Eating disorder in university students: an international multi-institutional study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) among university students and to identify associated demographic and behavioral profile in university students in the three countries. Methods: In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in three universities: Biała Podlaska (Poland), Miskolc (Hungary) and Ternopil (Ukraine). Students completed an anonymous self-reported questionnaire compiled at the University of Rouen (EurECAS) and gave information on sex, age, marital status, financial difficulties, physical fitness (international Fitness Scale), height and weight for calculating BMI. Eating disorder was measured using SCOFF questionnaire with 2 levels (0=no problem, 1=eating disorders), psychological profile such as stress, anxiety and depression was measured using DASS-21 questionnaire. Results: A total of 1965 students was included in the survey (534 in Hungary, 708 in Poland and 723 in Ukraine). The prevalence of eating disorders was 21.0% in Hungary, 19.7% in Poland, and 36.9% in Ukraine (p < 10-4). Results of logistic regression indicated that ED was significantly associated with to be a female (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.94-3.42), having lower age (OR=.94, 95% CI=.91-.97), higher BMI (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.17), living alone (OR=.63, 95% CI=.48-.82), being susceptible to stress (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06-1.15) and anxiety (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.06-1.16). Conclusions: Prevalence of ED, especially in Ukraine, was high in different socio-cultural context. Such stadies are encouraging health care professionals and academic individuals to strongly inquire about the increasing prevalence of eating disorders amongst university students as it is associated with other risk factors. Public health interventions in screening students in the university environment are highly recommended.