Eating Disorders and Associated Health Risks Among University Students

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of eating disorders among university students and its relationship to behavioral characteristics and substance use.

Design: Cross-sectional study collected socioeconomic characteristics and behavioral risk.

Setting: University of Upper Normandy, France.

Participants: University student volunteers.

Phenomenon of interest: The Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) screening test was used to identify subjects with eating disorders by a confidential questionnaire self-administered either online or on paper.

Analysis: Multivariate logistic regression models with P < .05 considered significant.

Results: A total of 3,457 students were included with a male-to-female ratio of 0.57. The prevalence of positive SCOFF screening was 20.5% among students. A positive relation between the positive SCOFF was observed with female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28-3.89; P < .001), stress (AOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.09-1.12; P < .001), depression (AOR, 8.62; 95% CI, 3.37-22.10; P < .001) alcohol abuse problems (AOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.20-1.95; P = .006), and risk of cyber-addiction (AOR, 5.09; 95% CI, 2.69-9.62; P < .001).

Conclusions and implications: Eating disorders are highly prevalent among university students in France and associated with other behavior risks, stress, and depression. It might prove necessary in the future to screen students with the SCOFF questionnaire upon entry to the university to inform student about the risk of eating disorders and advise them to consult with their general practitioner.

Keywords: alcohol; cyber-addiction; eating disorders; physical activity; university students.