Systematic review on eating disorder examination-questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0) : an agenda for a test adaptation in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to systematically search and review the literature on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0) across cultures, in terms of their psychometric properties. Electronic search engines and databases, namely, Scopus, OvidMedline, Google Scholar, and reference tracking were used. The search terms used were eating disorder examination-questionnaire, EDE-Q, psychometrics, reliability, validity, and utility. Studies were included if they conducted psychometric evaluations on the EDE-Q 6.0 (i.e., English version) or adapted EDE-Q 6.0. The PRISMA guideline was also applied in the selection of articles for review. Nineteen papers on EDE-Q, specifically on the sixth version were reviewed. EDE-Q 6.0 has been translated and adapted to various languages and psychometrically evaluated on Japanese, Portuguese, American, Finnish, French, Norwegian, British, Australian, Italian, Iranian, and German populations. EDE-Q 6.0 has recorded good to excellent internal reliability across languages and cultures. Mixtures of findings were found concerning its stability and validity. The factorial structure of EDE-Q 6.0 is very controversial with limited fitness into its initial theoretical four-factor structure. Nonetheless, EDE-Q 6.0 recorded high utility values. The EDE-Q 6.0 is yet to be adapted into Malay for the Malaysian population, hence, calls for further research on its adaptation and its psychometric properties.