Disordered Eating Attitudes among Undergraduate Students in Indonesia: Associations with Food Insecurity, Perceived Stress, and Sleep Quality

Netta Meridianti Putri; Resti Kurnia Triastanti

doi:10.71435/740819

Authors

Netta Meridianti Putri Universitas Tidar
Resti Kurnia Triastanti Universitas Tidar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3190-9025

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71435/740819

Keywords:

Disordered Eating, Food Insecurity, Perceived Stress, University Students, Indonesia

Abstract

Disordered eating is an under-recognised problem among university students, and its links to social and economic adversity remain understudied in Indonesia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes among undergraduate students in Indonesia and to examine its associations with food insecurity, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2024 among 635 undergraduate students from several institutions, predominantly Universitas Tidar. Disordered eating attitudes were assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26; at-risk score ≥20), food insecurity with the United States Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module, perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Body-mass index was classified using Asia-Pacific cut-offs. Associations were examined using chi-square tests, Spearman correlations, and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sex and body-mass index. The EAT-26 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.82). Overall, 22.2% of students (95% CI 19.0–25.4) were at risk of disordered eating. EAT-26 scores correlated positively with food insecurity, perceived stress, and body-mass index. In the adjusted model, disordered-eating risk was independently associated with food insecurity (adjusted odds ratio 1.99; 95% CI 1.34–2.96) and high perceived stress (adjusted odds ratio 2.40; 95% CI 1.32–4.37), and with higher body-mass index, but not with poor sleep quality. Food insecurity and perceived stress are salient correlates of disordered eating among Indonesian undergraduates, supporting integrated screening and support.

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