Análisis psicométrico del cuestionario ultra-breve de depresión y ansiedad (PHQ-4) en estudiantes universitarios de Loja-Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders that affect the general population, especially university students, generating various difficulties at the academic, personal, social and work levels. Objective. For this reason, the psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 depression and anxiety questionnaire were analyzed and adapted to the Ecuadorian context (Loja). Method. The sample was made up of 1000 university students, aged from 16 to 48 years, to whom the questionnaires were applied: PHQ-4, psychological capital, acceptance and action (AAQ-II) and perceived stress (PSS-10). This research was field, cross-sectional and psychometric. Results. The PHQ-4 questionnaire presented a two-factor structure, with adequate internal consistency, α = 0.85 and a ω = 0.85 for the depression dimension, in addition, an α = 0.77 and ω = 0.77 for the anxiety dimension and α = 0.88 and ω = 0.88 for the total of the construct. Also, it was determined that the PHQ-4 questionnaire correlates with multiple mental health indicators. The results indicate that the PHQ-4 scale is a useful tool of rapid application for the evaluation of depression and anxiety in university students. Conclusions. The PHQ-4 questionnaire adapted to Ecuador is a reliable, valid and quickly applied instrument.