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Table 4 DIF for the 11 YFAS2 diagnostic criteria

From: Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and modified YFAS 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0): Rasch analysis and differential item functioning

Diagnostic criteria

t value

P value

DIF contrast*

Gender DIF

Substance taken in larger amount and for longer period than intended (#1+#2+#3)

− 2.46

0.01

− 0.70

Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit (#4+#25+#31+#32)

− 1.60

0.11

− 0.49

Much time/activity to obtain, use, recover (#5+#6+#7)

− 1.36

0.18

− 0.48

Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced (#8+#10+#18+#20)

2.43

0.02

0.58

Use continues despite knowledge of adverse consequences (e.g., emotional problems, physical problems) (#22+#23)

− 0.19

0.85

− 0.05

Tolerance (marked increase in amount; marked decrease in effect) (#24+#26)

− 1.06

0.29

− 0.34

Characteristic withdrawal symptoms; substance taken to relieve withdrawal (#11+#12+#13+#14+#15)

− 2.39

0.02

− 0.61

Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems (#9+#21+#35)

3.10

0.00

0.78

Failure to fulfill major role obligation (e.g., work, school, home) (#19+#27)

4.68

0.00

1.12+

Use in physically hazardous situations (#28+#33+#34)

− 1.97

0.05

− 0.46

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use (#29+#30)

− 0.94

0.35

− 0.29

BMI DIF

Substance taken in larger amount and for longer period than intended (#1+#2+#3)

− 0.08

0.94

− 0.02

Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit (#4+#25+#31+#32)

0.63

0.53

0.21

Much time/activity to obtain, use, recover (#5+#6+#7)

− 0.69

0.49

− 0.25

Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced (#8+#10+#18+#20)

− 0.91

0.36

− 0.23

Use continues despite knowledge of adverse consequences (e.g., emotional problems, physical problems) (#22+#23)

1.06

0.29

0.32

Tolerance (marked increase in amount; marked decrease in effect) (#24+#26)

− 0.54

0.59

− 0.18

Characteristic withdrawal symptoms; substance taken to relieve withdrawal (#11+#12+#13+#14+#15)

0.57

0.57

0.15

Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems (#9+#21+#35)

− 1.66

0.1

− 0.45

Failure to fulfill major role obligation (e.g., work, school, home) (#19+#27)

− 0.76

0.45

− 0.19

Use in physically hazardous situations (#28+#33+#34)

1.58

0.12

0.39

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use (#29+#30)

0.84

0.40

0.27

  1. DIF differential item functioning
  2. *Positive values indicate that the probability of the item endorsement is easier for male participants than female participants; easier for participants with BMI < 24 than those with BMI ≥ 24
  3. +DIF contrasts over 1 indicate substantial DIF