Evaluation of behavior of eating attitude and symptoms of depression in Veterinary Faculty students of Firat University

Depression and eating disorders are both important public health problems that adversely affect the physical and psychological health of people and cause disruptions in their daily lives. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between incidence of symptoms depression and eating disorder symptoms in students studying at Veterinary Faculty of Elazig Fırat University. This cross-sectional study included 272 students at Veterinary Faculty of Elazig Fırat University. Questionnaire form created by the researchers, Beck Depression Scale (BDÖ) and Eating Attitude Test (YTT) were used in the study. The survey application was made online by the researchers. The data were recorded in the statistical package program and chi-square analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Spearman correlation tests were used in statistical analysis. The mean age of the students is 21.2±2.9 years and 41.9% of them are women. The median BDÖ total score of the students participating in the research is 17 (9-24), and the median total score of YTT is 11.5 (8-19). Among the students participating in the study, the prevalence of depression symptoms was 50.7% and the symptom of eating disorder was 9.6%. A significant positive correlation was found between depression and eating disorder symptoms in the students who participated in our study (p<0.01). As a result; it was found that more than half of the students participating in our study showed depressive symptoms and ten percent had symptoms of eating disorders. Preventive and therapeutic programs should be planned by considering the risk factors that may cause depression and eating disorders. Keywords: Student, Depression, Eating Disorder