1.
Problematic Internet Use as a Predictor of Eating Disorders in Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study.
Hinojo-Lucena, FJ, Aznar-Díaz, I, Cáceres-Reche, MP, Trujillo-Torres, JM, Romero-Rodríguez, JM
Nutrients. 2019;(9)
Abstract
Problematic Internet use (PIU) has begun to be linked to the development of certain eating disorders. This uncontrolled use of the Internet is mainly found in the student population. The purposes of this paper were to determine PIU-related eating disorders in students from a systematic review of the literature and to analyze the incidence of PIU in eating disorders through a meta-analysis of the literature. We used two electronic databases (Web of Science and Scopus) from inception to June 2019. The systematic literature review was based on fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 12 studies were identified (systematic review) and 10 studies for meta-analysis, which included 16,520 students. Different eating disorders were associated with PIU: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, food preoccupation, loss of control eating, and dieting. Furthermore, meta-analysis confirmed that PIU is a predictor of eating disorders in students. The groups of students with PIU presented a higher rate in the presence of eating disorders, these differences being significant. Finally, this study showed empirical evidence on the link between PIU and eating disorders. The need for prevention in childhood and adolescence is highlighted.
2.
Eating disorder symptoms in Brazilian university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Trindade, AP, Appolinario, JC, Mattos, P, Treasure, J, Nazar, BP
Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999). 2019;(2):179-187
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the risk of eating disorder (ED) symptoms in Brazilian university students through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Secondary goals were to analyze whether any specific majors were related to higher ED risk and whether any regions of Brazil had higher proportions of college students at risk of ED. METHODS The procedures followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and a search was conducted in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO). RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included in the analysis, of which 14 were included in the meta-analysis. All included studies used self-report questionnaires, the most frequent of which was the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). None of the studies used a structured interview to diagnose ED. A meta-analysis of studies with a cutoff ≥ 20 for the EAT-26 (n=5) found 14.9% (95%CI 12.8-17.2%) positive screenings, while those with a cutoff of t ≥ 21 (n=9) found 13.3% (95%CI 11.3-15.6%) positive screenings. There was a significantly higher proportion of positive screenings among nutrition majors than all other majors combined (26.5 and 20.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION Nutrition students seem to be at higher risk of ED. Further research should investigate whether positive screenings translate to actual ED diagnoses.
3.
Physical and Mental Health Experiences among African American College Students.
Barnett, TM, McFarland, A, Miller, JW, Lowe, V, Hatcher, SS
Social work in public health. 2019;(2):145-157
Abstract
Transitioning from home to college life can lead to changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors. Approximately 12% to 50% of college students meet criteria for one or more mental disorders. When compared to others, African Americans typically have poorer health outcomes and experience greater rates of cardiovascular-related diseases and depression. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) was to understand physical and mental health experiences among African American college students to inform policy, practice, and research. Findings from the QIMS revealed two overarching themes: (1) perceptions of physical health and (2) perceptions of mental health. Each theme included three dimensions. The dimensions of perceptions of physical health include (1) exercising for health benefits, (2) exercising for aesthetics, and (3) nutrition versus healthy eating. The dimensions of perceptions of mental health include (1) stress, (2) confidence, and (3) spirituality. These themes enhance understanding of what African American college students perceive and experience when attempting to engage in overall physical and mental health.