University students binge eating and its impact on work and school productivity
File(s)
Date
2015-08Author
Stoffel, Cheri L
Advisor(s)
Filipova, Anna
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The literature suggests that people of all ages engage in risky eating patterns, with
some developing eating disorders. The average age for developing eating disorders is
adolescence and early adulthood, the age of the traditional university student.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is defined as recurrent episodes of overeating
accompanied by a sense of loss of control and guilt. If untreated, it may cause serious
medical and psychological damage. The literature suggests that many are not aware of
BED symptoms, and that university students underutilize treatment for various reasons
including embarrassment in seeking treatment and cost of treatment. University students
engaging in such behaviors may unknowingly be worsening their current health and
increasing risks for additional health conditions in the future. Binge eating is positively
associated with obesity; obesity and binge eating are positively associated with short
sleep duration and physical inactivity. Additionally, binge eating and obesity have been
associated with work productivity and functioning impairment. Prevalence of BED and
impairment of students' work and classroom productivity, and regular daily and social
activities, may warrant implementation of policies or programs to combat these effects.
In the fall of 2013, all University of Wisconsin Oshkosh undergraduate and
graduate students were invited to participate in a survey assessing the prevalence binge
eating of clinical significance, and student awareness of symptoms and treatment
resources. Further information was gathered to investigate the effects of BED, adjusted
for certain health behaviors (i.e., obesity, sleep duration, and physical activity) on work
and classroom productivity and activity impairment. Data were collected online using
pre-established instruments. Statistical analyses were done, using descriptive statistics,
Pearson's chi-squared, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
Results of the statistical analyses indicated that 7.8% of the sample self-reported
symptoms consistent with a clinical BED diagnosis. Respondents indicated a lack of
awareness of the symptoms and treatment resources for BED. Binge eating was more
common among obese students than non-obese students. Moderate binge eating, extreme
obesity, physical inactivity, and short sleep may contribute to classroom productivity,
daily activity and social activity impairment in students. Future research testing the
relationship of university students with BED and the relationship to classroom
productivity and regular daily activity impairment is needed to corroborate findings
Subject
Health behavior - Age factor
College students attitudes
Impulse control disorder
Eating disorders
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/73741Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration Healthcare Management