Responsiveness of the Eating Disorders Quality of Life Scale (EDQLS) in a longitudinal multi-site sample

Abstract

BackgroundIn eating disorders (EDs), treatment outcome measurement has traditionally focused on symptom reduction rather than functioning or quality of life (QoL). The Eating Disorders Quality of Life Scale (EDQLS) was recently developed to allow for measurement of broader outcomes. We examined responsiveness of the EDQLS in a longitudinal multi-site study.MethodsThe EDQLS and comparator generic QoL scales were collected in person at baseline, and 3 and 6 months from 130 participants (mean age 25.6 years; range 14-60) in 12 treatment programs in four Canadian provinces. Total score differences across the time points and responsiveness were examined using both anchor- and distribution-based methods.Results98 (75%) and 85 (65%) responses were received at 3 and 6 months respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the baseline sample and those lost to follow-up on any measured characteristic. Mean EDQLS total scores increased from 110 (SD = 24) to 124.5 (SD = 29) at 3 months and 129 (SD = 28) at 6 months, and the difference by time was tested using a general linear model (GLM) to account for repeated measurement (p < .001). Responsiveness was good overall (Cohen's d = .61 and .80), and confirmed using anchor methods across 5 levels of self-reported improvement in health status (p < .001). Effect sizes across time were moderate or large for for all age groups. Internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha=.96) held across measurement points and patterns of responsiveness held across subscales. EDQLS responsiveness exceeded that of the Quality of Life Inventory, the Short Form-12 (mental and physical subscales) and was similar to the 16-dimension quality of life scale.ConclusionsThe EDQLS is responsive to change in geographically diverse and clinically heterogeneous programs over a relatively short time period in adolescents and adults. It shows promise as an outcome measure for both research and clinical practice.

Does Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders Improve Quality of Life?

“…For the ITT sample, outcomes were attenuated but nonetheless substantial (~62% ED psychopathology,~63% QOL). The improvement in QOL is consistent with other findings (Adair et al, 2007;Adair, 2008;de la Rie et al, 2005;Halvorsen & Heyerdahl, 2006;Las Hayas et al, 2007;McHugh, 2007;Padierna et al, 2002). The results reflect those possible in naturalistic settings, unlike investigations in 'laboratory-based' contexts, which generate data on optimal outcome under ideal conditions (e.g.…”

“…Although there is a sparsity of research, initial findings suggest that QOL may improve with ED treatment; however, may not return to community normative levels (e.g. Abraham et al, 2006;Adair, 2008;de la Rie, Noordenbos, & van Furth, 2005;Halvorsen & Heyerdahl, 2006;Las Hayas et al, 2007;Padierna et al, 2000Padierna et al, , 2002Pohjolainen et al, 2010). Additionally, few studies have considered QOL outcomes associated with specific treatment modalities or the factors associated with higher post-treatment QOL.…”

Preliminary examination of a mentor-based program for eating disorders

“…A comparison of the matched and unmatched mentees revealed that matched mentees reported significantly higher levels of quality of life in the education/vocation, family and close relationships, future outlook, psychological, emotional, values and beliefs, and physical domains than unmatched mentees. It is important to note that mentors’ scores on the EDQLS are consistent with individuals who report low eating disorder symptoms and high levels of functioning [ 32 ]. In contrast, both matched and unmatched mentees are reporting quality of life levels consistent with those with high eating disorder symptoms and overall psychiatric symptom severity [ 32 ].…”

Well-Being and Prejudice toward Obese People in Women at Risk to Develop Eating Disorders

“…In the last few years the trend is changing and nowadays most of the investigations include quality of life measures. It is important to remark that recently some instruments have been developed to assess quality of life in ED patients like the Health-Related Quality of Life in Eating Disorders (HeRQoLED; Las Hayas et al, 2006), the Quality of Life for Eating Disorders questionnaire (QOL ED-H; Abraham, 2008;Abraham et al, 2006), the Health Related Quality of Life for the Eating Disorders (HeRQoLED-S; Bamford, 2010) and the Eating Disorders Quality of Life Scale (EDQLS; Adair et al, 2010) that are used with clinical samples but that do not include hedonic and eudaimonic components of well-being. Quality of life measures in ED have become more popular and most of the researchers recognize the importance of evaluating well being and functioning in specific domains of life that may be affected by ED (Bamford & Sly, 2010).…”