Psychometric properties and factor structure of the diabetes eating problem survey – revised (DEPS-R) among adult males and females with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Although an increasing amount of research has now established good psychometric properties and a three-component factor structure of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey – Revised (DEPS-R) in pediatric samples with type 1 diabetes (T1D), research using adult samples has been limited and divergent. This study therefore aimed to investigate psychometric properties and test a three-factor model of the DEPS-R among adults with T1D. METHODS: A total of 282 adults with T1D aged 18–79 years participated in the study. Measures included the DEPS-R, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and clinical data from the Norwegian Quality Improvement of Laboratory Examinations (NOKLUS) system. RESULTS: The DEPS-R total mean score (SD) for the total sample, males, and females were 13.8 (9.2), 11.2 (7.8), and 15.6 (9.6) respectively. Good fit indices for the confirmatory factor analysis were found. The Cronbach’s alpha of the DEPS-R was .84, suggesting good internal consistency. The DEPS-R correlated significantly with the EDE-Q among both males (.52, p < .01) and females (.68, p < .001). Also, the DEPS-R correlated significantly with BMI in both genders (.33, p < .001 in females and .35, p < .001 in males). HbA1c correlated significantly with the DEPS-R in females (.27, p < .01), but not in males. CONCLUSIONS: Good fit for a three-factor structure of the DEPS-R was confirmed. Further, the DEPS-R demonstrated good psychometric properties among adults with T1D, and can be recommended for clinical use for this patient group.