Screening for eating disorders among medical college students

Abstract

Introduction. Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant issue among medical students due to a combination of emotional exhaustion, stress, and high academic demands. The study focuses on adolescence and young adulthood, a period when EDs, particularly anorexia and bulimia, most frequently impact the physical health and future professional activities of nursing students.

The aim of the study – to investigate the presence and frequency of eating disorders among medical college students.

The main part. According to the literature, the prevalence of EDs among medical students reaches 20 %, which is twice the global average. Anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and high psycho-emotional load act as the primary triggers. In the 2025–2026 academic year, an anonymous survey of 65 students at Pervomaisk Medical College was conducted using the EAT-26 methodology. Screening results revealed ED symptoms in nearly one-third of the students. Specifically, 66.7 % of respondents fear gaining excess weight, 66.2 % have thoughts about losing weight, and 43.4 % experience episodes of overeating. Additionally, 53.8 % of those surveyed think about burning calories during workouts, while only 40 % do not avoid carbohydrate-rich foods. Feeling guilty after eating is experienced by 32.3 % of respondents, and 16.9 % admit that food controls their lives. To prevent the identified disorders among students, educational and awareness-raising measures regarding rational nutrition and mental hygiene have been implemented.

Conclusions. Screening with the EAT-26 test confirmed signs of EDs in one-third of medical college students (32.3 %). The primary issues identified were fear of gaining weight (66.7 %), body dissatisfaction, episodes of overeating (43.4 %), and strict calorie control. It was proven that students’ psycho-emotional stress directly triggers harmful eating habits and feelings of guilt after meals. The obtained results justify the need for continuous monitoring of the youth’s mental state, while the educational sessions served as an effective first step to raise their awareness and reduce stress.