Depression symptoms across cultures: an IRT analysis of standard depression symptoms using data from eight countries.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Prevalence estimates of depression vary between countries, possibly due to differential functioning of items between settings. This study compared the performance of the widely used Hopkins symptom checklist 15-item depression scale (HSCL-15) across multiple settings using item response theory analyses. Data came from adult populations in the low and middle income countries (LMIC) of Colombia, Indonesia, Kurdistan Iraq, Rwanda, Iraq, Thailand (Burmese refugees), and Uganda (N = 4732).

Methods

Item parameters based on a graded response model were compared across LMIC settings. Differential item functioning (DIF) by setting was evaluated using multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models.

Results

Most items performed well across settings except items relat

SUBMITTER: Haroz EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6022281 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature