Criterion Validity Study of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26 Thai Version) Among Thai Females

Abstract

Objective :

To assess the validity of Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26 Thai Version) among Thai females.

Method :

The translated to Thai version Eating Attitudes Test-26 questionnaire was administered to a sample of 70 female subjects. 35 patients with eating disorders (16 with bulimia nervosa, 18 with anorexia nervosa, 1 with eating disorder NOS) according to the DSM-IV-TR clinical diagnosis by a psychiatrist compared with 35 control subjects (25 with other psychiatric disorders, 10 normal population).

Results :

Mean score of eating disorders group was significantly different when compare with control group (30.4+15.7 vs 6.5+5.9, p value < 0.001). The test had the cutoff point of EAT-26 Thai Version was 12 with sensitivity of 71.43%, specificity of 94.29%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 92.59%, negative predictive value of 76.76%, positive likelihood ratio of 11.83, negative likelihood ratio of 0.31.

Conclusions :

Thai Version of EAT-26 has a good criterion related validity. Which is a useful instrument for help diagnosed eating disorder among Thai females.