Development of a Military-Specific Transdiagnostic Eating-Disorder Survey and Screening Tool in a Nationally Representative Sample of Veterans
Abstract
Military personnel must adhere to body mass index (BMI) and bodyfat percent requirements, as well as physical performance standards. Failure to maintain these standards can result in referral to weight-loss programs and, eventually, discharge from service. The emphasis on body weight within the military may promote unhealthy attempts at weight loss and the development of eating disorders (EDs). If left untreated, EDs result in significantly greater VA healthcare utilization and physical and psychiatric morbidity and mortality. Yet, despite the public-health importance of addressing EDs in active-duty and veteran populations, there are no universal ED screening measures implemented in the VA system and there are no national VA treatment programs for EDs. Our primary objectives are to validate/develop: 1) a transdiagnostic ED assessment for use in VA research and clinical settings and 2) a transdiagnostic short-form screening tool to identify veterans with an eating, mood, anxiety, or trauma-related disorder. Objectives will be achieved through two large studies that will recruit nationally representative samples of veterans separated from service within the past year. We used item-response theory analysis to develop a preliminary trans-diagnostic screening tool as part of Aim 1. We are now poised to launch our final aims within the next few months, which are expected to result in the final development and validation of a novel screening tool.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1152701
Entities
People
- Alesha Doan
- David S Watson
- Joanna Wiese
- Kelsie Forbush
- Mary Oehlert
- Mike Denning
- Qianqi Song
Organizations
- University of Kansas