(Open access funding provided by Semmelweis University)
Purpose The aim of our study was validating Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) among
pregnant women, who are vulnerable to eating disorders (EDs).
Methods In 2012–2013, 1146 women (aged 18–47 years) completed a questionnaire including
EDI during the frst 3 days after delivery. We checked factorial validity of three
diagnostic subscales of EDI with confrmative factor analysis and internal validity
by Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation. We also tested discriminative validity
by comparing average of the three subscale of EDI in case of ED and non-ED groups.
Results When applying the EDI to pregnant women, it seems necessary to exclude fve
items on three diagnostic subscales: on the Drive for Thinness subscale, 4 items remain
(out of 7); on the Bulimia subscale, 6 items remain (out of 7); the Body Dissatisfaction
subscale decreases from 9 to 8 items. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation
values meet the requirements defned by Garner et al. The internal consistency of the
EDI has proved to be appropriate, indicating that it is a reliable screening tool.
Conclusions Thinking, attitudes, and behaviors connected to eating, along with the
relation to altering body weight change during pregnancy. Vomiting usually accompanies
pregnancy; body weight gain within wide limits is also regarded as normal during pregnancy.
These behaviors and changes are not feasible to use for measuring ED symptoms. These
aspects cannot be neglected when screening eating disorders in pregnant women. Level
of evidence Level IV evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without an
intervention.
