Predictive role of corona-induced anxiety and physical activity levels on eating disorder among students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Eating disorder is one of the most common disorders reported among young girls. This study aimed to identify the relationship between eating disorder (nutrition attitudes) and nutrition knowledge, physical activity levels, and corona-induced anxiety in female students.

This is a cross-sectional and correlational study. The statistical population included the female students of Farhangian University of Mashhad, Shahid Hasheminejad Campus (n=655) in the academic year of 2021-2022, out of which 247 female students were randomly enrolled. They completed questionnaires of nutrition knowledge, eating disorders, corona-induced anxiety, physical activity level and anthropometric indicators related to health. Data analysis was done by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson and linear regression tests in SPSS version 21 software.

Eating disorders had a significant correlation with corona-induced anxiety, and the level of physical activity (P˂0.01). The results of Linear regression showed that corona-induced anxiety can predict eating disorders among female students (P˂0.01). Despite the significant negative relationship between eating disorders and physical activity levels, the results of the regression model showed that physical activity levels could not predict eating disorders in female students (P>0.05).

In crisis situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increased levels of anxiety can cause a higher frequency of eating disorders. It seems that decreased anxiety levels and techniques for coping with anxiety can be useful ways to overcome eating disorders among female students.