Psychosocial impacts of eating disorders on university students’ mental health: an integrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47224/revistamaster.v11i21.810Keywords:
Saúde Mental, Transtornos Mentais, universitáriosAbstract
Eating disorders (EDs are a major public health concern, particularly among university students, a population exposed to personal transitions, academic pressure, and strong sociocultural influences. Evidence shows a consistent association between body dissatisfaction and increased risk of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, as well as significant impacts on mental health, including depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. This study aimed to analyze, through an integrative review, the impacts of eating disorders on the mental health of university students, considering prevalence, risk factors, comorbidities, and prevention strategies.
An integrative review of 13 articles published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted using indexed databases. The review included quantitative and qualitative studies with cross-sectional, longitudinal, and statistical modeling designs. Data analysis was qualitative, descriptive, and thematic.
The results indicated a prevalence of risk for EDs ranging from 13% to 30%, with a notable increase in the post-pandemic period, particularly among women. Body dissatisfaction significantly increased the risk of different EDs, while restrictive diets were associated with binge eating and compensatory behaviors. Common comorbidities included depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicide risk. Psychosocial factors, such as academic stress and social isolation, intensified these outcomes.
In conclusion, eating disorders are prevalent among university students and closely associated with mental health outcomes, highlighting the need for institutional prevention strategies, nutritional education, psychosocial support, and early screening.
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