A short screening tool for assessing disordered eating among prospective and enrolled dietetic majors
Author(s): Jandri Elizabeth Barnard* and Susanna M Kassier
Abstract
Aim: To determine and compare eating ehavior and eating attitude of dietetic majors to first year non-dietetic majors from the same university for assessing the prevalence of eating disorders (Eds) used for the development of a short screening tool. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted. Eating behaviour was determined by using the 'Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food' (SCOFF) and Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), while eating attitude was determined with the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Descriptive statistics, including independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted for specificity and sensitivity for the development of a shortened screening tool. Results and Discussion: Non-dietetic majors had a higher prevalence for Bulimia Nervosa (SCOFF1 - 11%), binge eating (SCOFF2 - 53.7% and EAT A – 22.9%), weight loss (SCOFF3 – 20.7%) and believing themselves to be fat (SCOFF4 – 50%). Dietetic majors had a score indicative of food dominating their lives (SCOFF5 – 41.7%), Bulimia Nervosa (EAT B – 4.2%), using diet pills for weight loss (EAT C – 16.7%) and being previously treated for an ED (EAT D –8.3%). From the sensitivity and specificity results from the questionnaires used, a combination of questions was generated as a shorter screening tool (ED Questionnaire). Conclusion: The ED Questionnaire can assist in the selection process of prospective dietetic majors and screen enrolled dietetic majors for the presence of disordered eating symptomatology or an existing ED for referral to the appropriate health professionals for in-depth assessment and treatment, if need be.