Variables associated with disordered eating behaviors among freshman students from Mexico City

León-Vázquez, Concepción Díaz de; Rivera-Márquez, José Alberto; Bojorquez-Chapela, Ietza; Unikel-Santoncini, Claudia

Abstract:

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and identify their associations with demographic and psychological variables among freshman students at a public university in Mexico City.

Materials and methods:

A sample of 892 subjects participated in the study. Bivariate and multinomial models were performed to determine associations between DEB and covariates.

Results:

Of those surveyed, 6.8% of the women and 4.1% of the men exhibited DEB (p<0.05). The variables increasing the risk of eating disorders (ED) for women were internalization of the aesthetic thin ideal (IATI), body mass index (BMI), self-esteem and physical activity, while for men they were IATI, drive for muscularity, and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

The frequency of DEB among women and men and the internalization of the thin ideal in both sexes suggest the possibility of a change in the precursor conditions for eating disorders, particularly for men, who exhibit increased risk of such behaviors.

Resumen:

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) e identificar asociaciones con variables sociodemográficas y psicológicas en estudiantes de nuevo ingreso de una universidad pública de la Ciudad de México.

Material y métodos:

Se aplicó una encuesta a 892 estudiantes de ambos sexos. Para analizar asociaciones entre CAR y sus covariables se emplearon modelos bivariados y multivariados.

Resultados:

Se estimó que 6.8% de las mujeres y 4.1% de los hombres presentaron CAR (p>0.05). Entre las mujeres las variables que aumentaron el riesgo de CAR fueron interiorización del ideal estético de la delgadez (IIED), índice de masa corporal (IMC), autoestima y actividad física. Entre los hombres, las variables que sobresalieron fueron IIED, deseo por un cuerpo musculoso y autoestima.

Conclusiones:

La frecuencia de CAR entre mujeres y hombres, así como la IIED en ambos sexos sugiere un cambio en las condiciones de riesgo, especialmente entre los varones.