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Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Eating Disorders In The Tunisian General Population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2024

M. Turki
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
A. Hadj Ali*
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
G. Chakchouk
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
S. Ellouze
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
N. Halouani
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
J. Aloulou
Affiliation:
Psychiatric department B, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Eating disorders (ED) negatively affect physical, mental, and social well-being. The exact psychopathology of ED is still unknown, with research suggesting the interplay of a combination of factors.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of ED in the Tunisian general population, and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study among Facebook group members, using an online questionnaire, over the period from February 17, 2023 to May 26, 2023. All respondents over the age of 18 were included in the study. All participants filled a socio-demographic questionnaire. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to screen for those at risk of eating disorders.

Results

A total of 528 responses were included in the study.33.3±11.95 years. The subjects were unmarried in 63.4% of cases, of low socio-economic level in 19.5%, with a university education in 75.2% and with a regular occupation in 56.1% of cases.

The mean EAT-26 score was 12.36±10.34. according to this scale, 12.3% of our population were at high risk of developing an ED.

In a multivariate analysis, the female gender (p = 0.006), the low economic status (p = 0.012), a psychiatric comorbidity (p < 0.001), and physical activity (p= 0,037) were strongly associated with ED.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the magnitude of the risk of disordered eating attitudes in the Tunisian population and the need for programs to prevent and control these disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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