Factors associated with the risk of eating disorders among academics in the area of health

• Main Authors: Jeudi Aguiar dos Reis (Author), Carlos Reeves Rodrigues Silva Júnior (Author), Lucinéia de Pinho (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1983-1447; 10.1590/1983-1447.2014.02.42441
• Keywords: Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria; Conducta alimentaria; Estudiantes del área de la salud; Nursing; RT1-120
• Source: Revista Gaúcha de Enfermagem, Vol 35, Iss 2, Pp 73-78

The object of this study was aimed at identifying factors associated with the risk of eating disorders in undergraduate students in the area of Health Sciences. It is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study carried out in Montes Claros, MG (Brazil), from August to October 2012. The profile of the university students was identified and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) applied. 200, students aged 23.4 ± 6.13 years participated in the study, 76.5% of them females. A frequency of 4.0% of the students were at high risk of developing eating disorders, 21.0% at low risk and 75.0% had no risk factors. Various inadequate self-perceptions of the body, dietary practice, missed breakfasts and snacking during intervals were associated with factors for eating disorder risk (p<0.05). For students with inadequate nutritional status, 34.4% were at risk of an eating disorder (p=0,004). The high risk of developing eating disorders among students in a nutritionally deficient condition indicates that they should receive preventive dietary advice.