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Eating Behavior among Undergraduate Students in Arab Countries

This study examines eating behavior, attitudes, and awareness levels among undergraduate students in two Arab countries. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and interventions to address abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors in the region. Further research and funding are needed to build a regional database on eating disorders in the Middle East.

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Eating Behavior among Undergraduate Students in Arab Countries

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  1. Eating behavior, attitudes and awareness levels among undergraduate students in 2 Arab countries Psychology in the Arab Region: Between Adversity and Resilience Oct 8 – 10, 2015, Lebanon Jeremy Alford, PhD Sabrina Tahboub-Schulte, PhD Rayane Chami, MSc

  2. Background • Eating Disorders (ED): no more Western-bound syndrome • Little ED research in Arab countries • BUT: Existing data indicate concern over disturbed eating behaviors, attitudes and body image • Swadi et al. (2000): 90% confirmed dieting • Eapen et al. (2006): 25% showed disturbed eating patterns • Thomas et al. (2010): 75% showed body dissatisfaction • Schulte & Thomas (2013): 73% = body dissatisfied

  3. Methods • Objective:To examine eating behavior, attitudes and related awareness levels in undergraduate students • Collaborative multi-site study • N=397 female students • Cross-sectional survey design • Measurements: EAT-26 and EDAT Example items: Eat-26: I avoid eating when I am hungry. / I like my stomach to be empty. EDAT: Dieting increases concentration and energy. / Dieting increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.

  4. ResultsAverage EAT-26 scores

  5. Results% above EAT-26 cutoff score of 20

  6. Results% above EAT cutoff scoresComparison with past research

  7. ResultsEDAT UAE Lessthan 50% got half of all EDAT items right Lebanon • EAT & EDAT • No statistically significant correlation (p=.224) for merged Lebanon & UAE sample • BUT: in UAE sample alone, a statistically significant positive correlation (p=.003) was found

  8. Discussion • Results match previous prevalence findings • Highlight that eating disturbances of concern in the region • Awareness of eating disorders and eating/dieting-related knowledge seems low • EDAT’s validity

  9. Next Steps More research needed: • More prevalence data to build regional database on eating disorders in the Middle East • Modification of EDAT to increase cultural sensitivity and validity • Intervention-focused, longitudinal studies • Can provision of tailored knowledge about eating disorders combined with action-oriented psychoeducation reduce abnormal eating attitudes and behavior? • Awareness study that integrates workshops on relevant issues with pre- and post-testing More funding needed!

  10. Thank you for listening.Questions, comments or thoughts?

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