Exploring the relationship between Physical Activity and Eating Disorder Attitude in Generation Z University Students a Cross -Sectional Study

Background: Physical activity and eating attitudes are important in all people especially in generation Z in university students. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and eating disorder attitude in students of Sirjan University of Medical Sciences in ۲۰۲۲. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study that was conducted on ۲۱۲ students of Sirjan University of Medical Sciences in the Southeast of Iran. The quota sampling method was used for sampling. Data were collected by demographic information questionnaires, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Eating Attitude Test -۲۶ (EAT -۲۶). Results: Parametric and non-parametric statistics used for data analysis and using SPSS ۲۰ version. Significant differences considered as (p<۰.۰۵). According to the results the mean age was ۲۲.۳۷±۷.۴ years, there was a significant and direct relationship between physical activity and eating attitudes (P=۰.۰۴, r=۰.۱۳), Linear regression showed every one-unit increase in the scores of eating attitude, ۰.۱۴ the score of physical activity is increased. Among the significant variables related to attitudes toward eating disorders, academic year (p=۰.۰۰۱) and weekly fast-food consumption (p=۰.۰۲) were identified as predictive variables. Among the significant variables associated with physical activity, gender (p=۰.۰۰) was a predictive factor. Conclusions: Study results showed eating attitude was a predictive factor of physical activity in Z generation university students by understanding the predictors of physical activity and eating disorder attitude, healthcare system can apply directed approaches to support the physical activity and changing eating disorder attitudes of Gen Z university students, finally improving the quality of life and educational achievement.

کلیدواژه ها:

Physical activity ، Eating disorders attitudes ، University students ، Z generation