Orthorexia nervosa and psychological distress among nursing, medical, and non-health-related students

Orthorexia nervosa, characterized by obsessive healthy eating habits, has been reported in nursing students, implying that extensive health-related knowledge is a risk factor. This study aimed to investigate the difference in level of orthorexia nervosa and its association with psychological distress between students of nursing, medical, and non-health-related departments. This cross-sectional study included Japanese national university students, aged 18–25 years, who responded to an online questionnaire survey conducted in April 2024. Orthorexia nervosa traits were assessed using the Teruel Orthorexia Scale, autistic traits were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient, and psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Scale. We performed multiple linear regression analyses. The 211 participants included 54 (25.6%) nursing students, 52 (24.6%) medical students, and 105 (49.8%) students from other departments. After controlling for gender and autistic traits, nursing students did not differ in traits of orthorexia nervosa from either medical students or other students. The between-group difference was also non-significant in level of psychological distress. Students with orthorexia nervosa were more likely to present greater psychological distress; however, the level of strength of association did not vary according to type of department. Extensive health-related knowledge may not always trigger or escalate obsessive healthy eating among university students. Further investigation is warranted to identify risk factors for orthorexia nervosa among nursing students.