Prevalence of Eating Disorder among Students of Health Science Colleges in Majamaah University, Saudi Arabia
Shamshad Begum Loni, Waqas Sami, Zeinab A. Abd-Elhaleem, Madania Mohammed Nore Idrees Ejiel, Ghazali Abdel Gadir Mohammed Abdel Gadir, Mohammad Owais Khan
1323
ABSTRACT
Background: Due to internationalization Arab nations have
witnessed significant lifestyle changes leading to perceptions of body
dissatisfaction among young Arabs.
Objective: Owing to the rise in prevalence of EDs and
behaviors among the youth, the study was taken up to assess the prevalence of
EDs and determine the correlation between EDs and BMI among health science
students at Majmaah University, KSA.
Brief methods: EAT 26 standardized self-reported
questionnaires was used. BMI calculated by Quetelet index. The data from the sampling figure was collected using
systematic random sampling. A general medical examination and brief personal,
family, and prior histories were conducted.
Results: An observational descriptive cross-sectional
study conducted among 90 females and 35 males aged 18-25 yrs. Mean ± SD BMI was
25.6±5.1(males) and 22.9±4.9(females).Of total
18.4% (under wt), 63.4% (normal wt), 26.8% (ow), and 18.4% (obese).
Positive EAT-26 was observed in 35.2% with Mean±SD 29.05±8.7t (123) = 14.9
p<.00001. Highest proportion 56% participants (60% males and 54.4% females)
was observed for the behavior "Exercise 60 minutes per day" while least
was observed with weight loss of ≥9 Kgs in last six months 8% (5.7% male and
8.9% female).Our study revealed compared to males, females are more “conscious
of calorie content of the food they eat” (p =.0013), and “gave too much time
and thought to food” (p =.02).Our results though on higher side are consistent
with other studies across the Arab countries. Our research supports that BMI is
a significant indicator of EDs.
Conclusion: Most adults have physical and psychological
issues due to unhealthy foods consumption and opting for ideal body. Early
diagnosis and prevention of ED complications are essential by conducting
programs to encourage healthy eating habits and behaviors.
ABSTRACT
Background: Due to internationalization Arab nations have
witnessed significant lifestyle changes leading to perceptions of body
dissatisfaction among young Arabs.
Objective: Owing to the rise in prevalence of EDs and
behaviors among the youth, the study was taken up to assess the prevalence of
EDs and determine the correlation between EDs and BMI among health science
students at Majmaah University, KSA.
Brief methods: EAT 26 standardized self-reported
questionnaires was used. BMI calculated by Quetelet index. The data from the sampling figure was collected using
systematic random sampling. A general medical examination and brief personal,
family, and prior histories were conducted.
Results: An observational descriptive cross-sectional
study conducted among 90 females and 35 males aged 18-25 yrs. Mean ± SD BMI was
25.6±5.1(males) and 22.9±4.9(females).Of total
18.4% (under wt), 63.4% (normal wt), 26.8% (ow), and 18.4% (obese).
Positive EAT-26 was observed in 35.2% with Mean±SD 29.05±8.7t (123) = 14.9
p<.00001. Highest proportion 56% participants (60% males and 54.4% females)
was observed for the behavior "Exercise 60 minutes per day" while least
was observed with weight loss of ≥9 Kgs in last six months 8% (5.7% male and
8.9% female).Our study revealed compared to males, females are more “conscious
of calorie content of the food they eat” (p =.0013), and “gave too much time
and thought to food” (p =.02).Our results though on higher side are consistent
with other studies across the Arab countries. Our research supports that BMI is
a significant indicator of EDs.
Conclusion: Most adults have physical and psychological
issues due to unhealthy foods consumption and opting for ideal body. Early
diagnosis and prevention of ED complications are essential by conducting
programs to encourage healthy eating habits and behaviors.