The applicability of the Eating Disorder Inventory in pregnancy

Szilvia Dukay-Szabó,Orsolya Koller,Dávid Simon,János Rigó,Ferenc Túry,Márta Varga,Zoltán Pataki

doi:10.1007/s40519-021-01197-2

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of our study was validating Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) among pregnant women, who are vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs).MethodsIn 2012–2013, 1146 women (aged 18–47 years) completed a questionnaire including EDI during the first 3 days after delivery. We checked factorial validity of three diagnostic subscales of EDI with confirmative factor analysis and internal validity by Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation. We also tested discriminative validity by comparing average of the three subscale of EDI in case of ED and non-ED groups.ResultsWhen applying the EDI to pregnant women, it seems necessary to exclude five items on three diagnostic subscales: on the Drive for Thinness subscale, 4 items remain (out of 7); on the Bulimia subscale, 6 items remain (out of 7); the Body Dissatisfaction subscale decreases from 9 to 8 items. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation values meet the requirements defined by Garner et al. The internal consistency of the EDI has proved to be appropriate, indicating that it is a reliable screening tool.ConclusionsThinking, attitudes, and behaviors connected to eating, along with the relation to altering body weight change during pregnancy. Vomiting usually accompanies pregnancy; body weight gain within wide limits is also regarded as normal during pregnancy. These behaviors and changes are not feasible to use for measuring ED symptoms. These aspects cannot be neglected when screening eating disorders in pregnant women.Level of evidenceLevel IV evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without an intervention.

Highlights

Eating disorders (EDs) have become increasingly frequent since the middle of the last century [1]
eating disorders (EDs) connected with pregnancy have a special importance for at least three reasons
The internal consistency analysis showed that several items of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) gave inconsistent results in the analyzed sample (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) have become increasingly frequent since the middle of the last century [1]. The spectrum of eating disorders has broadened, and new conditions are constantly appearing. Together with obesity, eating disorders are a major issue in public health [2]. Since the early recognition of a disorder is one of the most important criteria for a good prognosis [3], there is a great need for easy-to-use screening methods. EDs connected with pregnancy have a special importance for at least three reasons. The onset of the EDs occurs typically in adolescence or in young adulthood among women at a critical phase of women’s reproductive life [4], and it appears among 7.5–11.5% of pregnant women) [5, 6]. EDs regularly involve a lack of insight or the hiding

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion