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Psychosis screening questionnaire: Exploring its factor structure among South African adults
Yanga Thungana1, Zukiswa Zingela2, Stefan van Wyk1
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa.
Summary
The psychosis screening questionnaire (PSQ) is a valid tool for early psychosis detection in South Africa. Removing the mania item improved its performance, suggesting enhanced utility for identifying psychosis.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychometrics
- Global Mental Health
Background:
- Early psychosis detection is crucial for improved patient outcomes.
- Limited research exists on the validity of psychosis screening tools in low-resource settings.
- This study addresses the need for validated screening instruments in South Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the construct validity and psychometric properties of the psychosis screening questionnaire (PSQ).
- To evaluate the PSQ's performance in a South African adult population.
- To determine the optimal structure of the PSQ for psychosis screening.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory were used.
- The study involved 2591 South African adults as controls.
- Psychometric properties of the PSQ were rigorously evaluated.
Main Results:
- A unidimensional model of the PSQ showed good fit, with approximately 11% endorsing psychotic experiences.
- The mania item demonstrated weak factor loading and its removal improved model fit.
- Item response theory indicated the PSQ provides more information at higher latent trait levels.
Conclusions:
- The PSQ exhibits a unidimensional factor structure in South Africans, aligning with prior research.
- The PSQ performed better for psychosis screening when the mania item was excluded.
- Further criterion validity studies are recommended to confirm the PSQ's utility.
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