Eating Disorder Symptoms Among College Students: Prevalence,Persistence, Correlates,and Treatment-Seeking |
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| Authors: | Daniel Eisenberg PhD Emily J Nicklett PhD MSW Kathryn Roeder BA Nina E Kirz MD |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Health Management and Policy , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan;2. School of Social Work , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan;3. Department of Psychology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee;4. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , Stanford University , Palo Alto, California |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence, correlates, persistence, and treatment-seeking related to symptoms of eating disorders (EDs) in a random sample of college students. Participants: A random sample of students at a large university were recruited for an Internet survey in Fall 2005 and a follow-up survey in Fall 2007. Methods: ED symptoms were measured using the SCOFF screen and adjusted for nonresponse using administrative data and a nonresponse survey. Results: 2,822 (56%) students completed the baseline survey. Among undergraduates the prevalence of positive screens was 13.5% for women and 3.6% for men. Among students with positive screens, 20% had received past-year mental health treatment. In the follow-up sample (N = 753), ED symptoms at baseline significantly predicted symptoms 2 years later. Conclusions: Symptoms of EDs were prevalent and persistent among college students in this study. These findings suggest that brief screens can identify a large number of students with untreated EDs. |
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| Keywords: | correlates eating disorders prevalence survey |
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