Banca de DEFESA: PATRÍCIA FORTES CAVALCANTI DE MACEDO

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : PATRÍCIA FORTES CAVALCANTI DE MACEDO
DATE: 21/07/2023
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: https://conferenciaweb.rnp.br/webconf/monica-leila-portela-de-santana
TITLE:

Weight stigma and its relationship with disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic." 2023

KEY WORDS:

weight prejudice, mental health, disordered eating behavior, COVID-19, obesity

PAGES: 210
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Nutrição
SUBÁREA: Análise Nutricional de População
SUMMARY:

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased vulnerability and led to worse mental health outcomes, especially among students, while also fostering weight discrimination. Objective: This thesis aimed to assess the association between weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors (DEB) in overweight and non-overweight university students during the pandemic. Methodological aspects: Both empirical and non-empirical studies were utilized. The non-empirical study (Study 1) consisted of a scoping review conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, aiming to map the evidence on weight stigma during the pandemic. The empirical studies in this thesis adopted a cross-sectional design (Study 2) and a longitudinal design (Study 3), involving Brazilian university students from the COCASa cohort. The COCASa cohort was selected through a non-probabilistic sample of Brazilian faculty members and students. The inclusion criteria for the empirical studies in this thesis were being 18 years or older and enrolled in an on-campus undergraduate program. Data were collected in July/August 2020 (Study 2) and July 2020 to December 2021 (Study 3). The analytical samples had adequate statistical power to assess the associations of interest. Study 2 employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis and Study 3 utilized Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). An online questionnaire was administered, including questions on weight stigma, DEB, body image, psychological distress, sociodemographic variables, and anthropometric status. Results: In the non-empirical study, manifestations of weight stigma were identified in media, interpersonal relationships, and public campaigns. Individuals with higher body weight were more likely to experience weight discrimination. The included studies in the review showed maladaptive eating behaviors and declining mental health, regardless of body mass index. In Study 2, the prevalence of weight stigma was 33.5%, and the prevalence of binge eating episodes, food restriction, and purging was 43.7%, 24.1%, and 5.4%, respectively. Concern about weight gain and psychological distress mediated the relationship between weight stigma and DEB, irrespective of anthropometric status. In Study 3, experienced weight stigma played a predictive role in DEB in both groups during the pandemic. Experiences of weight stigma and perceived increase in stigma were significantly associated with the occurrence of all DEB in overweight individuals. Moreover, the internalization of weight stigma was longitudinally associated with all DEB, regardless of anthropometric status. Conclusion: The reviewed literature and analysis of COCASa cohort data provide evidence of the association between weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors during the pandemic. The relationship between these variables was mediated by concern about weight gain and psychological distress, independent of anthropometric status. Furthermore, weight stigma was a predictor of DEB throughout 16 months of the pandemic in both individuals with overweight and without overweight. These findings highlight the need for interventions that promote a healthy body image and combat weight stigma, aiming to improve the mental health and eating behaviors of affected individuals.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1194475 - MONICA LEILA PORTELA DE SANTANA
Interna - 3273558 - PRISCILA DE MORAIS SATO
Externa à Instituição - ERIKA CARDOSO DOS REIS - UFOP
Externo à Instituição - CARLOS ANTONIO DE SOUZA TELES SANTOS - UEFS
Externa à Instituição - CLAUDIA VALÉRIA CARDIM DA SILVA - UERJ