Cross-Sectional Study Identifies Disordered Eating Risks Among Sicilian Healthcare Students

In a cross-sectional web-based survey of 3,278 university students conducted between 2022 and 2024 across multiple Sicilian universities, researchers found that 14.2 percent screened positive for feeding and eating disorder risk, while 38.7 percent met criteria for potential specialist referral. Although most participating healthcare students presented with a normal body mass index, participants reported substantial body dissatisfaction and engagement in unhealthy weight-control behaviors.

The study evaluated participants using sociodemographic measures, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and behavioral items assessing overeating, purging behaviors, and suicidal ideation. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that higher EAT-26 scores were associated with vomiting, psychological distress, weight fluctuation, laxative use, body dissatisfaction, overeating episodes, female sex, younger age, and suicidal ideation, accounting for an R² of 0.32.

The investigation also established that specific eating difficulty patterns corresponded with distinct support preferences among students. Experiencing loss-of-control eating was associated with greater demand for structured and digital support mechanisms, such as psychological support, academic tutoring, and self-monitoring applications, whereas individuals displaying rigid or strict eating patterns were less likely to utilize shared wellness spaces.

Based on these findings, the authors concluded that Sicilian healthcare students face a substantial, multifaceted mental health burden related to disordered eating that cannot be captured by body mass index alone. Emphasizing that a uniform approach is insufficient, the researchers recommended that universities develop a stepped, stigma-sensitive support pathway offering counselling services, mentoring, shared wellness spaces, and digital tools tailored to diverse student needs.

Subject of Research: Feeding and eating disorder risk among Sicilian healthcare students

Article Title: Risk factors and psychosocial correlates of feeding and eating disorders among Sicilian healthcare students: a cross-sectional study

Article References: Bonaccorso, N., Bongiorno, E., Daino, M., Maniaci, G., Tripoli, G., Lombardo, C., Albano, G., Vella, I., Galatà, E., Amico, M. R., Milo, S., La Corte, A., Sartorio, C., Seminerio, F., Scaglione, A., Giammanco, A., Lo Baido, R., Signorelli, M. S., Muscatello, M. R. A., … Ferraro, L. (2026). Risk factors and psychosocial correlates of feeding and eating disorders among Sicilian healthcare students: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Eating Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-026-01724-5

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s40337-026-01724-5

Keywords: eating disorders, healthcare students, Sicily, cross-sectional study, EAT-26, psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, mental health, Risk, factors, psychosocial, correlates