Eating Disorders and Their Associated Factors among Women Aged 18-50 Years: A Cross-sectional Study

Ahlam Badreldin. El Shikieri
2022 Journal of Food and Nutrition Research  
Eating Disorders (EDs) are serious mental illnesses that can affect health and overall well-being. The present study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence and types of EDs among women aged 18-50 years, (2) the association between age, level of study, the university sector, and EDs. Methods: An epidemiological, cross-sectional facility-based study design was conducted. Women aged 18-50 years who were not previously diagnosed with ED and were employees or students at Taibah University, Saudi
more » ... a, were included. The EAT-26, DSM-V, and the Ortherxia Nervosa (ON) inventory determined the presence of EDs and their types. In addition, information about age, college or sector, and year of study (for students) were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26. Results: Women (n = 1700) were screened. Women (n= 288, 17%) had disordered eating attitudes, and 213 of them completed the study. Of the 213 women with disordered eating, 14% suffered from bulimia nervosa (BN), 23.9% from eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), and 28% from ON. Women aged ≥43 years suffered mostly from binge eating disorders. Most of the women with EDs were in their first year of study. The most common types of EDs among students were ON, EDNOS, BN, a combination of ON and atypical anorexia nervosa (AN). Moreover, atypical AN was prevalent among year four students, whereas night-eating disorders were common among year two and three students. Conclusion: Age, university sector, and year of study are associated with EDs among women. Nutrition education programs targeting young women, their parents, and those from specific colleges need to be initiated at Taibah University.
doi:10.12691/jfnr-10-5-1 fatcat:r6jzej2l7jcrxfhbm6pegodsiu