Consensus on the assessment of disordered eating in pregnancy: an international Delphi study

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2018 Aug;21(4):383-390. doi: 10.1007/s00737-017-0806-x. Epub 2017 Dec 16.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess and develop consensus on the assessment of disordered eating in pregnancy. A three-round modified Delphi approach was used. Participants were international clinicians and researchers (N = 26) with extensive knowledge on and/or clinical experience with eating disorders, particularly in relation to pregnancy and/or women's health. Clear consensus among the panel, defined as 75% agreement, was reached regarding the assessment of disordered eating in pregnancy, in addition to potential assessment methods. Antenatal assessment of disordered eating was perceived to be crucial and ideally occur in a routine manner. Despite agreement that various assessment methods would be relevant in assessing disordered eating in pregnancy, psychometrically sound brief screening instruments were perceived to be most feasible for practitioners and women accessing antenatal care; however, these instruments must be pregnancy-specific and delivered in an authentic and caring manner to be beneficial.

Keywords: Antenatal care; Assessment; Delphi; Disordered eating; Eating disorders; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Consensus
  • Delphi Technique
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Psychometrics