EATING DISORDER RISK AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM NORTHERN PARANÁ, BRAZIL: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Eating disorders are severe psychiatric conditions characterized by dysfunctional eating behaviors, body image distortion, and significant physical and psychological impairment. The prevalence of these conditions has increased among university students, especially in health-related courses, due to factors such as academic stress, perfectionism, and aesthetic pressure. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the risk of developing eating disorders among medical students at an institution in northern Paraná, Brazil, using the Binge Eating Scale (BES), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and the SCOFF questionnaire. A total of 102 students participated, mostly female (83.33%), with a mean age of 22.7 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test, p < 0.05). Results indicated that female participants showed greater vulnerability to disordered eating attitudes in the EAT-26 (p = 0.018) and SCOFF (p = 0.016) questionnaires, while no significant differences were observed between sexes in the BES (p = 0.805). No significant associations were found between age group and risk in any of the instruments, although higher scores were concentrated among students aged 18 to 23 years. A previous diagnosis of an eating disorder was strongly associated with risk scores, particularly in the BES (p = 0.0018), confirming the sensitivity of the scales for clinical and subclinical screening. The findings reveal a relevant presence of disordered eating behaviors among medical students, reinforcing the need for institutional policies on prevention, screening, and continuous psychological support.