Exploring the Relationship Between Excessive Social Media Use and Eating Disorders Among Young Adults: Evidence From a Bangladesh-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives

Problematic or addictive use of social media has been associated with psychological and health issues. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between Facebook addiction and eating disorders (EDs) among young adults in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted an online-based cross-sectional study among 550 young adults aged 18 to 27 in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the survey data. The survey tool consisted of three sections: (i) socio-demographic, behavioral, and social media use-related characteristics, (ii) assessment of Facebook addiction using Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and (iii) assessment of EDs risk using Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26, outcome variable). Scoring at or above 20 on the EAT-26 scale (total score ranges from 0 to 78) indicated an ED risk. Unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship outcome and explanatory variables.

Results

Approximately 38% of the study participants showed addiction to Facebook, whereas 23.6% were at risk of developing an ED. Multiple adjusted logistic regression models demonstrated that Facebook addiction was significantly associated with an increased risk of EDs (OR  =  1.784; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.154–2.760). Moreover, smoking habits, self-rated body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level showed a significant association with the risk of EDs.

Conclusions

These findings may help public health professionals and policymakers to take the initiative and develop strategies to overcome these addictive behaviors and promote healthy eating habits across the country.