Eating disorders, quality of life and emotional problems among university students

• Grant number: 23/07916-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Human Development Psychology
• Principal Investigator: André Luiz Monezi Andrade
• Grantee: Letícia Marcelino Marques
• Host Institution: Escola de Ciências da Vida (ECV). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential association between eating disorders, quality of life, and emotional problems among university students. The research utilizes a secondary database, consisting of previously completed studies conducted by the research group. Employing a cross-sectional design, this exploratory study employs convenience sampling. The assessment tools employed include the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale (AEBS), a sociodemographic questionnaire capturing variables such as gender, marital status, region, Brazilian nationality, income, undergraduate program, and type of institution (public or private), as well as the WHOQOL-bref, an instrument used to evaluate quality of life. The study aims to analyze whether eating disorders are more prevalent among women and younger individuals. Additionally, it seeks to determine if university students with existing disorders exhibit lower quality of life compared to those without disorders, and whether students with poor emotional regulation are more likely to experience eating disorders. Thus, the study anticipates identifying an association between eating disorders and emotional problems within the sample population.