Psychometric Properties of Responses to an Arabic Version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6).

BACKGROUND

Among existing instruments, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has become the gold standard for assessing depressive symptoms. An Arabic version of this instrument is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the psychometric properties of responses to an abridged Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6).

DESIGN

A total of 125 Bedouin Arabs completed a questionnaire consisting of the HAM-D6 and other Well-Being measures. The HAM-D6 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was also examined.

RESULTS

Responses to the HAM-D6 suggest that this instrument measures a unidimensional construct with each of the scales' six items contributing significantly to the measurement. Concurrent validity was established by the scale's negative association with well-being and positive associations with emotional exhaustion and caregiving burden.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that this abridged Arabic version of the HAM-D6 is appropriate for use for evaluating depressive symptoms.