Eating Disorder Prevalence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Phase Study

Objective: An increase in the prevalence of many psychological problems including Eating Disorders (EDs) during COVID-19 pandemic is noteworthy. Weight change experienced by many people in this period is accompanied by a deterioration in eating attitudes and behaviors. The aim of this study is to determine how eating attitudes and behaviors differ according to gender and weight change, and the prevalence of EDs during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Firstly, Socio-demographic-Clinical Information Form, Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) were administered to 771 participants. Then, the Eating Disorder Assessment for DSM-5 (EDA-5) was conducted as a semi-structured online clinical interview with the participants’ at-risk group. EDA-5 is a web-based diagnostic clinical interview which scans the last three-month according to the DSM-5 Eating Disorders diagnostic criteria that is administered by a clinician specialized in EDs. Results: Research findings indicated that participants' EAT-26 and EDE-Q scores differ significantly according to gender and weight change experienced during the pandemic. The prevalence of ED was 3% (N=20). According to sub types, Binge Eating Disorder was 1.3% (N=9), Bulimia Nervosa was 0.7% (N=5), Anorexia Nervosa was 0.4% (N=3), subthreshold Binge Eating Disorder was 0.4% (N=3), and subthreshold Bulimia Nervosa was 0.14% (N=1). Although not meeting the diagnostic criteria, the number of participants with disordered eating behavior was found to be 0.29% (N=2). Conclusion: A higher prevalence rate was found compared to previous studies in Turkey which is assumed to provide evidence that the prevalence of EDs increased during the COVID-19 period.