Large-scale validation of the Kessler-10 Scale's psychometric properties among healthcare professionals in China.

OBJECTIVES

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a 10-item questionnaire designed to measure psychological distress. The present study aimed to validate the factor structure of the K10 and its reliability and validity using a large sample from healthcare professionals in China mainland.

METHODS

K10 data were collected in September 19 to October 20, 2023 via anonymous online survey (total sample, N = 8602). The internal consistency reliability of the K10 was examined. Exploratory factor analysis (N = 4301) and confirmatory factor analysis(N = 4301) were conducted to validate the structural validity.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors, depression (DEP) and anxiety (ANX), which together accounted for 75.91 % of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis further supported the two-factor oblique model as the best fit, outperforming the one-factor model. The internal consistency of the K10 was α = 0.952, while the internal consistency coefficients for ANX and DEP were 0.883 and 0.940, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

K10 is a validated and concise tool that serves a dual purpose of screening psychological distress and assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms among healthcare professionals in China.