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Eating Disorder Risk among Young Physicians in a Tunisian University Hospital: A Cross- sectional Screening Study Running head: Eating Disorder Risk in Young Physicians

Om Kolthoum SALLEM
,
Cherif DHAOUI
,
Faten HADJ KACEM
,
Yosra HASNi

Published in July - December 2026 (Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2026)

Eating Disorder Risk among Young Physicians in a Tunisian University Hospital: A Cross- sectional Screening Study Running head: Eating Disorder Risk in Young Physicians - Issue cover

Keywords

Eating disordersSCOFFyoung physiciansresidentsinternsanxietydepressionmedical trainingTunisia

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors are increasingly recognized among medical trainees, but data in young physicians remain limited. Screening in this population is clinically relevant because eating disorder risk may coexist with anxiety, depressive symptoms, weight-control behaviors, and occupational stress. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of a positive SCOFF-F screen for eating disorder risk among interns and residents at a Tunisian university hospital and to describe associated sociodemographic, psychological, and weight-control factors. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, during the 2022-2023 academic year. Interns and residents completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, substance use, body mass index, weight-control behaviors, gastrointestinal symptoms, the French SCOFF questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Categorical variables were summarized as counts and percentages. Exploratory comparisons used the chi-square test or Fisher exact test when appropriate. Results: Of 55 returned questionnaires, 50 were analyzable. The mean age was 26 years, 28 participants (56%) were women, and 33 (66%) were residents. Twelve participants (24%) screened positive for eating disorder risk. Underweight, overweight, and obesity were observed in 12%, 16%, and 2% of participants, respectively. Anxiety symptoms were common, and depressive symptoms were present in approximately one quarter of participants. In exploratory analyses based on the available tabulated counts, SCOFF positivity was associated with anxiety category, depression category, dieting, and exercise used as a weight-control behavior, whereas sex and training status were not statistically significant. Conclusion: One in four young physicians screened positive for eating disorder risk in this single-center cohort. The findings support systematic awareness, early screening, and institutional wellness strategies targeting disordered eating, psychological distress, and potentially harmful weight-control behaviors among medical trainees.

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Authors (4)

Om Kolthoum SALLEM

EPS Fattouma Bourguiba

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Cherif DHAOUI

University of Monastir

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Faten HADJ KACEM

University of Sfax

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Yosra HASNi

Farhat Hached University Hospi...

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Article Information

Published in:

July - December 2026 (Vol. 3, Issue 2, 2026)

AOEDS230057

AOEDS-01-000057

2026-06-29

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How to Cite

Kolthoum, O., & DHAOUI & HADJ, F. & HASNi (2026). Eating Disorder Risk among Young Physicians in a Tunisian University Hospital: A Cross- sectional Screening Study Running head: Eating Disorder Risk in Young Physicians. Advances in Obesity, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, 3(2), xx-xx. https://aoeds.com/articles/AOEDS230057

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