Prevalence and Associated Factors of Eating Disorders Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Kirkuk, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Eating disorders (EDs) are significant health hazards among university students because of various stressors and lifestyle changes. Therefore, in this study, we examine the prevalence of EDs among undergraduate students at the University of Kirkuk and explore the relationships between EDs and sociodemographic factors. Methods The research employed a cross-sectional design and took place from June 3, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), a standardized survey, was used to collect data on participants' eating attitudes and sociodemographic information. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests. Results The overall sample comprised 513 individuals aged 18 to 30 years. The findings indicated that 25.7% of the participants were prone to developing EDs. The results revealed significant differences in ED scores between those who engaged in self-starvation for weight loss, daily weight monitoring, or experienced weight-based bullying (p < 0.001). Moreover, this study found that BMI has a positive correlation with the dieting and oral control subscales (p < 0.05), and it also has a positive correlation with the total EAT-26 score (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the dieting subscale negatively correlates with age, while the EAT-26 total score negatively correlates with both students' academic stage and satisfaction with their field of study. Conclusions Based on the EAT-26 assessment, a quarter of the students were at risk of developing EDs. The data also show that BMI is positively associated with the risk of EDs. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems within universities.