The prevalence of feeding and eating disorders symptomology in medical students: an updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Abstract

Purpose Medical students have a higher risk of developing psychological issues, such as feeding and eating disorders (FEDs). In the past few years, a major increase was observed in the number of studies on the topic. The goal of this review was to estimate the prevalence risk of FEDs and its associated risk factors in medical students. Methods Nine electronic databases were used to conduct an electronic search from the inception of the databases until 15 th September 2021. The DerSimonian–Laird technique was used to pool the estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. The prevalence of FEDs risk in medical students was the major outcome of interest. Data were analyzed globally, by country, by research measure and by culture. Sex, age, and body mass index were examined as potential confounders using meta-regression analysis. Results A random-effects meta-analysis evaluating the prevalence of FEDs in medical students ( K = 35, N = 21,383) generated a pooled prevalence rate of 17.35% (95% CI 14.15–21.10%), heterogeneity [ Q = 1528 (34), P = 0.001], τ 2 = 0.51 (95% CI 0.36–1.05), τ = 0.71 (95% CI 0.59–1.02), I 2 = 97.8%; H = 6.70 (95% CI 6.19–7.26). Age and sex were not significant predictors. Body mass index, culture and used research tool were significant confounders. Conclusion The prevalence of FEDs symptoms in medical students was estimated to be 17.35%. Future prospective studies are urgently needed to construct prevention and treatment programs to provide better outcomes for students at risk of or suffering from FEDs. Level of evidence Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis.

The prevalence and risk factors of screen-based disordered eating among university students: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

“…A search of the literature and other registration platforms yielded no previous global meta-analytic review of SBDE among university students in general. Thus, this meta-analysis extends previous reviews by our research team of SBDE in medical students [ 31 – 33 ] by evaluating the prevalence and several potential confounders of disordered eating in more general and diverse samples of undergraduate university students across the world. Specifically, the event rate was categorized using pre-defined cut-off scores from validated screening devices, that is, continuous measurements of eating disorder risk such as the EAT-26 and SCOFF (Table 1 ).…”

“…Variations between samples are likely due to variability in sampling methodology, sex, age, BMI, measure, and country, but this has not been investigated in a systematic way. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by our group showed that among medical students higher BMI, Westernized culture, and the research tool used were the main confounders [ 31 ].…”

Study the Effect of an Innovative Educational Program Promoting Healthy Food Habits on Eating Disorders, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Body Composition in University Students

“…It has recently been reported that there has been an increase in body dissatisfaction within the population, particularly among university students in non-Western civilizations [ 33 ]. In addition, nutrition students are “fed” during classes with constant messages about proper nutrition.…”

Validation of a shortened version of the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-7) in the Arabic language

“…The few previous studies done in Lebanon revealed a prevalence of ED in the range of 17-31.4% [2,8,22]. These variations across countries and regions are mainly explained by the differences in cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs that considerably affect the prevalence of ED [17,51].…”