A STUDY OF EATING ATTITUDES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE MEDICAL STUDENTS - A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: Disordered eating attitudes and behaviors have been shown to be prevalent among young women, particularly those in healthcare professions. However, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of disordered eating attitudes among undergraduate female medical students. Aim: This study aimed to assess faulty eating behaviour amongst undergraduate female medical students according to their academic year. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 undergraduate female medical students from a medical college in Rajasthan. Participants completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and provided demographic and health-related information. Descriptive statistics like mean and standard deviation were obtained for  body mass index, eating attitudes according to their academic year. The association between BMI and the EAT 26 results was tested using chi square test. Results: In our study we observed that 70% of the students fall into the normal BMI 18.5-25. out of those in underweight category (BMI<18.5), maximum were in second year 11 (3.8%), as compared to first year 8 (2.7%), third year 5 (1.8%), and final year 7 (2.4%). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that a significant proportion of female medical students exhibit disordered eating attitudes, which may have negative consequences for their physical and mental health. Early detection and management for disordered eating attitudes and behaviours among undergraduate female medical students are important to prevent the development of eating disorders and improve the overall well-being. Healthcare professionals shall promote healthy attitudes towards food and eating patterns among female medical undergraduates

Key words: Female medical undergraduates, faulty eating attitudes, stress, EAT-26