Sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off points in the Brief Questionnaire for Measuring Disordered Eating Behaviors in Mexican Women

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that disordered eating behaviors can result in eating disorders, which is already a reality for the Mexican population, representing an increasingly complex public health problem. Early detection is therefore essential.

Aim of the study: To obtain the sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off points of the Brief Questionnaire for Measuring Disordered Eating Behaviors to identify eating disorders in Mexican women.

Methods: The Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire and the Brief Questionnaire for Disordered Eating Behaviors were applied to patients diagnosed with eating disorders at two public health institutions and university students. ROC analysis was performed to determine sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and cut-off points.

Results: Three cut-off points were obtained: first: eight points (Sensitivity = 60.7%, Specificity = 92.2%), showing low risk; second: 11 points (sensitivity = 24.1%; specificity = 98.9%), detecting moderate risk; and, finally, 15 points and over (sensitivity = 4.46%; specificity = 100%), indicating high risk.

Conclusions: The instrument adequately identifies those individuals who are not at risk for eating disorders, making it possible to channel prevention efforts towards those who do have DEB, thus optimizing resources.

Level of evidence: Level III: case-control analytic study.

Keywords: Brief Questionnaire for Disordered Eating Behaviors; Cut-off points; Disordered eating behaviors; Eating disorders; Sensitivity; Specificity.