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Ephrem C, Rizk R, Saadeh D, Hallit S, Obeid S, Martijn C. Orthorexia nervosa in dietitians and dietetics students-prevalence, risk factors, and interventions: a scoping review using a systematic approach. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae009. [PMID: 38381921 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by compulsive behaviors and increased concerns about healthful eating. Dietitians appear to be especially vulnerable to ON, and it is still debatable whether the disordered eating behaviors motivate individuals to enroll in nutrition programs, or whether these behaviors result from an exaggerated preoccupation with healthy eating triggered during their nutrition studies. OBJECTIVE The aim was to provide an overview of the present state of knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors, and interventions addressing ON among dietitians and dietetics students. More specifically, it was examined whether dietitians and dietetics students differ from students attending different education programs or other health professionals with regard to the severity and risk factors of ON, and whether the extent of ON changes during the progression in the nutrition education years of study. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), PsycInfo (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane, ProQuest Central, CABI, ProQuest Dissertations, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink were searched on May 8, 2021, and updated on November 12, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION Records were screened for eligibility; study characteristics, methodology, and findings of included articles were extracted; and the methodological quality assessed using the AXIS tool. Each step was preceded by a calibration exercise and conducted independently and in duplicate by pairs of 2 reviewers. Any disagreements were resolved through discussions. DATA ANALYSIS A narrative synthesis was performed, whereby the characteristics, methodologies, and results of included studies were compared. CONCLUSIONS Results were inconclusive; yet, a general status of the relatively "high" prevalence of ON among dietitians and dietetics students was established, stressing the need for systematic research to understand and mitigate orthorexic tendencies in this group. It is still too early to answer questions pertaining to prevalence, risk factors, interventions, and differences between dietetics students and other majors when it comes to severity and progress of ON throughout the continuing years of study, or between dietitians and other professional groups. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BY5KF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Ephrem
- Clinical Psychological Science-Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rana Rizk
- Nutrition Program, Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Epidemiologie Clinique, et de Toxicology (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Danielle Saadeh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Epidemiologie Clinique, et de Toxicology (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Carolien Martijn
- Clinical Psychological Science-Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Platta AM, Mikulec AT, Radzymińska M, Ruszkowska M, Suwała G, Zborowski M, Kowalczewski PŁ, Nowicki M. Body image and willingness to change it-A study of university students in Poland. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293617. [PMID: 37910539 PMCID: PMC10619780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify declared patterns of ideal appearance among students at selected higher education institutions in Poland. In the present study, we set out to identify the body image and the propensity to change it. In order to achieve the goal of the study, a nationwide survey was carried out using a voluntary diagnostic survey. A total of 810 respondents took part in the survey. The study was conducted using a custom-made self-designed survey questionnaire with an indirect interview technique via a web-based platform (CAWI). The study results indicate that women were far more eager to maintain an attractive appearance through dieting than men. Importantly, the respondents, both women and men, did not identify influencers as role models of attractive appearance. Results of the present survey reveal that attitudes towards one's physical appearance are diverse and influenced by the considered factors. The attributes that determined the perception of oneself as an attractive person included height, weight, and body build. Normal body weight is a key feature of an attractive appearance, according to the respondents; nevertheless, students show a higher tolerance for being overweight than for being underweight. Furthermore, preferences in this respect are largely conditioned by individual personal characteristics. According to young people, a person with an attractive appearance is one who eats and exercises regularly, and who does not fall into extremes in terms of their appearance. On the other hand, the fear of growing fat and losing one's attractive appearance was frequently indicated among the concerns over personal appearance. Only one in five respondents expressed complete satisfaction with how they looked, with men and those with a normal BMI significantly more likely to do so. Respondents expressed readiness to undertake a range of activities related to increased exercise regime, changes in their eating habits, or seeking assistance (e.g., of a personal trainer) to achieve the desired body shape. Our findings can be used as a basis for discussion and consideration in developing educational activities on nutrition, as well as on overweight- and obesity-related health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Platta
- Faculty of Management and Quality Science, Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Anna T. Mikulec
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Applied Science in Nowy Sącz, Nowy Sącz, Poland
| | - Monika Radzymińska
- Faculty of Economic Sciences, Institute of Management Science and Quality, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Millena Ruszkowska
- Faculty of Management and Quality Science, Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Suwała
- Department of Food Product Quality, Krakow University of Economics, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Zborowski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Applied Science in Nowy Sącz, Nowy Sacz, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Nowicki
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN, United States of America
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Athanasaki D, Lakoumentas J, Milani GP, Agostoni C, Berghea F, Ionescu MD, Vassilopoulou E. Maternal Bonding as a Protective Factor for Orthorexia Nervosa Risk in Dietetics Students. Nutrients 2023; 15:3577. [PMID: 37630767 PMCID: PMC10460006 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the risk of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in dietetics students in Greece, and its relationship with diet, risk of eating disorder (ED), body mass index (BMI), body image flexibility, and parental attachment. The participants were 132 dietetics students, with a mean age of 22.94 ± 3.5 years, who completed a series of questionnaires that recorded sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics; adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet); ON indicators as determined by the ORTO-15 questionnaire; body image flexibility, with the Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ-5); the risk for ED as assessed using the EAT-26; anxiety level according to the STAIT 6 instrument; and recollection of their parents' attitudes towards them during the first 16 years of life, with the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). ON risk appeared to be significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.002), exercise frequency (p = 0.023), anxiety level (p = 0.002), risk of ED (p < 0.001), body image inflexibility (p < 0.001), and inversely with the affectionate constraint of maternal bonding (p = 0.036). In conclusion, disordered eating behaviors and body shape concerns are prevalent among dietetics students, with parental attachment to the mother influencing their occurrence. Identification of potential ON and development of prevention mechanisms during childhood could help eliminate these concerns and improve the lives of dietetics students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafni Athanasaki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.A.); (J.L.); (E.V.)
| | - John Lakoumentas
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.A.); (J.L.); (E.V.)
| | - Gregorio Paolo Milani
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.P.M.); (C.A.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.P.M.); (C.A.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Florian Berghea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Spital Clinic Sf. Maria, Bd. Ion Mihalache 37-39, Et 1 Secretariat, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marcela Daniela Ionescu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- “Marie S. Curie” Emergency Children’s Clinical Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emilia Vassilopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.A.); (J.L.); (E.V.)
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.P.M.); (C.A.)
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Budhiwianto S, Bennett CJ, Bristow CA, Dart J. Global Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Nutrition and Dietetic University Students: A Systematic Scoping Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102317. [PMID: 37242199 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition and dietetics (ND) training encourages behaviors that can be considered risk factors for eating disorders or disordered eating. This paper aims to explore the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and predictors of eating disorders (/P-EDs) in ND students. METHODS A systematic scoping review of the literature was performed on PubMed, ERIC, PsychINFO, OVID Medline, and Scopus in October 2022. RESULTS A total of 2097 papers were retrieved from the search, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The resultant literature reported that 4-32% of ND students were at high risk of EDs (n = 6 studies), and 23-89% could be classified as having orthorexia nervosa (n = 7 studies). Further, 37-86% reported body image/fat dissatisfaction (n = 10 studies), and 100% of students reported weight dissatisfaction (n = 1 study). CONCLUSIONS This paper highlights the prevalence of EDs and P-EDs across ND students. Further research is warranted to explore the cause, context, and impact on ND students' wellbeing and professional identity and supporting diversity within the profession. Future studies should also consider curriculum approaches to address this occupational hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Budhiwianto
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christie J Bennett
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Claire A Bristow
- Medical Education and Research Quality Unit (MERQ), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Janeane Dart
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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Matusik A, Grajek M, Szlacheta P, Korzonek-Szlacheta I. Comparison of the Prevalence of Eating Disorders among Dietetics Students and Students of Other Fields of Study at Selected Universities (Silesia, Poland). Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153210. [PMID: 35956386 PMCID: PMC9370438 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Over the past few years, an increase in the incidence of eating disorders has been noted. An increase in the pace of life, an increase in the availability of a wide variety of food products, and, to a large extent, the involvement of mass media are cited as reasons for this phenomenon. The promotion of a slim figure by the mass media is equated with achieving success in life, but also the advertising of a wide selection of food products (often highly processed) can have a serious impact on the development of eating disorders. This phenomenon is particularly observed in industrialized Western countries. Objective: Therefore, it was decided to test and compare whether dietetics students are indeed more predisposed to developing eating disorders than students not in the nutrition field. Material and methods: the study included 310 individuals representing two equal groups of fields of study—dietetics and other students. The study used standardized questionnaire—EAT-26. Results: It was found that almost half (46%) of the respondents (both dietetics students and students of other majors) met at least one criterion out of three that could indicate the probable existence or susceptibility to an eating disorder. These individuals should see a specialist for further diagnosis. There was no significant effect of the field of study on the overall EAT-26 test score (p > 0.05). When this result was corrected for BMI values for those with the lowest scores on this indicator, the risk of eating disorders was found to be higher among students of majors other than dietetics (X2 = 13.572; V = 0.831 p = 0.001). Conclusions: Almost half of the respondents in both study groups showed a predisposition to eating disorders based on the EAT-26 test. Despite the presence of a correlation in individual responses that dietetics students are more predisposed to eating disorders, no such relationship was found according to the final EAT-26 test scores. However, it was observed that non-dietetics students who had low BMI values showed higher tendencies toward behaviors indicative of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Matusik
- Department of Prevention of Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Mateusz Grajek
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41902 Bytom, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Patryk Szlacheta
- Department of Toxicology and Health Protection, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Ilona Korzonek-Szlacheta
- Department of Prevention of Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41902 Bytom, Poland
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Hoteit M, Mohsen H, Bookari K, Moussa G, Jurdi N, Yazbeck N. Prevalence, correlates, and gender disparities related to eating disordered behaviors among health science students and healthcare practitioners in Lebanon: Findings of a national cross sectional study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:956310. [PMID: 35928833 PMCID: PMC9345498 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.956310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe raised prevalence of eating disorders (ED) amongst health science students and health professionals is of mounting concern. This study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of eating disorders risk amongst a sample of Lebanese health science students and healthcare practitioners of both genders.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled a convenient sample of 1,000 participants (mean age: 23 ± 5.4; females: 74.9%) from faculties of health sciences, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. The validated Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to screen for eating disorders. Anthropometric data were self-reported by respondents to assess their nutritional status.ResultsThe risk of eating disorders was prevalent in 22.5% of participants. Females were at higher risk of ED compared to males p = 0.03. Eating disorders risk did not differ between students and practitioners (p = 0.3). The highest proportion of high-risk participants were students studying nutrition and practitioners (40.9%), outracing their counterparts in nursing (18.7%), medicine (17.8%), pharmacy (17.7%), and midwifery (4.9%) sciences (p = 0.02). Most high-risk participants had normal body weight (60.4%), and 28.9% were overweight (p = 0.001). Female gender, nutrition profession, and dieting were associated with increasing the odd of ED. Particularly, dieting increased the risk around five times. Further, each 3 participants over 10 were facing binge eating behavior.ConclusionThis study uncovers an undervalued profession-related-health-disorder in Lebanese health science students and healthcare practitioners. Specific attention should be given to EDs in professional educational programmes across healthcare disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Maha Hoteit
| | - Hala Mohsen
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khlood Bookari
- National Nutrition Committee, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Food Sector, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadir Moussa
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najwa Jurdi
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Yazbeck
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors of Dietetics Students. TOP CLIN NUTR 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/tin.0000000000000260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Food addiction, orthorexia, and food-related stress among dietetics students. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:459-467. [PMID: 29779146 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Health sciences, and in particular Nutrition and Dietetics students, have been shown to exhibit an increased prevalence of disordered eating. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFEDs), including stress-related eating, food addiction, and orthorexia, in relation to the dietary intake, among nutrition/dietetics students. METHODS A total of 176 undergraduate students from a Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, in Greece, participated in the study. Dietary intake was recorded, and the prevalence of Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotion and Stress (EADES), food addiction (with the modified Yale Food Addition scale mYFAS), and orthorexia were assessed. Chi-square and t tests were performed between sexes, orthorexic and non-orthorexic students, as well as between food-addicted and non-addicted participants. Multiple linear regression analysis assessed relationships between energy intake, BMI or waist circumference, and the food-related psychometric scales. RESULTS Among participating students, 4.5% had food addiction and 68.2% demonstrated orthorexia. No differences were observed between men and women, concerning the prevalence of food addiction and orthorexia, the sum of mYFAS symptoms, or individual EADES factors. Orthorexic students exhibited increased BMI, reduced energy, and saturated fat intake. In addition, orthorexic men consumed more vegetables. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that orthorexic behavior was associated with increased BMI, waist circumference and energy intake. Lower BMI was associated with increasing ability to cope with emotion-and-stress-related eating and increasing appraisal of ability and resources to cope with emotions and stress. Emotion-and-stress-related eating was negatively associated with BMI. Appraisal of ability and resources to cope with emotions and stress was associated with the energy intake. Finally, age was positively correlated with the appraisal of outside stressors/influences, indicating increased ability to cope with outside stressors among older students. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that despite the suggested interventions, the problem of OSFEDs among nutrition and dietetics students is still valid. Regular screening, counseling, and education is needed to reduce its prevalence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Disordered Eating Behaviors and Food Addiction among Nutrition Major College Students. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8110673. [PMID: 27792162 PMCID: PMC5133061 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of whether nutrition students are free from food-related issues or at higher risk for eating disorders is inconsistent. This study aimed to assess disordered eating behaviors and food addiction among nutrition and non-nutrition major college students. Students (n = 967, ages 18–25, female 72.7%, white 74.8%) enrolled at a public university completed online demographic characteristics surveys and validated questionnaires measuring specific disordered eating behaviors. Academic major category differences were compared. Additionally, high risk participants were assessed by weight status and academic year. Overall, 10% of respondents were a high level of concern for developing eating disorders. About 10.3% of respondents met criteria for food addiction. In addition, 4.5% of respondents had co-occurrence of eating disorder risk and food addiction risk out of total respondents. There were no significant differences in level of concern for developing an eating disorder, eating subscales, or food addiction among academic majors. The percentage of high risk participants was lower in the underweight/normal weight group than in the overweight/obese group in health-related non-nutrition major students but not in nutrition students. Early screening, increasing awareness, and promoting healthy eating habits could be potential strategies to help treat and prevent the development of disorders or associated health conditions in nutrition as well as non-nutrition students.
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Rocks T, Pelly F, Slater G, Martin LA. Eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics degrees. Nutr Diet 2016; 74:381-387. [PMID: 28901702 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM The prevalence of disordered eating has been frequently reported in university students; however, the prevalence amongst Australian undergraduate students studying degrees with a focus on nutrition is uncertain. The aims of this study were to: (i) assess eating attitudes and behaviours of students enrolled in nutrition and dietetics, (ii) compare those to students enrolled in another health degree of occupational therapy (OT) and (iii) explore possible relationships between eating attitudes and behaviours and other characteristics of both cohorts. METHODS This cross-sectional observational study investigated self-reported anthropometric characteristics, eating attitudes and behaviours and self-esteem using a series of questionnaires. RESULTS Participants included 137 students (119 females, 18 males) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 8.7 years. Fourteen percent of nutrition and dietetics and 11% of OT students had disordered eating attitudes scores that were symptomatic of an eating disorder. Mean eating attitude scores did not differ between the degrees of study. Students in nutrition and dietetics showed significantly higher levels of cognitive restraint and less emotional eating than OT students. Enrolment in the first year of study was the strongest predictor of symptomatic eating attitudes. CONCLUSIONS These findings support previously expressed concern about presence of disordered eating in nutrition and dietetics undergraduates. Collaboratively developed support mechanisms for preventing and managing disordered relationships with food would be of benefit to students enrolled in nutrition degrees to ensure ongoing professional integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Rocks
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Pelly
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa A Martin
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
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Kassier S, Veldman F. Eating behaviour, eating attitude and body mass index of dietetic students versus non-dietetic majors: a South African perspective. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2014.11734498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Houston CA, Bassler E, St. Germain A. Ethical Considerations When Students Experience an Active Eating Disorder during Their Dietetics Training. J Acad Nutr Diet 2015; 115:1715-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Mahn HM, Lordly D. A Review of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating amongst Nutrition Students and Dietetic Professionals. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2015; 76:38-43. [DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2014-031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Mciver Mahn
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
| | - Daphne Lordly
- Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
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Ozenoglu A, Unal G, Ercan A, Kumcagiz H, Alakus K. Are Nutrition and Dietetics Students More Prone to Eating Disorders Related Attitudes and Comorbid Depression and Anxiety than Non-Dietetics Students? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/fns.2015.614131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Eating behaviour among undergraduate students. Comparing nutrition students with other courses. Appetite 2014; 84:28-33. [PMID: 25240638 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our main aim was to compare eating behaviour between Portuguese undergraduate nutrition students and students attending other courses. Several eating behaviour dimensions were compared between 154 nutrition students and 263 students from other areas. Emotional and external eating were assessed by the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, dietary restraint was measured using the flexible and rigid control of eating behaviour subscales, binge eating was measured using the Binge Eating Scale, and eating self-efficacy using the General Eating Self-Efficacy Scale. Higher levels of flexible and rigid control were found in nutrition students from both sexes when compared to students from other courses. Female nutrition students also presented higher binge eating levels than their colleagues from other courses. To our knowledge no other work has previously assessed all eating behaviour dimensions considered in the current study among nutrition students. Besides the results by themselves, the data obtained from this study provide several clues to further studies to be developed regarding the still rarely approached issue of eating behaviour among nutrition students.
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