[A new tool to measure orthorexia nervosa - applying the Eating Habits Questionnaire (Revised) in Hungary]

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Orthorexia nervosa is a new type of disordered eating, characterized by an unhealthy fixation on healthy food. Those who suffer from it are showing compulsive behaviors and increasing dietary restrictions, that can lead to anxiety and physical health problems. Measuring tools for estimating the seve rity of its symptoms are available in Hungary only to a limited extent. The aim of this study was to adapt the Eating Habits Questionnaire's revised version (EHQ-R) to Hungarian, and to perform a psychometric analysis, moreover, to explore the demographic features of orthorexic tendencies.

Methods: The cross-sectional online questionnaire included adults who perform physical exercize regularly (n = 175, 29% male; mean age 35.4 [SD = 7.59] years).

Measurements: sociodemographic data, anthropometric data (body - weight, height), EHQ-R, ORTO-11-Hu questionnaires.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the EHQ-R's five-factor theoretical structure (c2 (395) = 856.2; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.914; TLI = 0.906; RMSEA = 0.082 [CI 90: 0.074-0.089]). Both the internal reliability of the scales (Cronbach-a = 0.75-0.87) and its consistency over time (r / r = 0.67-0.86) were adequate. The construct validity of the questionnaire is supported by the close correlation of the scales with the ORTO-11-Hu questionnaire (r / r = | 0.63-0.68 |). Regarding gender differences, women scored higher than men on the EHQ-R's Rigidity subscale (t [173] = -1.807; p = 0.073). Age showed a significant, weak, negative relationship with the Negative Emotionality (r = -0.18; p = 0.017) and Time Impairment (r = -0.21; p = 0.005) subscales.

Conclusion: The EHQ-R has proven to be a reliable and valid measurement tool, thus, we recommend utilizing it as it can provide a quick and valid assessment about the severity of orthorexia symptoms, enabling appropriate interventions.