Yaacov G Bachner1. 1. Yaacov G. Bachner, PhD, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel bachner@bgu.ac.il.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Among existing instruments, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has become the gold standard for assessing depressive symptoms. An Arabic version of this instrument is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychometric properties of responses to an abridged Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6). DESIGN: A total of 125 Bedouin Arabs completed a questionnaire consisting of the HAM-D6 and other Well-Being measures. The HAM-D6 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was also examined. RESULTS: Responses to the HAM-D6 suggest that this instrument measures a unidimensional construct with each of the scales' six items contributing significantly to the measurement. Concurrent validity was established by the scale's negative association with well-being and positive associations with emotional exhaustion and caregiving burden. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that this abridged Arabic version of the HAM-D6 is appropriate for use for evaluating depressive symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Among existing instruments, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has become the gold standard for assessing depressive symptoms. An Arabic version of this instrument is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychometric properties of responses to an abridged Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6). DESIGN: A total of 125 Bedouin Arabs completed a questionnaire consisting of the HAM-D6 and other Well-Being measures. The HAM-D6 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was also examined. RESULTS: Responses to the HAM-D6 suggest that this instrument measures a unidimensional construct with each of the scales' six items contributing significantly to the measurement. Concurrent validity was established by the scale's negative association with well-being and positive associations with emotional exhaustion and caregiving burden. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that this abridged Arabic version of the HAM-D6 is appropriate for use for evaluating depressive symptoms.
Authors: Ahmad N Alhadi; Mohammed A Alarabi; Abdulaziz T Alshomrani; Raafat M Shuqdar; Mohammad T Alsuwaidan; Roger S McIntyre Journal: Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J Date: 2018-09-09