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Eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q): validity and norms for Saudi nationals

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop an Arabic version of the EDE-Q and to assess its psychometric properties and utility as a screener in the Saudi population. An additional aim was to establish EDE-Q norms for Saudis.

Method

EDE-Q data were collected in a convenience sample of the Saudi community (N = 2690), of which a subset was also subjected to the EDE interview (N = 98). Various models for the factor structure were evaluated on their fit by CFA. With ROC analysis, the AUC was calculated to test how well the EDE-Q discriminated between Saudis at high and low risk for eating disorders.

Results

The original four factor model of the EDE-Q was not supported. Best fit was found for a three factor model, including the weight/shape concern scale, dietary restraint scale and eating concern scale. The ROC analysis showed that the EDE-Q could accurately discriminate between individuals at high and low risk for an eating disorder according to the EDE interview. Optimal cut off of 2.93 on the global score yielded a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 80%. EDE-Q scores were fairly associated with BMI.

Discussion

Psychometric characteristics of the Saudi version of the EDE-Q were satisfactory and results support the discriminant and convergent validity. Severity level of eating disorder pathology can be determined by the EDE-Q global score. Global scores were high compared to what is found in Western community samples, leading to high prevalence estimates for Saudis at high risk for eating disorders.

Level of evidence

Not applicable, empirical psychometric study

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Funding

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Novarum Center for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Jacob Obrechtstraat 92, 1071 KR, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Bernou Melisse

  2. Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Klaprozenweg 111, 1033 NN, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Edwin de Beurs

  3. Section Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands

    Edwin de Beurs

  4. GGZ Rivierduinen, Sandifortdreef 18, 2333 ZZ, Leiden, the Netherlands

    Bernou Melisse & Eric F. van Furth

  5. Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands

    Eric F. van Furth

Authors
  1. Bernou Melisse
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  2. Eric F. van Furth
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  3. Edwin de Beurs
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Contributions

The manuscript has been written by BM in collaboration with EdB and EvF. BM was responsible for cultural adaptation of the EDE-Q and EDE, data collection and conducted EDE interviews in English. We gratefully acknowledge the help of Sara Abdullah Al Nuwayran and Abeer Ali Al Ghamdi who participated as native speakers in the translation and cultural adaptation of the EDE-Q and recruited participants and conducted EDE interviews in Arabic. Jeehan Abdulrahman al Qasim helped out recruiting participants as well as did influencer @Eyaad, Sukoun yoga studio and NuYu gym. Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to all respondents who participated in this study.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bernou Melisse.

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There are no conflicting interests.

Ethics approval

Study approval was given on May 7, 2017 (17-0097) by the ethical review boards of PNU and King Abulaziz city for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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An informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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Melisse, B., van Furth, E.F. & de Beurs, E. Eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q): validity and norms for Saudi nationals. Eat Weight Disord 27, 139–150 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01150-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01150-3

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