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Assessment of disordered eating attitudes and associated factors among female undergraduates at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia

樱花视频 volume听25, Article听number:听1730 (2025) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Eating disorders significantly impact physical health and have negative psychosocial consequences. The global burden of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among young females is estimated to account for 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years. Early identification of disordered eating attitudes is critical for preventing the progression to more severe forms of eating disorders; however, there is limited evidence on this issue among university students in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess disordered eating attitudes and their associated factors among female students at Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Arba Minch University from January 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. A total of 600 female students participated in the study, selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epi-Info version 7, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with disordered eating attitudes, with variables having p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. The strength and presence of associations between the outcome variable and independent variables were measured using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Model fitness was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

Results

The study found that the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female students at Arba Minch University was 11.5% (95% CI: 9.0-14.3). Factors significantly associated with disordered eating attitudes included academic department (AOR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.06-4.86) and body mass index (AOR=5.83, 95% CI: 2.34-14.52).

Conclusion

The study indicated a notable prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female students at Arba Minch University. Body mass index and academic department were found to be significantly associated with these attitudes. The link between disordered eating and body image concerns underscores the need for policies promoting self-confidence and positive body image. More specifically, university health services should implement routine screening using EAT-26, combined with psychological counseling services to support at-risk students.

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Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) are psychological conditions characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors and attitudes [1]. These behaviors, which can range from an obsession with body weight and shape to food restriction, dieting, binge eating, vomiting, and the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, and diet pills, may serve as early indicators of more severe eating disorders [2, 3]. EDs are serious mental health conditions that significantly impact physical health and psychosocial well-being, and their prevalence has increased over the last 50 years [4]. The global burden of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among young females has been estimated to account for 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years [5].

Initially, the prevalence of EDs in Western countries was higher compared to non-Western countries [6]. However, this trend has shifted, as recent systematic analyses suggest a reversal [7]. The economic impact of EDs is substantial, with the annual treatment costs for adult and adolescents was estimated between 1,288$ and 8,042$ per patient [8, 9] where females received more treatment and had longer duration of treatment than males [10]. Alarmingly, many college students exhibiting signs of eating disorders have not been diagnosed or treated, underscoring the importance of early detection [11]. Thus, timely identification of disordered eating behaviors in college students appears to be a momentous necessity. Individuals with eating disorders are at risk for a range of health issues, including anxiety, cardiovascular symptoms, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, neurological problems, and even suicide attempts [12]. Moreover, 3.4% to 20% of people with eating disorders have high mortality rates, of which the highest was recorded among individuals with anorexia nervosa due to suicide attempts or physiological complications such as heart failure [13, 14].

In the second half of the 20 th century, the Western media introduced the"thin ideal"body standard, which significantly contributed to the development of EDs among women [15]. Before the development of clinical eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, many individuals exhibit disordered eating attitudes which is unhealthy behaviors and attitudes related to body image, weight, and food. These attitudes can serve as precursors to more severe eating disorders [16].

The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among female college students varies regionally. In the United States, 10%鈭�20% of college women reported disordered eating attitude [17] while in Saudi Arabia and China the prevalence was 36.8% [18] and 4% [19] respectively. In Africa, the prevalence also varies, with 21.9% in Nigeria [20], South Africa 21.2% [21], 8.7% at Harar, Ethiopia [22],and 9.7% in Gondar, Ethiopia [23].

Factors influencing disordered eating attitudes include peer influence [24], frequently reading magazines (reading at least weekly); and listening to radio programs (listening more than 1 h per day) [24, 25], sever media usage [23] and a high body mass index or excess weight [26,27,28]. Additionally, parental socio-demographic factors including marital status of parents [29] and mothers鈥� education levels [30] have been found to contribute to these attitudes.

The transition to adulthood (ages 18鈥�25) is a critical period for the onset of weight-related health behaviors and attitudes [31]. Since many body and weight related situations and activates emerge, puberty, adolescence and young adulthood are key periods for identifying associated factors for disordered eating attitude [32]. Therefore, addressing these behaviors early can prevent negative outcomes in later life. Conducting research at the university level provides an important opportunity to identify students with disordered eating attitudes for early detection and intervention.

To the best of the authors鈥� knowledge, there is limited evidence on disordered eating attitudes among university female students. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and identify associated factors among female undergraduate students at Arba Minch University.

Methods

Study design and setting

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to April 1, 2023, at Arba Minch University (AMU), located in Arba Minch town in the southern region of Ethiopia. The university is situated 500 km from Addis Ababa and 275 km from Hawassa. Established in 2004, AMU grew from the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute, founded in 1986. The university now comprises two institutes, six colleges, and five schools, offering a wide range of undergraduate to doctoral programs in various fields of study through regular, summer, weekend, distance, and continuing education formats. AMU is one of the fastest-growing universities in Ethiopia, expanding in terms of the number of colleges, academic programs, academic staff, and infrastructure. It currently enrolls a total of 16,002 undergraduate students, 5,852 of whom are female. According to the 2020 Ministry of Science and Higher Education classification, AMU has become one of the eight research-focused universities in Ethiopia [33].

Sample size calculation and sampling procedure

The source population for this study consisted of all female undergraduate students at Arba Minch University, while the study population was drawn from female students across selected colleges within the university. The study included all female students aged 19 and above at the university. The sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula with the following parameters: a 50% estimated proportion of disordered eating attitudes, a 95% confidence level, a 5% margin of error, a design effect of 1.5, and a 10% non-response rate, yielding a final sample size of 633 participants. To select the study subjects, a two-step sampling strategy was employed: stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling. Of the six campuses (Main Campus, Abaya Campus, Nech Sar Campus, Chamo Campus, Kulfo Campus, and Saula Campus), two were randomly chosen for inclusion: Nech Sar and Chamo campuses. Proportional allocation was applied to each selected campus. Within each campus, stratification was based on department and academic year. Participants were then randomly selected from the departmental lists using their identification numbers as the sampling frame.

Operational definitions

Disordered eating attitude is typically defined by Eating Attitude Test with item 26 (EAT-26) of 20 or above which implies unfavorable eating attitude. In contrary, a score of below 20 indicate favorable eating attitude which suggests healthier relationship with food [34]. Underweight is defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than18.5 kg/m2, normal weight falls within the range of 18.5 kg/m2 to 24.99 kg/m2 and overweight is considered when BMI is 25 kg/m2 or higher [35]. Media exposure was considered if students watched television (listened to radio) for more than one hour per day [24].

Data collection tool and procedure

Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and direct measurements of weight and height by the investigators. The questionnaire was structured into two sections. The first section gathered socio-demographic information, including age, height, weight, maternal and paternal educational levels, religious affiliation, maternal and paternal occupations, academic department, and year of study. The second section comprised the validated Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), which was adapted from previous studies [20, 22, 35, 36] to assess disordered eating attitudes. The EAT-26 consists of 26 items addressing various eating behaviors and attitudes. Each item was rated on a six-point Likert scale, ranging from 鈥榓lways鈥� to 鈥榥ever鈥�. Scores were assigned as follows: 3 for 鈥榓lways鈥�, 2 for 鈥榰sually鈥�, 1 for 鈥榦ften鈥�, and 0 for 鈥榮ometimes鈥�, 鈥榬arely鈥�, and 鈥榥ever鈥�. However, for item 26, the scoring was reversed: 0 was given for responses of 鈥榓lways鈥�, 鈥榰sually鈥�, and 鈥榦ften鈥�, while 1, 2, and 3 were assigned for 鈥榮ometimes鈥�, 鈥榬arely鈥�, and 鈥榥ever鈥�, respectively. The total score was obtained by summing the responses to all 26 items.

The participants鈥� height was meticulously measured using a stadiometer, with individuals positioned barefoot and ensuring that their heels, buttocks, and shoulders were in full contact with the wall of the device, and their head aligned with the Frankfurt plane. The measurement was recorded to the nearest 0.1 centimeter, with the procedure repeated as necessary to ensure precision and consistency. Weight was determined using a calibrated weighing scale, with readings taken to the nearest 100 grams. To ensure utmost accuracy, multiple measurements were recorded, and the scale was recalibrated to zero after each participant鈥檚 measurement. Participants were instructed to refrain from wearing shoes or heavy attire during the process.

Data quality assurance

The consistency of the questionnaire was maintained by translating the English version to Amharic and then back to English. Before the actual data collection date, training was given to the data collectors and supervisors. Pretests were conducted among 31 respondents at the Abaya Campus, and editorial errors were corrected. The accuracy and completeness of the collected data were checked by the investigators. The data were checked by inspecting and crosschecking the entered data with the questionnaire and running frequency.

Data processing and analysis

The data were entered into Epi-Info version 7 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive and summary statistics were employed to characterize the study population, with results presented in tables and graphs. Factors associated with disordered eating attitudes were identified using binary logistic regression after verifying the assumptions of the chi-square test and the regression model. The assumptions for the binary logistic regression model included: 1) the response variable must have two possible outcomes, which was confirmed by counting the distinct outcomes; 2) there must be one or more independent variables, which can be either continuous or categorical; 3) the absence of multicollinearity among independent variables, confirmed through the variance inflation factor; 4) a sufficiently large sample size, verified by examining the number of cases for each explanatory variable; 5) the independence of observations, assessed by inspecting the randomness of the plot. For the chi-square test, the assumptions checked included: 1) no cell should have a zero count; 2) all observations must be independent; and 3) observed values should be 鈮� 5 for at least 80% of the cells.

Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were considered for inclusion in the multivariable logistic regression [35]. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were deemed statistically significant. Adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence intervals was calculated to measure the strength and presence of associations between disordered eating attitudes and associated factors. The model鈥檚 goodness of fit was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test, which confirmed adequacy (p = 0.923). The reliability of the EAT-26 was evaluated using Cronbach鈥檚 alpha, yielding a value of 0.90, indicating internal consistency.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

An ethical approval letter was obtained from the institutional research ethics review board of the Arba Minch University College of Medicine and Health Science, and was approved for implementation with protocol number A09. The objective of the study was briefly clarified, and written consent was obtained from the study participants. Participants were informed that if they were unwilling to participate in the study, they had the right to quit at any time. To ensure the confidentiality of any information, the data collection procedure was anonymous. COVID-19 prevention mechanisms were considered throughout the data collection period.

Results

Socio-demographic characteristics

A total of 600 female students took part in the study, yielding response rate of 94.8%. The participants had a mean age of 21.6 years, with a standard deviation of 1.8 years. A significant majority (82.2%) of students originated from urban settings, while nearly three-quarters (74%) were enrolled in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Furthermore, 64.2% of the respondents were in their senior years of study. About 74% of the students reported regular exposure to media (Table 1).

Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of the female students at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia, 2023
Full size table

Nutritional-related characteristics

The mean body mass index (BMI) among the study participants was 20.2 卤 2.6 kg/m2, indicating that, on average, the students fell within the normal weight range. A more thorough assessment of BMI status revealed that, 22.8% of the respondents were categorized as underweight, suggesting a notable proportion of students may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies or related health concerns. The majority of participants (72%) had a BMI within the normal range, reflecting a generally healthy weight status among most students. Only 5.2% of the participants were overweight, but this still indicates the presence of weight-related issues among the students. The variation in body weight highlights the need for targeted health promotion and nutrition education programs within the university.

Prevalence of disordered eating attitudes

The mean score on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) among participants was 8.3 卤 9.4. When broken down by subscales, the mean scores were 3.6 卤 5.7 for dieting, 2.4 卤 2.2 for bulimia and food preoccupation, and 2.3 卤 3.4 for oral control. The study identified that 11.5% of undergraduate female students at Arba Minch University exhibited disordered eating attitudes (95% CI: 9.0鈥�14.3) (Fig. 1). Among the dieting items, the most frequently agreed-upon statement was 鈥淚 fear becoming overweight,鈥� For the bulimia and food preoccupation subscale, the item 鈥淚 obsess over food for excessive amounts of time鈥� was most commonly endorsed. On the oral control subscale, the statement 鈥淚 exhibit strong self-discipline around food鈥� received the highest level of agreement (Table 2). These patterns shed light on the underlying thoughts and behaviours that may contribute to disordered eating attitudes among the students.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among undergraduate female students at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

Full size image
Table 2 EAT_26 scores among undergraduate female students at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia, 2023
Full size table

Factors associated with disordered eating attitudes

The association between disordered eating attitudes and potential factors were examined using a binary logistic regression model. Factors that met the assumptions of the chi-square test and had a p-value of <0.25 in bivariable analysis were considered for inclusion in the multivariable logistic regression. Accordingly, BMI, family income, department, residence, media exposure, academic year, parental marital status, and religion were incorporated into the multivariable analysis. Ultimately, department and BMI emerged as statistically significant factors with p-values <0.05 and were found to be associated with disordered eating attitudes. Specifically, Students from non-health departments showed 2.27 times higher prevalence of disordered eating attitudes than their counterparts (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.06鈥�4.86) but further research is needed to determine causality. Moreover, students with a normal BMI had 97% lower prevalence of disordered eating attitudes compared to those who were underweight (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.004鈥�0.040). Furthermore, overweight students had 5.83 times higher prevalence of disordered eating attitudes compared to underweight students (AOR = 5.83, 95% CI: 2.34鈥�14.52) (Table 3).

Table 3 Factors associated with disordered eating attitudes among undergraduate female students at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia, 2023
Full size table

Discussion

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and identify associated factors among female undergraduate students at Arba Minch University. The findings revealed that, 11.5% of students exhibited disordered eating attitudes (95% CI: 9.0鈥�14.3), indicating a significant public health concern. The high prevalence of such attitudes highlights the need for targeted interventions among female students, as disordered eating can lead to various physical and psychological issues, including poor academic performance, malnutrition, and the development of severe eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa [36].

The results aligned with a study conducted in Gondar city, which found a prevalence of 9.7% [23], but were lower than those from studies at An-Najah National University (28.6%) [16] and in Saudi Arabia (36.8%) [37]. The higher prevalence observed at Najah University may be attributed to the relatively high proportion of overweight individuals. Conversely, the prevalence found in this study was higher than studies conducted at Harar (8.6%) [22], China (4%) [19], Florida (10%) [37], and Mongolia (5.4%) [38]. This low prevalence among high income countries may be explained by greater awareness and access to healthcare services, particularly mental health support, in high-income countries, which help create environments that prevent disordered eating attitudes [39].

A key finding in this study was the strong focus on body weight and shape. Among the dieting scale items, the most frequently endorsed statement was 鈥淚 am terrified about being overweight,鈥� a result consistent with findings from Najah University [15]. This suggests that female students are highly concerned with their body image, likely influenced by peer pressure, family dynamics, and societal expectations of an ideal body shape. On the bulimia scale, 鈥淕ive too much time and thought to food鈥� was the most commonly endorsed statement, while the oral control scale showed that 鈥淒isplay self-control around food鈥� was the most endorsed item. These patterns indicate that, participants at higher risk for disordered eating attitudes leaned more toward anorexia nervosa than bulimia nervosa. Such cognitive patterns, where individuals obsessed over food and felt guilt, are often linked to anorexia, extreme self-discipline is used to restrict food intake and maintain an unnaturally low body weight [39]. Moreover, oral control is manifestation of anorexia nervosa where persons usually attempt to reduce hunger [40].

The study also identified some factors associated with disordered eating attitudes, including body mass index (BMI) and department. A significant association was found between BMI and disordered eating attitudes. The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among students with a normal body mass index was 97% lower than those who were underweight (AOR=0.03, 95% CI; 0.004鈥�0.040). Additionally, overweight students had 5.83 times more prevalence of disordered eating attitudes than underweight students (AOR=5.83, 95% CI; 2.34鈥�14.52). This finding is consistent with studies at Najah University [16] and in Saudi Arabia [40]. The desire to conform to the"thin ideal"as a standard of feminine beauty may play a pivotal role in the development of disordered eating attitudes, especially among overweight individuals who may have a negative body image and a strong desire to lose weight.

Moreover, departmental affiliation was significantly associated with disordered eating attitudes. Students from non-health departments showed 2.27 times higher prevalence of disordered eating attitudes than their counterparts (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.06鈥�4.86) even though, further research is needed to determine causality. This could be attributed to varying levels of awareness about the consequences of unhealthy eating behaviors and coping strategies between students from health-related fields and those from other disciplines, placing the latter group to higher chance of developing disordered eating attitudes [41].

Although abnormal eating attitudes do not always lead to eating disorders, they undoubtedly increase the chance of the development of such disorders [42]. Given the severe health consequences of eating disorders, including the risk of cardiovascular diseases and renal failure, it is essential to implement effective interventions at the institutional level to safeguard the health of students [43]. This study highlighted the need for policies that promote self-confidence and a positive body image. More specifically, university health services should implement routine screening using EAT-26, combined with psychological counseling services to support at-risk students.

Limitations of the study

The study was conducted using a cross-sectional study design, which cannot determine the cause-and-effect relationship between the outcome variable and associated factors. Additionally, the study did not explore the association between social media use and anxiety. Moreover, the study did not control for mental health variables (e.g., stress, depression, anxiety), which are strongly linked to disordered eating attitudes. So, future studies should incorporate psychological assessments. BMI and income were not analyzed as continuous variable. Therefore, we recommend the next researchers to consider this to preserve statistical power.

Conclusion

This study found that disordered eating attitudes were present among a notable proportion of female students at Arba Minch University. The results suggest that some students may be at risk for developing eating disorders. Body mass index and academic department were identified as factors that showed a significant association with disordered eating attitudes. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness programs and mental health interventions within the university setting to address and mitigate the risks of disordered eating behaviors among female students.

Data availability

Data is provided within the manuscript or supplementary information files.

Abbreviations

AMU:

Arba Minch University

BMI:

Body Mass Index

DEA:

Disordered eating attitude

EAT:

Eating Attitude Test

EDs:

Eating Disorders

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Funding

No funding was obtained for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, P.O. Box: 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

    Addisalem Damtie Aserese,听Melkamu Merid,听Asmare Getie听&听Yosef Belayhun

  2. Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Melkamu Merid

Authors
  1. Addisalem Damtie Aserese

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  2. Melkamu Merid

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  3. Asmare Getie

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  4. Yosef Belayhun

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Contributions

M.M. and A.G. wrote the first draft of the manuscript and A.D. and Y.B. wrote the main manuscript text. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Addisalem Damtie Aserese.

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Damtie Aserese, A., Merid, M., Getie, A. et al. Assessment of disordered eating attitudes and associated factors among female undergraduates at Arba Minch University, Southern Ethiopia. 樱花视频 25, 1730 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22957-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22957-0

Keywords

樱花视频

ISSN: 1471-2458

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