| dc.description.abstract | The PHQ-9 is an inventory that assesses depression and is typically utilized in hospital settings, community settings, and depression related research. The South Texas Brazos Valley Regional Health Status Assessment utilizes the PHQ-9 as part of its assessment. This study investigates the psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 used within the Health Assessment and its African American (n=302), Latinx (n=329), and White (n=2627) participants. The factor structure of the PHQ-9 was identified for the sample utilizing EFA and CFA. The sample was tested for measurement invariance and internal consistency across ethnicity. The item discrimination was identified for African American and Latinx participants in comparison to White participants. Finally, the PHQ-9 endorsement trends were assessed across participants. Contrary to the hypothesis, the three-factor structure model had the best model fit. Additionally, the hypothesis was not met, as a lack of measurement invariance was identified across ethnicity. As hypothesized, and in alignment with previous research, the PHQ-9 has a good level of internal consistency and strong item discrimination across ethnicity. Lastly, based on previous research it was hypothesized that African American and Latinx participants would have higher rates endorsement of somatic items than White participants, however, the somatic symptoms were the most endorsed items for all ethnic groups. In conclusion, the PHQ-9 is a mostly psychometrically sound instrument and it is recommended that it continue to be utilized in the South Texas Brazos Valley Regional Health Status Assessment. Further research is suggested surrounding the measurement invariance and factor structure of the PHQ-9 among future and similar samples. | en |
