Prevalence of eating disorders and its association with stress, anxiety, and depression among professional college students in western Maharashtra

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are increasingly being recognized as a significant public health issue, particularly in academically demanding environments. Psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, may act as key predictors of EDs.Aim /Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ED risk and its association with stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students in Western Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 388 undergraduate students enrolled in medical and engineering colleges of a private university in Pune, Maharashtra, during January - March 2023. Sample size was estimated using WinPEPI software, using a single-proportion formula. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic details, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) & Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). BMI was measured using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22.Results: The mean age of participants was 20.3 ± 1.6 years, with males comprising 47.2% and females 52.8%. Overall, 20.9% of students were at high risk for EDs (EAT-26 score ≥20), with medical students (13.1%) more affected than engineering students (7.7%). Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress were reported by 61.1%, 51.0%, and 34.6% of students, respectively. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between ED risk and academic stream, stress, anxiety, and depression. On multivariable analysis, being a medical student (AOR=2.30, p=0.003) and experiencing stress (AOR=3.56, p