Validation of the Arabic version of the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
Validation of the Arabic version of the short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) Monique Chaayaa1, Abla-Mehio Sibaia1, Zeina El Roueiheba1, Hiam Chemaitellya1, Lama M. Chahinea2, Hassen Al-Amina2 and Ziyad Mahfouda1 c1
International Psychogeriatrics / Volume 20 / Issue 03 / June 2008, pp 571-581
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610208006741 (About DOI),
ABSTRACT[عدل]
Background[عدل]
This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of an Arabic version of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).
Methods[عدل]
121 community-dwelling older adults and primary care patients aged 60 and above participated in this study. Older adults with dementia, those with thyroid dysfunction, and hearing or speech impairments were excluded. Test-retest reliability was examined by re-administering the translated GDS-15 to a subset of 38 participants at least seven days after the initial interview.
Results[عدل]
The Arabic GDS-15 had good psychometric properties, but the best properties were reported for the 7/8 cutoff. Cronbach's α as a measure of internal consistency reliability was high (0.88) and κ ranged from 0.57 to 0.75. The performance of the GDS-15 was equally good for both community-dwelling older adults and those in primary care settings, and for both forms of the GDS (examiner administered vs. self-administered).
Conclusion[عدل]
The Arabic GDS is a useful measure to assess depression among community-dwelling older adults and primary care patients who do not have dementia. Because of the use of formal Arabic, GDS-15 can be widely used with all Arabic-speaking people.
Key words[عدل]
Arabic GDS-15; elderly depression; validation; geriatric scale
