Anxiety of young female athletes with disordered eating behaviors

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of disordered eating behaviors in young female athletes and to compare the anxiety levels of the athletes with or without disordered eating behaviors. Female athletes (n = 243) of 15 to 25 years old from the city, Edirne, in Turkey participated our study. Disordered eating behaviors and anxiety levels of participants were evaluated by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Disordered eating behaviors was reported as 40 (16.7%) among all athletes. Both state and trait anxiety scores were higher in athletes with disordered eating behaviors than the athletes without disordered eating behaviors (p = 0.01). The athletes who engage in leanness and nonleanness sports were reported as having similar EAT-40 scores and anxiety scores. In conclusion, athletes with disordered eating behaviors have higher state and trait anxiety scores.