Date of this Version
2023
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Background: Positive relationships have been found between attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and an increased risk of developing disordered
eating. Healthcare workers who do not use a reliable and validated eating disorder
assessment tool in their care face difficulties when identifying patients at risk for
developing disordered eating patterns. The literature has shown that lack of awareness
among healthcare providers as it pertains to recognizing indicators of disordered eating in
patients with ADHD is a contributing factor to delayed treatment and care. This quality
improvement project focused on enhancing healthcare workers knowledge base and
awareness regarding evidence-based practice guidelines for screening for disordered
eating among patients with ADHD.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, pretest-posttest quasi-
experimental study design was utilized in this project to assess the effectiveness of an
educational intervention relating to screening for disordered eating amongst patients with
ADHD. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit N = 20 participants and
access data at an outpatient clinic in Miami, Florida. This quality improvement project
was conducted remotely, including the distribution of the educational intervention and the
administration of the pre- and posttests which measured knowledge awareness regarding
evidence-based practice guidelines for screening for disordered eating among patients
with ADHD.
Results: Results revealed no statistically significant mean difference between pre-
test scores (M = 5.92, SD =1.73) and post-test scores (M = 6.75, SD = 0.45) with t(11) = -
1.65, p=0.127, p>0.05). Despite the results demonstrating no statistically significantSCREENING FOR DISORDERED EATING IN ADHD 3
mean difference between pre- and posttest results, there are numerous studies that
highlight the benefits of educational interventions in increasing knowledge awareness.
Keywords: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disordered eating, eating
disorders, eating disorder screening, healthcare providers
Recommended Citation
Alvarez, Greta, "Evidence Based Practice Guidelines for Screening for Disordered Eating Among Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in an Outpatient Setting in Miami, Florida: An Educational Intervention Among Healthcare Workers" (2023). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 226.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/226