Relación entre niveles de autoestima y del riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en estudiantes de primer ciclo de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad de Cuenca en el período septiembre 2025–febrero 2026

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between self-esteem levels and the risk of developing eating disorders (ED) in first-year medical students at the University of Cuenca during the period September 2025-February 2026. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational approach was used. The sample consisted of 162 students selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), both of which demonstrated adequate reliability in the Ecuadorian context. The results showed that 40.12% of the students presented a risk of eating disorders, with this risk being higher in women (45.61%) than in men (27.08%). Self-esteem levels were mostly in the middle range (M = 22.54). A moderate positive correlation was found between self-esteem and the risk of eating disorders (rs =.485; p = < .001), indicating that, in this population, higher overall self-esteem was associated with a greater risk of eating disorders, a finding that differs from previous research and could be related to factors such as academic self-demand and perfectionism. Furthermore, a slight negative association was identified between age and the oral control dimension (rs = -.244; p = .002). It is concluded that this relationship between self-esteem and eating disorders may vary according to academic and sociocultural context, highlighting the need for preventive strategies that foster emotional well-being and promote healthy eating habits.