# Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms Among Schoolgirls With Disordered Eating Behaviors

## TL;DR

The study finds that many schoolgirls in Riyadh with unhealthy eating habits also experience anxiety, depression, and stress, suggesting a need for combined mental health and eating disorder interventions.

## Contribution

This study identifies a significant link between anxiety and disordered eating behaviors among Saudi schoolgirls, highlighting the need for integrated mental health approaches.

## Key findings

- 32.6% of participants showed disordered eating behaviors based on EAT-26 scores.
- Anxiety was significantly associated with disordered eating behaviors.
- Media consumption influenced over half of the participants' weight loss attempts.

## Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and disordered eating behaviors among schoolgirls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The current study could provide insights into potential intervention strategies for addressing both aspects simultaneously, contributing to a more holistic approach in the field.

Method

Via simple sampling technique, the current quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study included 347 female adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years in public schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire comprised demographic information, items on body image satisfaction and perception, the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).

Results

Among the participants, 32.6% scored at or above the cutoff point on the EAT-26, indicating a negative eating attitude. Additionally, multiple factors such as age, obesity, body image dissatisfaction, and peer pressure were correlated with disordered eating behaviors, with excessive exercise being the most reported weight control behaviors. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 58.5%, 73.2%, and 40.9%, respectively. Notably, anxiety was significantly associated with disordered eating behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disordered eating behaviors were reported by 32.6% of the participants, and symptoms of anxiety were significantly associated with these behaviors. Media consumption appeared to influence more than half of the participants in their weight loss attempts.