Patients’ perspectives on screening for disordered eating among adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Purpose People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED). Screening is recommended however little is known about patients’ perspectives on screening questionnaires. This paper reports qualitative analyses of patients’ perspectives on the questionnaire Diabetes Eating Problem Survey Revised (DEPS-R), including acceptability, attitudes, and cognitive understanding. Research design and methods 15 adolescents with type 1 diabetes between 11 and 18 years, were interviewed. A semi-structured format and a qualitative Interpretive Descriptive (ID) methodology was chosen. Results The analyses identified four themes: (1) The Questionnaire, (2) Reframing Diabetes Visits, (3) This is (not) for me, and (4) Out in the Open. The DEPS-R was completed with-in 5–10 min. with no technical difficulties. The questionnaire altered the diabetes visit for some, creating a new dialog, and time for self-reflection. Adolescents appreciated the direct approach in the questionnaire, and showed willingness to complete the questionnaire, when presented to them by a health care professional (HCP). One item in the DEPS-R proved difficult to understand for some participants. Conclusion The study highlights DEPS-R as a clinically relevant screening questionnaire. Completing DEPS-R prior to a consultation opens the door to a consultation that invites the adolescent to address matters of eating behavior. Our findings suggest that systematic screening of DE/ED using the DEPS-R is both accepted and welcomed by adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Future research should focus on a potential update of selected items in DEPS-R. Level of evidence V – qualitative study.

Psychometric properties of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey–Revised among Dutch adults with type 1 diabetes and implications for clinical use

“…The DEPS‐R appeared to be both clinically relevant and acceptable. However, some participants faced challenges in understanding specific items, suggesting a need for further item exploration 16 . This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the DEPS‐R in adults with T1D and explore the individual DEPS‐R items for clinical use.…”