Prevalence and Characteristics of Eating Behavior Disorders Among Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2024 at the University Hospital in Oujda and several educational institutions, involving a randomly selected sample of children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. The University Hospital Center of Oujda and the selected educational institutions were chosen for their accessibility and their capacity to represent a broad spectrum of children and adolescents from various socioeconomic backgrounds within Oujda and neighboring areas. This allowed for the recruitment of a diverse and representative sample reflective of the local population. The objective was to assess the prevalence of eating behavior disorders - namely, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) - and to identify potential risk factors. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and two validated screening tools: the Eating Behavior Disorders in Youth Questionnaire (EDY-Q) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The mean age of participants was 14 years, with the 13-17 age group being the most affected, and the majority were female. Psychological vulnerabilities related to eating disorders were observed. Significant associations were found between susceptibility to eating disorders and factors such as older age, female gender, exposure to major family stressors, excessive media use, and academic pressure. However, socioeconomic status did not show a significant correlation. These findings suggest a notable prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for early prevention strategies and health promotion programs to mitigate long-term mental and physical health consequences.