Body Image Screening Questionnaire for eating disorder early detection: a Romanian replication

Abstract

Eating disorders adversely affect physical health, eating habits, social and family relationships, mood, work and school performance. We tested for cross-cultural validity of the Body Image Screening Questionnaire (BISQ), a screening measure validated in Spain, which assesses potential eating disorders related to anorexia, perception of obesity, orthorexia and vigorexia, in a Romanian sample from both clinical and general populations. The measure showed adequate internal consistency and allowed distinguishing clinical vs. general subsamples. Significant differences based on clinical characteristics were obtained. The measure can be utilized as screening tool of individuals who need further assessment and prioritize primary intervention strategies with at risk population.