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 body fat percentage 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 (VHA) utilization, 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 VHA system and there are no national VHA treatment programs for EDs. Our primary objectives are to validate/develop: 1) a transdiagnostic ED assessment for use in VHA 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. Item-response theory analysis was used to develop a preliminary trans-diagnostic screening tool as part of Aim 1 (Study 1). Aim 1 resulted in the Brief Assessment of Stress and Eating (BASE), a 17-item screener that is suitable to screen forEDs and internalizing symptoms in military veterans across both clinical and VA settings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1190911
Entities
People
- Kelsie Forbush
Organizations
- University of Kansas