Prevalence and associated factors of disordered eating among university and college students: A systematic review of Malaysian studies

ABSTRACT

Introduction: University education is a stressful period in young adults’ lives, and the emergence of disordered eating during this time adds to the psychological morbidity that university students often experience and may need early identification and appropriate management. This systematic review of relevant Malaysian studies aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of disordered eating among university and college students and assess the associated factors.
Methods: A comprehensive search for Malaysian studies using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was conducted using several bibliographic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Relevant literature was systematically selected; pertinent data were extracted; and data on disordered eating (EAT-26 score of ≥20) and its associated factors were synthesised.
Results: Twenty-one Malaysian cross-sectional studies that measured disordered eating using the EAT-26 were included. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating was 16.45% (random effects model, 95% CI=13.86–19.22), with a significantly higher odds ratio in female students (1.45, 95% CI=1.28–1.65). Various body image measures were assessed in nine studies, five of which reported a positive association between disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: One in six Malaysian university or college students, especially female students, may be affected by disordered eating, and many of them may also have body image concerns and body dissatisfaction. Disordered eating is a rising public health concern in the student population of colleges and universities and deserves further exploration of its potential adverse health outcomes.