scholarly journals Sharp Increase in Eating Disorders among University Students since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3415
Author(s):  
Marie-Pierre Tavolacci ◽  
Joel Ladner ◽  
Pierre Déchelotte

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress as well as modified physical activity and eating habits among university students. The objectives were to identify the changes in body mass index (BMI) and eating disorders among university students between 2009 and 2021. Between 2009 and 2021, five repeated cross-sectional studies were conducted among university students who filled in an anonymous online self-questionnaire. Age, gender, and BMI were recorded, and the SCOFF questionnaire was used for ED screening which, in combination with BMI, allows to identify the four broad categories of ED with the Expali algorithm. With the five studies, 8981 university students were included in total. Obesity steadily increased between 2009 and 2021, for both men and women. The prevalence of ED was stable between 2009 and 2018 and significantly increased from 31.8% in 2018 to 51.8% in 2021 for women (p trend < 0.0001), and from 13.0% in 2009 to 31.3% in 2021 for men (p trend < 0.0001). All types of ED increased significantly between 2009 and 2021, except for restrictive ED among men. These results indicate for the first time a significant increase in ED prevalence among students since the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives to reinforce early screening of ED to implement targeted interventions in the student population are urgently needed.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Abu Alwafa ◽  
Manal Badrasawi

Abstract Background Eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder are linked to poor body image. People with these diseases commonly lack the ability to objectively assess body shape, size, or attractiveness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body image, eating disorders, lifestyle, social pressure, and social media engagements in female university students in Palestine. Method: A sample of 905 female undergraduate students from Palestinian universities was included in the study. Arabic validated Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) was used to measure body satisfaction. Early screening of eating disorders was conducted using the Arabic validated A-SCOFF tool. One-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Chi-square, Spearman rho correlation test, and simple linear regression tests were used to evaluate the relationships between study variables. Results The sample had a high level of body image satisfaction, with a mean score of 4.22 ± 0.74. It was found that eating disorders (p < .001), higher BMI (p < .001), following models or celebrities on social media (p < .01), following models or celebrities nutritional advice (p < .05), family and friends pressure (p < .001), dieting (p < .001), and daily phone hours (p < .01) were associated with lower body satisfaction. While physical activity (p < .05) was associated with higher body satisfaction. Conclusion Body image among female university students is influenced by lifestyle, social pressure, and social media. To promote awareness about the impact of these variables on body dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders, educational and supporting programs must be undertaken.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutaka Hosoda ◽  
Toshiyuki Ohtani ◽  
Hisashi Hanazawa ◽  
Mami Tanaka ◽  
Hiroshi Kimura ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to validate the Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, and Food (SCOFF) questionnaire in relation to the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and to examine the appropriateness of a question concerning weight loss among Japanese university students. The psychometric properties of the two Japanese versions were determined among 649 Japanese college students. The original version (SCOFF-O) employed the original item 3, whereas the revised version (SCOFF-2.5) modified the item to “Have you recently lost more than 2.5 kg within three months?” Validity was tested relative to EDE-Q. Results The test–retest reliabilities of SCOFF-O and SCOFF-2.5 were 0.52 and 0.57, while the correlations of SCOFF-O and SCOFF-2.5 with EDE-Q were r = 0.53 and r = 0.56. The sensitivity and specificity of SCOFF-O were 65.2 and 89.7, and those of SCOFF-2.5 were 69.5 and 86.5, respectively. There were significant correlations between the question concerning losing 2.5 kg and the EDE-Q subscales. The Japanese version of SCOFF-2.5 is an appropriate tool for the early screening of eating disorders among Japanese university students.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1264
Author(s):  
Joanne Karam ◽  
Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽  
Mireille Serhan ◽  
Josep A. Tur

Scarce studies described eating habits and diet quality among university students in Lebanon. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among Lebanese university students. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 525 students (53% men, 18–25 years old) from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using a validated 14-item MedDiet adherence score. Mean adherence to the MedDiet was 7.96 (standard deviation 2.2), and it was adequate in 59% of participants. Adherence to the MedDiet was higher in older students and nonsmokers. Legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts were consumed according to the MedDiet standards among a minimum of 48.4% and a maximum of 69.5% of participants. Chicken, turkey, or rabbit was preferred by 66.9% of participants instead of beef, pork, hamburgers, or sausages; however, just 56.2% of participants showed adequate intake of red meat, hamburger, or meat products. Only 28.8% of them referred to an adequate intake of fish or shellfish. Most of the participants (86.3%) used olive oil as the main added fat, and 67.2% reported a low intake of butter and derivatives. Sofrito was also very usual among participants (79.6%). Only half of the studied sample reported an adequate intake of sweet or carbonated beverages and commercial sweets or pastries. Among the assessed sample, half the participants showed adequate adherence to the MedDiet; however, the mean of adherence among the sample is low.


Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.


Author(s):  
Analina A. Emmanouil ◽  
Elissavet N. Rousanoglou ◽  
Konstantinos D. Boudolos

Several studies examine the musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in university students sustaining physical load as part of their compulsory learning. However, only two somewhat outdated cross-sectional studies examine the physical education teacher (PET) students. This study aimed to explore the neck, shoulder and low back MSP prevalence in Greek PET students in a series of academic years. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to record the past 12-month neck, shoulder and, low back pain, across three academic years (n = 479). The year association to MSP prevalence was examined with the cross-tabulation analysis (using the column proportion test for the year comparison) and, the gender association to MSP prevalence with the χ2 test (SPSS 22.0, p ≤ 0.05). The year association to MSP prevalence was not significant (p > 0.05). The overall prevalence was 67.6%, with multiple pain at 25.7% and, the low back presenting the highest prevalence (40.9%). Women reported a higher prevalence of neck (36%) and low back (47%) pain (p ≤ 0.05). The majority of pain and time loss duration was 1-7 days. The low back required higher medical attention (19.0%) than the neck (9.2%) and the shoulder (12.9%). The recurrent pain was at 30%, with the previous injury/accident rate at 5.8%, 14.4% and 14.6% for the neck, shoulder and low back. Our PET students present an alarming MSP prevalence. Due to their distinct work demands as PE teachers, entering working life with the healthiest possible musculoskeletal system is of critical importance. Thus, university authorities should consider strategies for the prevention of MSP risk.


Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Background Globally non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the increase. The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of multiple behavioural risk factors of NCDs among university students from 24 countries. Methods In a cross-sectional study, the sample included 18 017 university students from countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Results indicate that prevalence of single behavioural NCD risk indicators were 38.2% for physical inactivity, 80.5% for inadequate fruit and vegetables intake, 23.1% for having overweight/obesity, 10.5% for heavy alcohol use and 11.8% for current tobacco use. Students had on average 1.6 (SD = 0.9), and 15.9% had three or more behavioural NCD risk factors. In adjusted linear regression, male sex was positively and stronger beliefs in health benefits were negatively associated with multiple behavioural NCD risk factors. Conclusions A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered. Several behavioural NCD risk factors, such as male sex and low health behaviour benefits beliefs, were found that could be utilized in targeted interventions.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Plichta ◽  
Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) may precede, ensue, or coexist with eating disorders (ED) and also affect eating behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the dietary patterns (DPs) and other eating habits of people showing ON tendency, ED symptoms, and both ON tendency and ED symptoms, as well as those not showing either. The data for the study were collected from a sample of 1120 Polish college students through a cross-sectional survey in 2017. The questionnaire used in the survey included the ORTO-15, the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP), and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6), and the students were also asked questions about their eating habits and special diets. A factor analysis was conducted to identify the following five DPs: “high-sugar products and refined products,” “meat and meat products,” “alcohol,” “high-fiber products and nuts,” and “dairy products and whole-meal bread.” Univariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to verify the associations between the variables. Students in the “ON and without ED” group were found to exhibit more healthy eating habits than the students in the “ED and without ON” group. The use of a special diet in the past and currently increased the risk of displaying ON tendency and ED symptoms. Students in the “ON and without ED” and “ON and ED” groups were characterized by less frequent consumption of high-sugar and refined products. Students who rarely consumed meat and related products were found to be less likely to display “ON and ED.” In conclusion, different eating habits shown by people with ON tendency and ED symptoms confirmed the difference between ON and ED. However, the simultaneous displaying of ON and ED leads to the overlapping of specificity of eating habits, which can make the diagnosis based only on the eating habits difficult. Thus, there is still a need for further research involving the use of more sensitive tools that can better identify ON tendency and ED symptoms, as well as DPs.


Author(s):  
Omar Sanchez-Armass ◽  
Marcela Raffaelli ◽  
Flavia Cristina Drumond Andrade ◽  
Angela R. Wiley ◽  
Aida Nacielli Morales Noyola ◽  
...  

Cholesterol ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Capuano ◽  
Norman Lamaida ◽  
Ernesto Capuano ◽  
Rocco Capuano ◽  
Eduardo Capuano ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to determine the trends of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence between 1988/9 and 2008/9 in the 25–74-year-old population in an area of Southern Italy. We compared three cross-sectional studies conducted in random population samples, in 1988/9, 1998/9, and 2008/9 in Salerno, Italy. The methodology of data collection (lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycaemia, and smoking) and conducting tests which the population underwent during the three phases was standardized and comparable. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was calculated and standardized for age. A total of 3491 subjects were included. From 1988/9 to 2008/9, in males, the prevalence of all four risk factors was reduced. In women, there was a clear reduction of hypertension, a similar prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and an increase of smoking and diabetes. In the area of Salerno, our data confirm that the global prevalence of the major risk factors is decreasing in men, but their absolute values are still far from optimization. In women, diabetes and smoking showed a negative trend, therefore requiring targeted interventions. These data are now used as a base for executive targeted programs to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease in our community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isadora Ramos Fonseca ◽  
Ana Paula Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽  
Maria Olimpia Ribeiro do Vale Almada ◽  
Rene Jesus De La Torre Acosta ◽  
Monise Martins da Silva ◽  
...  

Objetivo: avaliar, em universitárias da área da saúde, indícios de transtornos alimentares, satisfação com a imagem corporal e influência da mídia. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, observacional, com 61 universitárias, com idade superior ou igual aos 20 anos de idade, aplicando-se os questionários Eating Atitudes Test, Body Shape Questionnaire, questionário de Teste de Imagem Corporal, Atitudes Socioculturais em Relação à Aparência, Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica e dados antropométricos. Realizou-se a análise descritiva das variáveis. Resultados: observou-se que, das 45 universitárias, a maioria apresentou Índice de Massa Corporal adequado; 26,7% apresentaram indícios de transtornos alimentares; 4,4%, insatisfação corporal grave e a influência da mídia e a compulsão alimentar periódica apresentaram-se em 2,2% do total da amostra estudada. Conclusão: entende-se que o diagnóstico precoce desses distúrbios, assim como de suas complicações clínicas, nem sempre é possível. Torna-se essencial que o tratamento das complicações seja realizado de maneira concomitante ao acompanhamento psicoterápico e nutricional. Descritores: Transtornos Alimentares; Imagem Corporal; Universitárias; Anorexia; Bulimia; Transtorno Alimentar Periódico.AbstractObjective: to evaluate, in university students in the health field, signs of eating disorders, satisfaction with body image and media influence. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study, with 61 university students, aged 20 years or over, using the Eating Attitudes Test, Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Image Test questionnaire , Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance, Periodic Eating Compulsion Scale and anthropometric data. Descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out. Results: it was observed that, of the 45 university students most had an adequate Body Mass Index; 26.7% showed signs of eating disorders; 4.4%, severe body dissatisfaction and the influence of the media and binge eating were 2.2% of the total sample studied. Conclusion: it is understood that the early diagnosis of these disorders, as well as their clinical complications, is not always possible. It is essential that the treatment of complications is carried out concurrently with psychotherapeutic and nutritional monitoring. Descriptors: Eating Disorders; Body Image; University Students; Anorexia; Bulimia; Periodic Eating Disorder.ResumenObjetivo: evaluar, en estudiantes universitarias en el campo de la salud, signos de trastornos alimentarios, satisfacción con la imagen corporal e influencia de los medios. Método: este es un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, observacional, con 61 estudiantes universitarias, de 20 años o más, utilizando el Test de Actitudes Alimentarias, el Cuestionario de Forma Corporal, el cuestionario del Test de Imagen Corporal, Actitudes socioculturales hacia la apariencia, Escala de compulsión alimentaria periódica y datos antropométricos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables. Resultados: se observó que, de las 45 estudiantes universitarias, la mayoría tenía un Índice de Masa Corporal adecuado; 26.7% mostró signos de trastornos alimentarios; 4.4%, la insatisfacción corporal severa y la influencia de los medios de comunicación y los atracones fueron 2.2% de la muestra total estudiada. Conclusión: se entiende que el diagnóstico temprano de estos trastornos, así como sus complicaciones clínicas, no siempre es posible. Es esencial que el tratamiento de las complicaciones se realice simultáneamente con el monitoreo psicoterapéutico y nutricional. Descriptores: Trastornos de la Alimentación; Imagen Corporal; Estudiantes Universitarios; Anorexia Bulimia; Trastorno Alimentario Periódico.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document