Eating Attitudes and Psychological Well-being among Undergraduate Healthcare Students at a South Indian Medical College: A Cross-sectional Study

A BSTRACT Introduction: Healthcare students face distinct psychosocial stressors that may precipitate abnormal eating attitudes and psychological distress, yet this intersection remains understudied in South Indian settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes and examine associations with depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 323 undergraduate healthcare students (aged 18–25 years) at a South Indian medical college from September 2023 to March 2024. Eating attitudes were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26); psychological states were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Bivariate associations were analyzed using Chi-square tests, independent t -tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Abnormal eating attitudes (EAT-26 score ≥ 20) were present in 11.1% ( n = 36). Depression (52.6%), anxiety (72.4%), and elevated stress (30.3%) were reported. Significant associations were found between abnormal eating attitudes and depression ( χ 2 = 19.86, P < 0.001), anxiety ( χ 2 = 22.99, P < 0.001), and stress ( χ 2 = 37.08, P < 0.001). Pearson correlation between EAT-26 and DASS-21 total scores showed moderate positive correlation ( r = 0.38, P < 0.001). Conclusions: While abnormal eating attitudes’ prevalence was relatively low, high incidence of clinical depression and anxiety, coupled with significant eating-psychology associations, underscores the urgent need for integrated mental health and nutrition support programs.