Factors Influencing Food Addiction: A Cross-Sectional Survey of University Students in Jordan

Background: Food Addiction (FA) reflects an overdependence on certain foods, similar to substance addiction. This study aimed to explore factors influencing FA among university students in Jordan and identify its associations with body mass index, stress, and various sociodemographic factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online questionnaire distributed to university students across Jordan between January and March 2021. A total of 300 students participated. A survey using the Yale FA Scale (YFAS) to assess FA and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to measure stress was used. Data was analyzed using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of FA. Results: This study included 300 students with a median age of 21 years (IQR = 4 years). The majority were female (n = 232, 77.3%), and about one-third of the participants were overweight or obese (n = 99, 34.0%). The overall prevalence of FA was 14.3% (n = 43), with a 95% CI of 10.4%-18.2%. The prevalence of food addiction (FA) symptoms was notable, with 92% (n = 276) reporting a persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit. Tolerance symptoms were observed in 48.7% (n = 146) of participants, and the least common symptom was clinically significant impairment or distress caused by food consumption (16.3%, n = 49). FA symptoms were significantly more common in the FA group compared to those without FA (No-FA). Key factors associated with FA included higher BMI (OR: 2.342, 95% CI: 1.116-4.919, p=0.025) and increased perceived stress (OR: 1.115, 95% CI: 1.061-1.171, p<0.001). Conclusion: FA was reported among Jordanian university students, with being overweight or obese, and having stress being the most significant factors associated with FA. Providing educational campaigns on stress management strategies and weight management plans is critical to reducing the prevalence of FA and improving university students' overall well-being.