The relationship between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and OCD symptoms in healthcare professionals

Abstract

Objectives: Concurrent with the recent popularity of concepts related to organic nutrition, detoxification, healthy liv- ing, and natural products of many types, there has been a rise in the incidence of orthorexia nervosa, broadly defined as an excessive preoccupation with healthy eating. This condition is frequently observed among professionals for whom physical appearance is important, as well as doctors, nurses, dieticians, and others with medical knowledge of nutri- tion. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may accompany orthorexia. The aim of this study was to examine the association between orthorexic tendencies and obsessive-compulsive symptoms among healthcare personnel. Methods: The sample consisted of 183 male and female healthcare personnel aged 20–65 years who voluntarily partic- ipated in the study. A questionnaire was used to determine sociodemographic characteristics. The ORTO-15 scale was used to measure orthorexic tendencies, and the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) was used to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between orthorexic tendencies and age, sex, a diagnosis of chronic disease, regular use of medication, and observing a specific diet (p