| Abstract [eng] |
Eating disorders can be defined as one of the most significant public health challenges today. These disorders primarily affect individuals at a very young age and, if left untreated, tend to persist throughout their lives. The most common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder; however, other types of eating disorders also exist. These encompass conditions whose symptoms do not precisely align with the criteria of the more commonly recognized eating disorders. Both Lithuanian and international scientific literature indicate a growing body of information and research on the topic of eating disorders. Nevertheless, the majority of these studies are focused on Western countries, while epidemiological data from other regions—particularly from low- and middle-income countries—remain considerably limited. Research aim – to identify the most common eating disorders and to examine their causes and prevalence among university students. Research objectives: 1. To identify and assess the causes of eating disorders. 2. To determine and evaluate the prevalence of eating disorders among students. 3. To identify and assess the impact of eating disorders on health. A purposive sampling method was used to select the respondents. All students of Vilnius University were included in the study. A total of 380 individuals participated in the survey. The research questionnaire consisted of 41 questions. The data collection was conducted between January and March of 2025. The research results revealed that the causes of eating disorders are complex and multifaceted, involving psychological, behavioral, and social factors. The most common causes include low self-esteem, appearance-related standards, and the influence of social media. More than half of the students experience fears related to eating, strict dietary control, and a strong desire to lose weight. These symptoms are most prevalent among women, older students, and those whose health conditions affect body weight. Disordered eating behavior is associated with various health issues, especially among students experiencing emotional discomfort and using restrictive dietary practices. |
