Article

Disordered eating, self-esteem, and physical activity among Tunisian adolescents: public health insights and validation of the Arabic Ede-Q

Faïrouz AzaiezHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of GafsaSameh Ben BechirHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of JendoubaAmayra TannoubiHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of GafsaHalil İ̇brahim CeylanPhysical Education of Sports Teaching Department, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Atatürk UniversityVаlentinа ȘtefănicăDepartment of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sciences, Physical Education and Informatics, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Pitesti University CenterGhada BoussayalaHigh Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Gafsa, University of GafsaJohn Elvis HaganDepartment of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape CoastAbdullah H. AllihebiDepartment of Physical Education, College of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, King Saud UniversityAbdulhafed Mabrouk GawarFaculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of Tripoli, Université of TripoliAhmedov FarruhSamarkand State University, Department of Physical EducationIsmail DergaaHigh Institute of Sport, and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba

Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicinejournal2025en

ABI

Abstract

Background: Disordered eating behaviors are a growing public health concern among adolescents, with implications for both physical and psychological well-being. The availability of culturally valid assessment tools is critical for early identification and prevention. Objectives: This study aimed to (i) examine how self-esteem, sport participation, and Body Mass Index (BMI) predict eating disorder symptoms in a large cohort of Tunisian schoolchildren, and (ii) assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Methods: A total of 1,748 adolescents (629 boys, 1119 girls; mean age ≈ 16.8 years) from Zaghouan, Tunisia, completed self-report assessments of BMI, self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), physical and sports activity, and disordered eating (Arabic EDE-Q). Correlation, regression, and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Results: < 0.001). The Arabic EDE-Q demonstrated a robust four-factor structure and high internal consistency (CFI = 0.996; RMSEA = 0.026). Gender differences were observed, with girls reporting higher disordered eating scores. Conclusions: Self-esteem and BMI are significant predictors of disordered eating, underscoring the need for integrated public health strategies that promote mental well-being and healthy body image among adolescents. The validated Arabic EDE-Q offers a reliable tool for screening and monitoring disordered eating in Arabic-speaking youth populations, enabling early intervention in school-based mental health programs.

Topics

Eating Disorders and Behaviors Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet COVID-19 and Mental Health

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2025.2601400

Citations and references

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