Abstract
Aim
This study aimed to assess weight control behaviors and their relationship with body weight and image perceptions among female university students.
Subject and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among female students. The study included 420 female students aged 17–27 years using a convenient sample. Students were invited from all faculties. The data collection tools included a questionnaire, body image perceptions scale, and measurement scale for weight and height.
Results
Of the participants, 154 (36.9%) female students (95% CI 32–41%) had risky eating behaviors and reported a significant level of concern about diet and weight. In general, most of the study sample were dissatisfied with their bodies; in particular, 55.7% of participants were suffering from negative body image, while 24.5% showed a positive body image. Approximately one-third (31.8%) of underweight university students participated in risky eating behavior compared to 36.3% and 44.4% in normal weight and overweight and obese groups, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that weight control behaviors were mainly associated with the perception of body image.
Conclusion
The results showed a high level of concern about food and weight by the female students. Additionally, it showed that they are prone to risky eating behaviors. Therefore, interventions are needed to promote healthy eating behaviors and body image among university students.
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Availability of data and material
The data used to support the findings of this study were provided as supplementary material.
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Acknowledgements
We are incredibly grateful to all the students who took part in this study and the Public Health Division at ANU for providing feedback on the measurement tool.
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Zaher Nazzal and Watan Nazzal conceptualized and designed the study. Watan Nazzal collected data and carried out the analysis of data and writing. Zaher Nazzal was responsible for quality control and offered guidance on the study design, the analysis of the data, and the manuscript’s drafting. Beesan Maraqa contributed to the analysis, interpretation, and writing of the manuscript. All the authors read the manuscript, gave their final approval, and agreed to be responsible for all aspects of the work.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were per the institutional research committee’s ethical standards and the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee of Al-Najah National University.
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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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Nazzal, Z., Nazzal, W. & Maraqa, B. Body perceptions and weight control behaviors among Palestinian University female students: a cross-sectional study. J Public Health (Berl.) 30, 1915–1921 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01602-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01602-1