Eating disorder examination-questionnaire factor structure and construct validity in bariatric surgery candidates

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is widely used in bariatric surgery research.
• Psychometric properties of the EDE-Q in bariatric surgery patients are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the factor structure of the EDE-Q in bariatric surgery candidates.
• To assess the construct validity of the EDE-Q in this clinical group.

Main Methods:

• 174 obese bariatric surgery candidates completed the EDE-Q and other psychological measures.
• Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the EDE-Q's factor structure.

Main Results:

• The original EDE-Q structure showed an inadequate fit.
• A seven-item, three-factor structure (dietary restraint, shape/weight overvaluation, body dissatisfaction) demonstrated a good fit.
• The identified factors showed convergent validity with collateral measures.

Conclusions:

• The findings support a specific EDE-Q factor structure in bariatric surgery candidates.
• This structure replicates findings from other obese samples, demonstrating convergent validity.
• The results have implications for clinical assessment and research involving bariatric surgery patients.