An Evaluation of the Prevalence of the Risk of Disordered Eating, Poor Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress in Medical Students

Background: An increase in the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs), sleep problems, and stress in the general population and medical students is becoming an area of concern. This study was designed to determine the incidence of sleep and EDs in medical students and to assess the relationship between these factors and stress levels. Methods: : A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed, and the data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire via instant chat groups and social media advertisements between September and December 2019. Medical students (years 1–6) ( n = 1100) enrolled at the College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, were recruited in the study. The electronic survey included questions on the participants’ demographic characteristics. The tools utilized were the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the 26-Item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the 10-Item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The data were analyzed using Stata ® (version 17.0). Results: : Responses were received from 730 participants out of 1100 (67%). 649 (58%) were included in the final analysis,68% women and (32%) men. The mean age of the participants was 22.73 ± 2.31 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.56 ± 5.6 kg/m 2 (55% had a normal BMI). The mean EAT-26, PSQI, and PSS-10 scores were 16.99 ± 9.09, 38.00 ± 3.13, and 25.67 ± 6.97, respectively. The prevalence of EDs, poor sleep quality, and stress symptoms was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.01–35.32), 67% (95% CI: 62.62–70.05), and 50% (95% CI: 46.07–53.93), respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex was a risk factor for EDs, sleep problems, and stress (odds ratio of 2.10, 95% CI: 1.30–3.45). Conclusions: : Counseling services should be offered to medical students affected by anxiety, poor eating habits, and morbid obesity at the start of the first year of university. Medical students with sleeping problems require special attention throughout their time at college. Strategies to mitigate stress while studying should be given. Trial registration: Not applicable.