Jordan Journal of Nursing Research

Paper Detail

Paper File JJNR-[34]
Submission Date 15/11/2022
Paper StatusAccepted
Acceptance Date 15/02/2023
TitlePrevalence of Risks for Eating Disorders among Undergraduate University Students: A Cross-sectional Study from United Arab Emirates
Short TitleEating Disorders among University Students
KeywordsEating disorders, higher college students, United Arab Emirates, female adolescents, Anorexia Nervosa, Eat-26
Abstract

Background: Eating disorders are psychological disturbances that result in severe and long-lasting abnormal eating patterns and consequences to a variety of physical and psychological components of health.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of risk to eating disorders among Emirati female undergraduate university students aged from 18 to 21 years at a higher college at UAE.

Methods: Utilizing a Cross-sectional design, a total of 501 students recruited conveniently to participate in this study. A questionnaire consisted of demographical and eating pattern sections and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) was used and shared with the students online.

Results: The prevalence of female students with risks of eating disorders was 13.97%. The most frequent (13.6%) statement chosen by students was “I am terrified of being overweight.” Almost, 50% of the students were not satisfied with their weight, and 48.1% were dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Only 8.18% of the female students have a family history of EDs, and 8.98% were confirmed cases of eating disorders. Yet, the study revealed no statistically significant correlations between age, (r= 0.036, P= 0.416); BMI (r= 0.015, P= 0.734) or meals/day (r= -0.076, P= 0.087) and EAT-26 scores.  

Conclusion: The risks of eating disorders in the current study were lower compared to previous studies. Regardless, education programs are required to increase awareness regarding eating disorders.

Implications for Nursing: Extended community-based educational programs are suggested to enhance female students’ knowledge about EDs, there consequences on health, and methods to promote healthy eating habits and positive attitudes toward body image.

 

 

 

Paper File JJNR-[34]

Authors

#TitleFirst NameLast NameOrganizationCountryEmail
1Dr.HeyamDalkyJordan University of Science &TechnologyJordan (Contact Author)
hfdalky@just.edu.jo
Alt Email: hdalky@yahoo.com
Contact Phone: 0776303092
2Dr.AdamKhraisatHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates akhraisat@hct.ac.ae
3StudentMona AlbalushiHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates h00373095@hct.ac.ae
4StudentSara IbrahimHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates h00391356@hct.ac.ae
5StudentAbrar AhmedHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates h00369737@hct.ac.ae
6StudentFatima AliHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates h00369362@hct.ac.ae
7StudentReem IbrahimHigher Colleges of TechnologyUnited Arab Emirates h00388793@hct.ac.ae