Abstract. Introduction. Eating disorders (ED) are defined as significant and lasting disturbances in food intake, frequently associated with other pathological behaviors. ED are complex and multifactorial pathologies which are frequent among young adults, particularly University students. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of ED among University students from Sfax and to study their associated factors. Material and methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on a representative sample of University students from Sfax during the academic year 2017-2018. Results. In total, 589 responses were recorded and retained for the analyses. 419 from the responders were females (71.1%), with a sex-ratio (male/female) of 0.4. The mean age was 21.2 ± 1.7 years. ED were found in 226 students (38.4%). Binary logistic multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with ED among the students were physical disability (AOR = 2.7; p = 0.009), regular physical activity (AOR = 1.59; p = 0.028), participation at parties (AOR = 1.8; p = 0.019), membership in students’ associations (AOR = 4.50; p < 0.001), anxiety (AOR = 2.19; p = 0.001), and low self-esteem (AOR = 2.41; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Senior health authorities and academic leaders at Sfax Universities should take care to promote optimal mental health among their students. The creation of various entertainment clubs and a psychological assistance unit can play a preventive role for ED and other pathological behaviors.

Key words: eating disorders, University students, prevalence, factors

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