Development of a New Quality of Life Measure for Eating Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): Adair Carol E, Marcoux Gisele C, Cram Brian S, Ewashen Carol J, Chafe Janet, Cassin Stephanie E, Pinzon Jorge, Gusella Joanne L, Geller Josie, Scattolon Yvette, Fergusson Patricia, Styles Lisa, Brown Krista E
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
Can a condition-specific quality of life measure for eating disorders be developed and validated?
Conclusion
The Eating Disorders Quality of Life Scale (EDQLS) has promising psychometric characteristics and may be useful for evaluating treatment effectiveness in eating disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- The EDQLS was validated in a sample of 171 individuals with eating disorders.
- Internal consistency of the EDQLS was excellent with a Cronbach's alpha of .96.
- Significant differences in EDQLS scores were found according to severity levels on established measures.
- EDQLS scores were positively associated with time in treatment, indicating responsiveness.
- A strong positive association was found between EDQLS scores and stage of change.
Takeaway
Researchers created a new questionnaire to help understand how eating disorders affect people's lives, and it seems to work well.
Methodology
The EDQLS was developed using multi-source and multi-stage methods involving patients, family members, and treatment providers, followed by validation in a multi-site sample.
Potential Biases
Egosyntonic responding may still influence self-reports of quality of life.
Limitations
The study involved patients from only one program for development, and the sample size for some analyses was not sufficient for strong conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 171 individuals aged 14-60, predominantly female (96.5%), with various eating disorder diagnoses.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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