Dynamic developmental trajectory of problem eating behavior among students from one university of Jiangsu Province

Abstract

Objective To explore the dynamic developmental trajectory of problem eating behavior among college students, and to provide evidence for the early prevention and intervention of eating problems.

Methods A cluster sample of 5 372 freshmen from a university in Jiangsu Province were included and followed up for 4 years by using the eating behavior problems scale.

Results The problem eating behavior of college students in Jiangsu Province showed a decreasing after increasing trend (5.17±1.36, 5.39±1.53, 5.14±1.42, 4.96±1.37) ( F = 112.12, P<0.01), and prevalence of problem eating behavior was highest among sophomores. The developmental trajectory of eating behavior problems in college students could be divided into slow decreasing (86.7%) and slow increasing (13.3%) groups. In addition, sex-specific developmental trajectory of problem eating behavior was observed, with initial mean level and change speed of female students were signicantly higher than that of male students.

Conclusion There are group heterogeneity and sex-specific effect in problem eating behavior of college students, which needs specific intervention strategies provided from colleges.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 探究大学生进食行为问题的发展轨迹, 为进食行为问题的早期预防和干预提供依据。 方法 2016—2019 年历时 4 年对江苏省某高校整群抽取的 5 372 名新生, 使用大学生进食行为问题量表进行追踪调查。 结果 大学生进食 行为问题随时间呈现“先升后降”的发展趋势 (5.17±1.36, 5.39±1.53, 5.14±1.42, 4.96±1.37) ( F = 112.12, P<0.01), 大二阶段 学生进食行为问题的水平最高。大学生进食行为问题的发展轨迹可以分为 2 个类型, 分别是缓慢减少组 (86.7%) 和缓慢 增加组 (13.3%)。大学生进食行为问题的发展轨迹存在性别效应, 女生进食行为问题的初始均值、变化速度高于男生。 结论 大学生进食行为问题存在群体异质性和性别效应, 高校要针对不同类别采取不同干预策略。