ABSTRACT
AIMS: Our study aimed to observe the rate of eating disorders in first year public health students (allied medical and sports) of the University of the Littoral Opal Coast (ULCO) using the SCOFF-F (Sick, Control, One, stone, Fat, Food; French version) questionnaire and to compare morphological characteristics, level of physical condition, level of physical activity and sleep quality. METHODS: Overall 642 subjects (459 women and 183 men) aged 22years (20.9±4.9years) participated in this study (Universanté-CEMHaVi). Weight, height, and fat mass were measured, and waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. The level of physical condition was evaluated using several physical tests: Leger and Boucher (20m) and shuttle run (4×10m), Sargent-test and handgrip strength. The SCOFF-F questionnaire followed by a clinical maintenance conducted by a professional was used to detect eating disorders. Several other questionnaires were used to evaluate the physical activity level; General Practice Assessment Questionnaire (GPAQ) and wellness. Sleep quality index was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: SCOFF-F was positive in 24.2% of women and 10.2% of men. In women, there were no significant differences between those who had a positive SCOFF-F screening and those who had a negative SCOFF-F screening regarding age, height, waist-to-hip ratio, level of physical condition measured and level of physical activity evaluated. However, significant differences were found between women who had a positive SCOFF-F screening and women who had a negative SCOFF-F screening regarding sleep quality, well-being score, BMI and fat mass. In men, significant differences were found between those who had a positive SCOFF-F screening and those who had a negative SCOFF-F screening regarding BMI and fat mass. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that in both sexes, having a positive SCOFF-F screening is associated with higher BMI. In women, the increase in BMI and the perturbations in sleep quality and well-being score may indicate bulimia nervosa. The definition of a panel of possible factors associated with eating disorders can help in screening and early detection of eating disorders.
