire spread throughout social media (Facebook), using the Google Forms® platform. Attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to eating were measured using “Eating Attitudes Test” (EAT-26) in order to assess the eating disorder risk. Results The mean age of our population was 23.38±3.27 years. More females (73.6%) than males (26.4%) participated in the study. Among them, 10.4% were followed for chronic somatic disease while 11.1% suffered from mental illness. Tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use was noted respectively in 12.5%, 3.5% and 3.5% of cases. The mean score EAT-26 was 20.45. According to this scale, 32,6% of participants were at high risk of eating disorders. EAT-26 scores were higher in females (21.23) than males (16.95%), without a significant relationship. Users of psychoactive substances were more likely to present higher EAT-26 scores (p=0.012), especially the use of alcohol (p=0.005) and weed (p=0.024). EAT-26 scores were significantly higher among students with a prior history of depression. Conclusions Our study highlighted a high prevalence of eating disorder risk in university students. Implementation of public health policies are required, and psychological intervention and health awareness programs would effectively prevent the eating disorder risk. Disclosure of Interest None Declared