Substance Use and Eating Disorders in College Students with OCD
Author Information
Author(s): Jacobs Wura, DeLeon Angela, Bristow Alane, Quinn Patrick, Lederer Alyssa
Primary Institution: Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
Hypothesis
This study examines the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) conditions and the risk of substance use and disordered eating among college students.
Conclusion
College students with OCD conditions are at a higher risk for substance use and disordered eating compared to those without such conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Students with OCD conditions had higher odds of medium/high tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol use.
- Disordered eating was reported by 46.22% of students with OCD conditions.
- Cisgender females with OCD had the highest risk for substance use and disordered eating.
- TGNC students with OCD also showed significant risk for substance use and disordered eating.
- Overall, 12% of students were classified as having medium/high alcohol risk.
Takeaway
Students with OCD are more likely to use drugs and have eating problems. This is especially true for girls and transgender students.
Methodology
Data were collected from 92,757 undergraduate students aged 18–24 using regression models to estimate substance use and disordered eating risks.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias, and the sample may not be representative of all college students in the U.S.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences, and relies on self-reported measures which may not capture all relevant disorders.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly White (62%) and cisgender female (63%), with about 6% identifying as transgender/gender non-conforming.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.05, 1.24
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website