Orthorexia and perfectionism in medical students in Tunisia

TL;DR

This study explores how perfectionism relates to orthorexia, an obsession with healthy eating, among medical students in Tunisia.

Contribution

It identifies a significant link between perfectionism and orthorexic behaviors in a specific student population.

Findings

60% of participants exhibited orthorexic behaviors.

Students with orthorexia scored significantly higher on perfectionism measures.

The study highlights the role of perfectionism in disordered eating patterns among medical students.

Abstract

Orthorexia is defined as a dependence on healthy food or an obsession to consume healthy food. One area deemed influential upon disordered eating and dietary intake is perfectionism.

To investigate the relationship between orthorexia and perfectionism in medical students.

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study in the faculty of medicine of Sfax (Tunisia), between February and April 2023. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to students via social media. We used ORTO-15 for the assessment of orthorexia, and the Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS) to assess perfectionism.

The research has enrolled 220 students. Their mean age was 21.40±1.68 years, with female predominance (70%). The ORTO-15 mean total score was 36.88±6.76. A total of 60% of participants had an orthorexic behavior. The BTPS mean total score was 45.52±12.45 with a mean score of 13.25±4.35 for rigid perfectionism, 18.31±6.37 for self-critical perfectionism, and 13.99±5.47 for narcissistic perfectionism.

Students with orthorexic behavior had significantly higher scores of perfectionism (p= 0.048).

Our study has drawn a significant association between orthorexia and perfectionism among medical students. This result suggests that students experiencing highly critical and judgemental beliefs associated with perfectionism are more susceptible to orthorexic eating behaviors.

None Declared