Development and Validation of Eating Disorder Screening App for Population of Pakistan

Background and Objective: Eating disorders are categorized by unbalanced eating habits and severe distress or apprehension about shape or body weight. They create a significant impact on the physical, psychological and social health of the individuals. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate a user-friendly eating disorder screening mobile application for the Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: A randomized, pre-post intervention, controlled, single-blinded study design was used. A prototype app was developed for screening with different tools. After the screening, respondents in the intervention group were requested to view the awareness videos embedded in the app along with special counselling provided by the data collectors whereas those in the control group were not given access to these features of the app and also did not receive any counselling. After data collection, data were analyzed by using SPSS statistically. Results: The results of the study highlighted that 46% (n = 92) of the respondents had the probability of having an eating disorder. A significant difference (p≤0.05) was observed among the control and intervention groups. The intervention was found successful as chances of detection of eating disorders increased with awareness and negative beliefs regarding eating disorders decreased in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the present study highlighted a moderate prevalence of eating disorders in the Pakistani population. The app was found useful in screening and promoting awareness regarding eating disorders and decreasing negative beliefs attached to social taboos about eating disorders.

Background and Objective: Eating disorders are categorized by unbalanced eating habits and severe distress or apprehension about shape or body weight. They create a significant impact on the physical, psychological and social health of the individuals. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate a user-friendly eating disorder screening mobile application for the Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: A randomized, pre-post intervention, controlled, single-blinded study design was used. A prototype app was developed for screening with different tools. After the screening, respondents in the intervention group were requested to view the awareness videos embedded in the app along with special counselling provided by the data collectors whereas those in the control group were not given access to these features of the app and also did not receive any counselling. After data collection, data were analyzed by using SPSS statistically. Results: The results of the study highlighted that 46% (n = 92) of the respondents had the probability of having an eating disorder. A significant difference (p≤0.05) was observed among the control and intervention groups. The intervention was found successful as chances of detection of eating disorders increased with awareness and negative beliefs regarding eating disorders decreased in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results of the present study highlighted a moderate prevalence of eating disorders in the Pakistani population. The app was found useful in screening and promoting awareness regarding eating disorders and decreasing negative beliefs attached to social taboos about eating disorders.