The prevalence and the factors that affects the eating disorders of the women that are studying at Cukurova University

Background and Purpose: The incidence of eating disorders in the community increases day by day and it is becoming a serious problem in our daily life. The eating disorders, especially among young women, are an increasingly important public health problem. The purpose of this study is to determine the size and the prevalence of eating disorders among the female students at the University of Cukurova and to compare the factors (Family environmental characteristics, socio-economic status, depression and social phobia) that may influence the development of eating disorders who had been diagnosed an eating disorder and who did not receive the diagnosis of eating disorders. As a result, the purpose of this study is to provide consulting services to bring solutions to people diagnosed with an eating disorder. Materials and Metods: This study is planned as a cross-sectional research to determine the incidence and the factors influencing the eating disorders in female students at Cukurova University in Balcalı Campus. The number of female students in all faculties in the 2012-2013 academic year was determined as 9.108. Considering the prevalence of eating disorders research at Turkey, 95% confidence level with a margin of sampling error of % 3, 514 female students was calculated to be sample. All of the characteristics of female students at the university faculties show no difference; depending this data, four faculty were selected with the help of random digit table in 12 faculties. With the help of a simple random sample, sections were selected to be included in the study. SPSS 19.0 and Epi-Info softwares were used for data analysing. Chi-square, t-test, correlation test and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21,63 ± 1,8 years. The eating disorder was detected as % 6,3 in participants. According to the results of this study; parental education level and employment status, family income, the number of person living in residential , living place, smoking, alcohol and drug use, previous surgery, previously passed by disease distribution, compared with eating disorder show a statistically non-significant difference was found. Preexisting of diseases were significantly more (p=0,02) in eating disorders patients than the participants without eating disorders. Beck Depression Inventory scores in patients with eating disorders were significantly higher than the participants without eating disorders, (p<0,01). There is not statistically significant relationship between the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores of the patients with eating disorders and the participants without eating disorders, (p>0,05). Body Mass Index were significantly higher than patient without eating disorder, (p<0,01). There is a significant and positive correlation between depression and eating attitudes and behaviors. There is a significant and positive correlation between eating attitudes and behaviors, and social phobia variables. There is a significant and positive correlation between depression and social phobia variables. Conclusions: There was eating disorder in % 6,3 of participants of research. There is a positive correlation between depressive symptoms, social phobia and eating disorder attitudes and behavior disorder in participants.The Body Mass Index who has eating disorders was higher than without eating disorders, and they were not satisfied with their current weight. As seen in this thesis, eating disorders become increasingly important public health problem and precautions with the education of this issue and preventative measures to must be taken, in high risk groups should be screened, if the disease occurs, the treatment should be provided. Key Words: Women, eating disorders, university student.