Screening for Eating Disorder Using Eating Attitudes Test-26 and its Association with Eating Habits in Undergraduate Male University Students

Abstract

Background: Students at colleges and universities are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder. Insufficient data exist regarding the prevalence of eating disorders among male undergraduate university students. Objective: To determine the frequency of eating disorder and its association with eating habits, junk food and Pica consumption among male undergraduates at the University of Sindh in Jamshoro. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2018 and October 2018 at Sindh University in Jamshoro. Data was collected using Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) after getting informed consent. A total of 403 undergraduate male students filled out EAT-26 questionnaire. Items of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors were compared between the positive (having eating disorder) and negative EAT respondents using chi-square test. Results: With a cutoff value of 20 of the EAT-26, 40.9% of students were found to be at risk for an eating disorder (EAT positive). The majority of study participants (79%) reported eating junk food. Seven percent of the participants reported eating Pica (non-food particles) like sand and plastic. Eating disorder was significantly associated with all the subscales of EAT-26. However Eating disorder was not significantly associated with junk food or with pica consumption. Conclusion: A high number of male undergraduates are at risk of having eating disorder. Regular screening of male students and awareness about eating disorders is the need of time.