Erectile dysfunction and EBD are a symbol of body and weight-related dissatisfaction issues faced by teens and young adults around the world. These disorders can accelerate the process and consequently lead to wasting, stunted growth, and micronutrient deficiencies.
To assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and ABD among young Saudis and elucidate the epidemiology of these conditions, an organization of researchers conducted a systematic review of 14 articles from 2000 onward.
The studies involved participants between the ages of 10 and 24, who studied at universities across Saudi Arabia.
The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is the number one tool used to assess aberrant eating behaviors. Among the 11 studies that used this tool, there is a maximum prevalence of erectile dysfunction and ED ranging from 10. 2% to 48. 1%.
In addition, the highest overall prevalence was recorded in the Eastern region (29. 4 per cent to 65. 5 per cent), followed by the Northwest region (48. 1 per cent), while the lowest prevalence was observed in the North regions (25. 4 per cent).
“Despite differences in size, climate, and population, all included cities demonstrated a maximum prevalence of ED and DEB. The central region has the highest degrees of urbanization and wealth, this has not been projected into prevalence rates. The effects were unforeseen and warranted further investigation,” the authors wrote.
The majority of studies recruited female students, with only four studies including male students.
In terms of age, older adolescents have higher prevalence of EDs and DEBs, compared to younger adolescents. Specifically, the reported prevalence ranged from 10.2% to 42.5% for secondary and intermediate school students, and 29.4% to 65.5% for university students.
“Older Saudi female students reported higher WED prevalence rates (43. 8%) than younger female students (29. 4%). These findings indicate that the peak of DEB occurs in late adolescence and early adulthood.
Negative attitudes toward food and bad behavior of other people with DEB, such as binge eating, purging, fasting, and laxatives, can occur in other people who have not been diagnosed with express erectile dysfunction.
As adolescents have higher nutritional desires, not fulfilling them can be negative for their overall growth and sexual maturation. Low-calorie diets can also lead to binge eating and an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
According to the authors, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which are experiencing transitions in culture, diet, and gender roles, have extensively documented EUTMs among young populations.
For example, the food attitudes of 4,698 adolescents aged 15 to 18 were investigated as part of the ARAB Eating Among Teens task in seven regions of the MENA region, namely Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.
The results showed that WSDs were highly prevalent among male adolescents (13. 8% to 47. 3%) and females (16. 2% to 42. 7%).
According to this study, prevalence estimates in Saudi Arabia tend to be higher than those reported in other Asian countries.
“Several studies by academics from Turkish schools and universities have found that the prevalence of DEB levels ranges from 9. 8% to 22. 8%. In Japan, the local edition of EAT-26 found that 11. 2% had feeding problems. In Korea and Taiwan, food disorders were recorded among 10. 3% and 10. 4% of academics, respectively.
“There is no transparent justification for the sharp rise in erectile dysfunction and DEB in Saudi Arabia, as it is due to complex interactions between genetic, social, cultural and mental causes. However, many scholars have explained that the phenomenon is influenced by Westernization.
Traditionally, Arab populations value roundness because it symbolizes fertility, wealth, and health.
“Due to the dramatic economic developments and sociocultural shifts in the last decades, younger generations in the region are increasingly adopting Western concepts in relation to weight and physical appearance. They are preoccupied with the thin-body ideal rather than the culturally preferred fuller figure, which may raise their susceptibility to EDs.”
It should be noted that the cross-sectional nature and duration of the pattern of the studies increase the threat of bias and would possibly restrict the generalizability of the review’s findings.
“More studies on adolescents and young people need to be conducted to fill the gaps in the existing epidemiological evidence.
“Moreover, the noticeable increase in EDs and DEBs in Saudi Arabia must motivate researchers, physicians and dietitians to develop scientifically based guidelines for assessing, evaluating and treating these conditions. Awareness of healthy food consumption and the potential consequences of eating disorders should also be raised among youths,” the authors concluded.
Source: Nutrients
https://doi. org/10. 3390/nu15214643
“Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review”
Authors: Azzah Alsheweir, et al.