Eating disorders among college students in China: prevalence, correlates, and its relationship with suicide risk

Eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent among college students and may lead to severe consequences. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of EDs among Chinese college students and to investigate the relationship between EDs and suicide risk.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 18,578 Chinese college students between October 17 and 29, 2023. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, EDs, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with EDs in the total sample, as well as factors associated with suicide risk among participants with EDs.

The prevalence of EDs was 13.6% among Chinese college students. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index, urban or town residence, left-behind experiences, maternal education at the senior high school level or above, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts were independent correlates of EDs. Among participants with EDs, 19.5% reported suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. Variables such as age, left-behind experiences, chronic physical illness, family history of mental disorders, depression, and anxiety were independently associated with suicide risk.

EDs are prevalent among college populations and are associated with suicide risk. Therefore, it is imperative to specifically monitor suicide risk among individuals with EDs. Intervention strategies should focus on co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms to decrease suicidality in affected individuals.