Factorial validity, measurement invariance and concurrent validity of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in a sample of Polish undergraduate students
Stanisław K. Czerwiński, Julia Mackiewicz, Weronika Maria Mytlewska, Paweł A. Atroszko
Abstract
Aim: With increasing levels of psychopathology observed in students in recent years, there is a clear need for short and valid tools for evaluating their psychological health. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is one of the most commonly used instruments measuring these constructs. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Polish version of HADS in a sample of undergraduate students. Material and methods: A total of 1,032 students took part in the study. The students' were from various universities, years of study, and study courses. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the model fit of the original 2-factor structure. A series of hierarchically nested models were tested to assess measurement invariance between genders. Pearson correlation coefficients of HADS scores with criterion variables were calculated. The prevalence of depression was estimated on the basis of an empirical cut-off score. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit of the Polish version of HADS, and strict measurement invariance between genders. Both anxiety and depression were related to higher levels of stress and lower sleep quality, social support and general quality of life. The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 7.6% or 21.2%, depending on the cut-off score used. Conclusions: