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IRT analysis of the BDI-II for early online depression detection: validation in a Mexican population
Tonathiu Salcedo-Callado1, Norberto Hernández-Llanes1, Ricardo Sánchez-Domínguez1
1Departamento de Investigación Psicosocial y Documental, Centros de Integración Juvenil, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
Introduction:
Identifying factors associated with depression is crucial to addressing the global rise in mental health needs. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) has shown robustness in assessing depression, even in digital contexts. However, psychometric evidence is essential to support its use in online self-diagnosis, particularly in regions where it has not been widely employed for this purpose.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BDI-II for online self-diagnosis among Mexican adults.
Method:
Data from 58,456 medical records were analysed using Item Response Theory (IRT).
Results:
A good fit was found for a hierarchical confirmatory model with 1 s-order factor (overall severity) and two first-order factors (cognitive and somatic symptoms), as well as optimal accuracy estimates in both the IRT and the Classical Test Theory (CTT).
Discussion:
These findings support the use of the BDI-II as a reliable online screening tool for depression in self-diagnosis settings for Mexican adults.
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