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Eating Disorders in School-Age Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Natasa Djorić1, Ivan Vukosavljević1, Ivana Vukosavljević2

  • 1Community Health Centre, 35000 Jagodina, Serbia.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 5.8% of Serbian students showed eating disorder symptoms. These disorders were linked to depression, anxiety, and stress, particularly in girls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Eating disorders in children are influenced by early maturation, body dissatisfaction, dieting, stress, and inactivity.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these risk factors through isolation and reduced physical activity, increasing children's vulnerability.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of eating disorders among school-aged children in Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To investigate the association between eating disorders and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and mental health (depression, anxiety, stress).

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on students from elementary to secondary school.
  • The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) questionnaire was used to assess eating disorder symptoms.
  • Data were collected from May to August 2023, with ethics approval obtained.

Main Results:

  • 5.8% of students exhibited eating disorder symptoms (EAT-26 score ≥ 20).
  • Girls with eating disorders had significantly lower body weight (p < 0.05).
  • Eating disorders were more frequent in students experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress.

Conclusions:

  • A notable percentage of students displayed eating disorder symptoms during the pandemic, with girls being more affected.
  • Eating disorders were significantly associated with psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
  • Monitoring children's psychological and nutritional health is vital, necessitating preventive measures during crises.

Keywords:
COVID-19 pandemicDASS-21EAT-26adolescentschildreneating disorderobesity

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