Prevalence of disordered eating and its impact on quality of life among a group of college students in a province of west Turkey

Tozun M., ÜNSAL A., Ayranci U., ARSLAN G.

SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO, vol.52, no.3, pp.190-198, 2010 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 52 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1590/s0036-36342010000300002
  • Journal Name: SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.190-198
  • Keywords: disordered eating, quality of life, students, Turkey, YOUNG-ADULTS, ATTITUDES
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective. To determine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) among a group of college students and assess its impact on quality of life. Material and Methods. This study was conducted between December 15(th), 2008 and January 15(th), 2009 at a Turkish University. Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) was used to identify DE. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36. Results. The prevalence of DE was 6.8%. Presence of any physical defect (OR: 2.657), parents living separately (OR: 3.114), mothers having an education level of secondary school and over (OR: 2.583), and families not having social health insurance (OR: 2.603) were important risk factors (p<0.05). Conclusions. The HRQoL of those with DE was worse than those without it. Periodic screenings should be done to determine DE cases.