Eating behavior and body image among psychology students

• Published in: Jornal Brasileiro de psiquiatria Vol. 58; no. 3; pp. 150 - 155
• Main Authors: Bosi, Maria Lúcia Magalhães, Uchimura, Kátia Yumi, Luiz, Ronir Raggio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• ISSN: 0047-2085; 0047-2085
• DOI: 10.1590/S0047-20852009000300002

OBJECTIVE: To characterize eating habits and possible risk factors associated with eating disorders among psychology students, a segment at risk for eating disorders. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study. The questionnaires Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and a variety that considers related issues were applied. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.0 was utilized in analysis. The study population was composed of 175 female students, with a mean age of 21.2 (DP ± 3.6 years). RESULTS: A positive result was detected on the EAT-26 for 6.9% of the cases (CI95%: 3.6-11.7%). The prevalence of increased symptoms and intense gravity, according to the BITE questionnaire was 5% (CI95%: 2.4-9.5%) and 2.5% (CI95%: 0.7-6.3%), respectively. According to the findings, 26.29% of the students presented abnormal eating behavior. The population with moderate/severe BSQ scores presented dissatisfaction with corporal weight. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that attention must be given to eating behavior risks within this group. A differentiated gaze is justified with respect to these future professionals, whose practice is jeopardized in cases in which they are themselves the bearers of installed symptoms or precursory behavior.
OBJETIVO: Caracterizar práticas alimentares e possíveis fatores de risco associados a transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre estudantes de Psicologia, segmento de risco para o surgimento de transtornos alimentares. MÉTODO: Estudo seccional utilizando-se os questionários Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) e Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), utilizando-se, ainda, uma variável que considera os dois primeiros instrumentos associados, sendo a análise feita através do Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.0. Foram analisadas 175 estudantes do sexo feminino, com uma média de idade de 21,2 (DP ± 3,6 anos). RESULTADOS: Detectou-se resultado positivo em 6,9% (IC95%: 3,6-11,7%) no EAT-26. No BITE, para sintomas elevados e gravidade intensa, foram encontradas prevalências de 5% (IC95%: 2,4-9,5%) e 2,5% (IC95%: 0,7-6,3%), respectivamente. Constatou-se que 26,29% das estudantes apresentavam comportamento alimentar anormal. A população com escores moderado/serevo no BSQ apresentou insatisfação com o peso corporal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que se deve atentar para comportamentos alimentares de risco nesse grupo, justificando-se um olhar diferenciado em relação a esses futuros profissionais, cujas práticas ficam comprometidas nos casos em que os mesmos são portadores de síndromes instaladas ou comportamentos precursores.