Preoccupation with weight and disordered eating behaviors of entering students at a university in Lebanon.
OBJECTIVE
This research explores the prevalence of preoccupation with weight indicators and disordered eating behaviors among entering university students, and identifies factors associated with these indicators and behaviors.


METHODS
Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Comparisons were made by gender, mother's education, and body mass index (BMI).


RESULTS
The final sample included 954 students. The indicators held most "often" included a desire to be thinner, and an awareness of caloric content. The behaviors engaged in "most" often included strenuous exercising, and avoiding particular foods. Both indicators and behaviors varied by gender and body mass index.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of indicators and behaviors is high. Body mass index is a critical variable to consider in the development of interventions. Further research should explore the context surrounding these indicators and behaviors.
Department of Health Behavior and Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
Rema A
RA
Afifi-Soweid
Martine B
MB
Najem Kteily
Mona C
MC
Shediac-Rizkallah
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001835:Body Weight; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities