Indicators and Determinants of Food Addiction among Fourth-grade Medical Students of Minia University in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Food addiction (FA) exists in one-sixth of Egyptian adolescents. It is associated with neuropsychiatric problems and is incriminated in the current obesity epidemic. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA and its indicators among medical students of Minia University and to identify the predictors of FA indicators. Method: A cross-sectional survey of 394 medical students was conducted during November 2020. Students filled out a self-reported English questionnaire that included socio-demographics, smoking habits, modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2 (mYFAS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), and The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Results: The prevalence of FA among the studied medical students was 11.4% and 14.5% had three or more FA indicators. The most common FA indicator was craving (24.9%) followed by withdrawal (16.2%), use in physically hazardous situations (15.2%), and unsuccessful quitting (14.7%). The significant predictors of FA diagnosis were socioeconomic level, BMI, and depression. Most FA indicators were significantly associated with depression and/or stress. Furthermore, high BMI was associated with unsuccessful quitting, giving up or reduced activities, and interpersonal problems. Smoking correlated to loss of control, craving, and clinically significant impairment. The low socioeconomic level affected the withdrawal symptoms and interpersonal problems. Conclusion: FA indicators are common among medical students. Future studies should evaluate the impact of nutrition education and weight control combined with smoking cessation and psychological support to promote healthy eating behavior and reduce the rate of FA and obesity among medical students.