The Eating Disorders Questionnaire in Adolescents 12 to 18 Years: Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire Publisher



Mohammadi M ; Mansourian M ; Hoghoughi N ; Abdolmaleki A ; Tarrahi MJ
Source: Journal of Pediatric Nursing Published:2026

Abstract

Background Eating disorders represent a complex psychiatric condition with life-threatening potential, accompanied by significant psychological and somatic comorbidities, affecting various age groups, particularly adolescents. Early identification and screening of these types of disorders in adolescents are crucial in order to prevent associated complications. This study aimed to design the psychometric properties of the Eating Disorders in Adolescents (aged 12 to 18 years) New Questionnaire (EDA-NQ). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents aged 12–18 years in Isfahan city (Iran). Face and content validity were assessed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Construct validity was also examined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to evaluate the final construct validity of the questionnaire and the instrument. To determine external reliability, the questionnaire was administered to a sample of 40 adolescents aged 12–18 years in Isfahan, and test-retest reliability was assessed over a 21-day interval using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Data were analyzed using SPSS (v.27) and IBM SPSS Amos (v.24) software. Results This cross-sectional study was conducted to develop an Eating Disorders questionnaire for adolescents (including two groups of 320 people, one group of 320 people to review the EFA and another group of 320 people to review the CFA aged 12–18 years, Isfahan city) selected using random sampling. EFA and CFA indices confirmed a five-factor, 32-item structure for the assessment instrument. The associated reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.98 and an ICC of 0.97 (CI: 0.94–0.98). Conclusion The questionnaire and the instrument developed based on reporting indices demonstrated acceptable results in terms of reliability and validity. Thus, this instrument can be utilized for the identification and screening of eating disorders in adolescents aged 12–18 years. Implications to practice Given that this study is based on a screening method based on adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and the questionnaire questions are specifically designed for this age group, it can provide a basis for more targeted screening of eating disorders in adolescents of this age and can be used by doctors, nurses, and health care providers in schools. © 2026 Elsevier Inc.