Eating disorder symptoms among college students: prevalence, persistence, correlates, and treatment-seeking

To examine the prevalence, correlates, persistence, and treatment-seeking related to symptoms of eating disorders (EDs) in a random sample of college students.

A random sample of students at a large university were recruited for an Internet survey in Fall 2005 and a follow-up survey in Fall 2007.

ED symptoms were measured using the SCOFF screen and adjusted for nonresponse using administrative data and a nonresponse survey.

2,822 (56%) students completed the baseline survey. Among undergraduates the prevalence of positive screens was 13.5% for women and 3.6% for men. Among students with positive screens, 20% had received past-year mental health treatment. In the follow-up sample (N = 753), ED symptoms at baseline significantly predicted symptoms 2 years later.

Symptoms of EDs were prevalent and persistent among college students in this study. These findings suggest that brief screens can identify a large number of students with untreated EDs.