Examination of the relationship between orthorexia nevrosa levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors of female students in Malatya Battalgazi dormitory

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the levels of orthorexia nevrosa (ON) of female students in Malatya Battalgazi Dormitory and to examine the relationship between these levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors (SYBD). Material and Method: Our study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 on 300 female students staying at Malatya Battalgazi Dormitory. In the questionnaire form used in the study; sociodemographic characteristics of the students, questions about nutritional habits, Orthorexia Nevrosa Assessment Scale (ORTO-15) and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (SYBDÖ II) were used. In statistical analysis; Chi-square test, Student t, One Way ANOVA, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, Spearman Correlation Test were used and the significance value was accepted as p< 0.05. Results: It has been found that 16.7% of the students have a tendency to orthorexia and the total point average of SYBD is 120.8 ± 19.05. It has been understood that students who consumed 2 or fewer main meals tended to be significantly lower ON than those who consumed 3 and more main meals (p<0.05). It has been determined that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups' total score of SYBD according to parental education level (p<0.05). A significant difference has been found between health responsibility and physical activity subscale scores according to parental education level (p<0.05). SYBD total score is 124.8 ± 14.61 in those with ON tendency and 120.0 ± 19.74 in students who do not have ON tendency. Accordingly, a statistically significant difference has been found between SYBD total score according to ON tendency risk status (p<0.05). Conclusion: The total score of SYBD is higher for students with ON tendency. In addition, students consuming 2 or fewer main meals have showed a lower tendency to ON. In the circumstances, the need to update and improve the methods evaluating the orthorexia tendency comes into prominence. It is thought that orthorexia nevrosa tendencies can be reduced and healthy lifestyle behaviors can be improved through nutrition and awareness trainings. Key Words: Orthorexia Nevrosa, Healthy Eating Obsession, Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors, Eating Disorders.