Overview
The purpose of this study is to examine how binge eating episodes are recorded using two different diary formats: a paper diary and an electronic diary and to see whether both formats collect information in the same way and to understand which of the two formats is easier to use
Description
Binge eating (BE) diary has already been successfully employed to measure binge eating behavior in clinical trials. This has been implemented using a paper diary (p-diary) completed daily in the evening. From the diary records, binge eating episodes are confirmed by a healthcare professional. Despite the advantages of electronic implementation and the clinical and research need for such a tool, no electronic diary (e-diary) has been systematically tested in comparison to paper diary through an empirical study.
The following scientific questions are to be answered with this project
- Are the paper and electronic diary formats considered measurement comparable, such that data collected using the different formats across different studies or programs could be directly comparable?
- Are there differences in usability that might limit completion rates or lead to under reporting using one or the other mode of data collection?
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (5) criteria (as assessed with BED module of the structural clinical interview \[SCID\] (6) for DSM-5)
- Reported frequency of minimum of 2 binge episodes/week
- Age: over 18 years of age
- Ability to understand and complete self-reporting measures 5 . The subject owns a smartphone compatible with Google Play or Apple App Store and is able to download and use apps appropriately.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Comorbid psychiatric conditions requiring immediate hospitalization (as assessed with MSE)
- IInability to use smartphone or paper diary due to physical limitations or technical barriers (e.g., severe visual impairment)
- Inability to read/write in English
