Food beliefs as predictors of disordered eating behaviors in adolescent female nutrition undergraduates
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the relationship between disordered eating and eating beliefs in female adolescents studying nutrition. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 50 adolescent female students aged 18 to 19 years from a private higher education institution. Disordered eating was assessed using the Disordered Eating Attitude Scale (EAAT-17), which consists of 17 Likert-type items, with a total score ranging from 17 to 80 - higher scores indicate more dysfunctional eating attitudes. Eating beliefs (positive, negative, and permissive) were measured using the Eating Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ-18), which includes 18 items rated on a 5-point scale, yielding a total score from 18 to 90 - higher scores reflect greater frequency and intensity of beliefs. Sociodemographic and self-reported anthropometric data (weight and height) were also collected to calculate BMI. Statistical analysis was performed using JAMOVI software, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 18.9 years, with an average BMI of 22.9 kg/m². Regarding nutritional status, 46.2% were classified as normal weight, 21.2% as overweight, and 28.8% as obese. The mean EAAT-17 score was 31.79. Mean EBQ-18 scores were: negative beliefs (17.75), positive beliefs (11.94), and permissive beliefs (11.54), totaling 41.23 points. A positive correlation was found between eating beliefs and disordered eating scores, especially with negative and permissive beliefs. All belief types were significant predictors, independent of BMI, income, and work status. Conclusions: Eating beliefs, particularly negative and permissive, are associated with dysfunctional eating attitudes. Preventive strategies should address these beliefs to reduce risk behaviors.
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