scholarly journals Differential item functioning of the CESDR-R and GAD-7 in African and white working adults

Author(s):  
Carolina Henn ◽  
Brandon Morgan

Orientation: Depression and anxiety can have undesirable consequences for employees and their employers. It is therefore important that employers pay attention to the existence and extent of depression and anxiety. However, measuring these constructs requires unbiased, reliable and valid instruments.Research purpose: To facilitate unbiased measurement of depression and anxiety, we investigated differential item functioning of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7) in a sample of non-clinical African and white working adults.Motivation for the study: Biased measurement instruments can lead to serious problems when comparing scores between groups, using raw score cut-offs, or creating norm scores. Practitioners are legally and ethically required to ensure that any instrument used is unbiased.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used. The CESD-R and GAD-7 were administered to working adults. A final sample of 551 CESD-R responses and 529 GAD-7 responses were included in the analyses. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to investigate differential item functioning.Main findings: Both CESD-R and GAD-7 showed some evidence of differential item functioning although it was mostly small in magnitude. Item bias had some minor non-negligible impact on aggregated observed scores within specific ranges of the underlying traits.Practical/managerial implications: Both CESD-R and GAD-7 show promise as instruments that can be utilised to explore the experience of anxiety and depression in African and white employees.Contribution/value-add: This study is a promising first step towards the measurement fairness of the CESD-R and GAD-7 in the South African context.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiro Nakao ◽  
Osamu Nomura ◽  
Mitsuru Kubota ◽  
Akira Ishiguro

Abstract BackgroundIn Japan, the “Work Style Reform Bill” was partially enacted in 2019. In 2011, an Overnight Call Shift (OCS) system was introduced for pediatric training at the National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD). A questionnaire survey was conducted twice during the introduction of this system, finding a decrease in working hours, but no change in the depressive tendency of the residents. We conducted a follow-up survey in 2019 to investigate the long-term effectiveness of the OCS system to improve the pediatric residents’ wellness at NCCHD.MethodsA questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted for pediatric residents in 2019, and the results were compared to those of the previous survey in 2012. The questionnaire includes demographic data, working conditions data, and wellness assessment by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).ResultsThe collection rate for the 2019 survey was 94.5% (37 participants/39 eligible). Compared to 2012, there were no significant changes in demographic data and working hours, a significant increase by about 30% in residents who took daytime off after night work, about 10% decrease in residents who scored 16 and above on the CES-D, and a significant decrease in the mean score for depersonalization (DP) in the MBI.ConclusionsThis survey demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of the implemented OCS system to improve pediatric residents’ wellness. This study provides evidence for the further initiative to improve pediatricians’ wellness for preparing for the government’s overtime regulations for physicians scheduled for 2024.


Author(s):  
Daniel Bruce ◽  
V. Mawuli Eshun

The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of psychosocial problems among persons living with glaucoma and also find out whether socio-demographic characteristics of glaucoma patients significantly affect their levels of psychosocial distress. The cross-sectional survey design was chosen. One hundred (100) patients with glaucoma were selected from two Eye clinics in Accra as the sampled population. One-Way ANOVA, independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis. Results from the analysis showed that 99% of the patients reported mild to extremely severe depression. One percent (1%) of the sample reported normal depression levels. It was also observed from the analysis that 75% of the patients reported mild to extremely severe anxiety levels and, 25% reported normal anxiety levels. On stress levels, 45% of glaucoma patients reported mild to severe stress levels whilst 55% of reported normal stress levels. Further analysis showed that female glaucoma patients reported higher depression, anxiety and stress levels than male glaucoma patients, younger glaucoma patients reported higher depression, anxiety and stress levels than older glaucoma patients. However, no statistically significant differences exist among Glaucoma patients who are employed, unemployed and self-employed in their depression and anxiety levels but differed significantly on their stress levels. No statistically significant differences exist among Glaucoma patients who are single, married, widowed and divorced in their depression and anxiety levels but differed significantly on their stress levels. Additionally, there is a significant positive relationship between patients’ social distress and emotional distress (DASS). It is concluded that there is substantial level of psychosocial distress among patients with glaucoma. Patients’ age, sex and marital status significantly affecting their psychosocial distress and therefore, psychosocial care should be included in the healthcare of these patients. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Li ◽  
Hegao Yu ◽  
Weiqiang Yang ◽  
Qihua Mo ◽  
Zhanggui Yang ◽  
...  

Background: We described the prevalence of anxiety and depression related to COVID-19 pandemic among different types of population and examined their potential risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect demographic characteristics, exposure histories, and many other concerns about COVID-19. The Zung's self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS), followed by a four-step multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health outcomes.Results: Out of 3,303 participants, the quarantined people (40.9%), community workstation staffs-policemen-volunteers (CPV) (36.4%) and general public (30.7%) reported higher percentages of depression than the general medical staff (18.4%). Moreover, the quarantined people (19.1%) also showed higher prevalence of anxiety than the general public (9.1%) and the general medical staff (7.8%). The quarantined people had the highest risk of anxiety and depression, whereas the self-rated health was negatively associated with the risks of anxiety and depression. Younger age group (18 to 30 years) showed higher risks of anxiety (OR = 6.22, 95% CI = 2.89–13.38, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.40–5.69, p < 0.001). People who had exposure history or contact from Hubei province after December 1, 2019 (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.07–2.30, p < 0.001), had family or friends engaged in front-line health care work (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02–2.14, p < 0.001), had confirmed case nearby (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.43–4.18, p < 0.001) were all more likely to suffer from anxiety. Moreover, the negligence (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.37–2.51, p < 0.001) or overindulgence (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.03–2.04, p < 0.001) toward the epidemic information was associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.Conclusions: Our findings show that the CPV and quarantined people were most at-risk population. We have identified that the young people, people with exposure histories and negligence or overindulgence toward epidemic information are in grave need of attention.


2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Goliath-Yarde ◽  
Gert Roodt

Orientation: South Africa’s unique cultural diversity provides a constant challenge about the fair and unbiased use of psychological measures in respect of their cross-cultural application.Research purpose: This study assesses the Differential Item Functioning (DIF) of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) for different South African cultural groups in a South African company.Motivation for the study: Organisations are using the UWES-17 more and more in South Africa to assess work engagement. Therefore, research evidence from psychologists or assessment practitioners on its DIF across different cultural groups is necessary.Research design, approach and method: The researchers conducted a Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) on the UWES-17 sample (n = 2429) that they obtained from a cross-sectional survey undertaken in a South African Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector company (n = 24 134). Quantitative item data on the UWES-17 scale enabled the authors to address the research question.Main findings: The researchers found uniform and/or non-uniform DIF on five of the vigour items, four of the dedication items and two of the absorption items. This also showed possible Differential Test Functioning (DTF) on the vigour and dedication dimensions.Practical/managerial implications: Based on the DIF, the researchers suggested that organisations should not use the UWES-17 comparatively for different cultural groups or employment decisions in South Africa.Contribution/value add: The study provides evidence on DIF and possible DTF for the UWES-17. However, it also raises questions about possible interaction effects that need further investigation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainab Khan ◽  
Puneet S. Braich ◽  
Karim Rahim ◽  
Jaspreet S. Rayat ◽  
Lin Xing ◽  
...  

Purpose/Background. This study reports the degree of burden and the proportion at risk for depression among individuals who provide care to visually impaired patients.Study Design. This is clinic-based, cross-sectional survey in a tertiary care hospital.Methods. Caregivers were considered unpaid family members for patients whose sole impairment was visual. Patients were stratified by vision in their better seeing eye into two groups: Group 1 had visual acuity between 6/18 and 6/60 and Group 2 were those who had 6/60 or worse. Burden was evaluated by the Burden Index of Caregivers and the prevalence of being at risk for depression was determined by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale.Results. 236 caregivers of 236 patients were included. Total mean BIC scores were higher in Group 2. Female caregivers, caregivers providing greater hours of care, and caregivers of patients who have not completed vision rehabilitation programs are at higher risk for depression.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiling Song ◽  
Mengjie Zhang ◽  
Yanjie Wang ◽  
Liying Yang ◽  
Yanyu Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Civil servants are a special group in China, and there is limited research on how their resilience affects mental health, such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to explore the role of resilience through the relationship between stress, depression and anxiety, and to further provide an explanation for how resilience interacts with stress, depression and anxiety in civil servants.Method: In a cross-sectional survey, 302 civil servants completed a battery of questionnaires. The Civil Servants Stress Scale (CSSS) was used to assess the stress of civil servants. The depression and anxiety of participants were evaluated by the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), respectively. The Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) was used to assess the stress of civil servants as well. We conducted the moderating and mediating models to the resilience, depression and anxiety in gross-roots civil servants.Results: The results have shown that resilience was related to stress, depression, and anxiety in civil servants at the basic level. Stress was positively correlated with resilience. On the contrary, stress was negatively associated with depression and anxiety.Conclusion: Resilience played the moderating and mediating roles for stress,depression and anxiety. Resilience can moderate the relationship between stress and depression, anxiety as a dynamic moderate mode. Improving resilience and reducing stress play a vital role in preventing depression and anxiety in gross-roots civil servants.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofei Li ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
Hong Liang ◽  
Nianshi Wang ◽  
Zhixin Fan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The initial outbreak of the COVID-19 disease occurred in Wuhan, China around the Spring Festival in 2020. In the face of such a high-intensity catastrophic epidemic response, Chinese doctors and nurses faced huge psychological pressure including fear, anxiety, and depression. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study is to test the association between front-line clinical workers' fatigue and depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS The current study is a cross-sectional, online survey administered to 275 healthcare professionals in Wuhan from February 22, 2020 to February 29, 2020. All respondents completed a questionnaire via WeChat, which collected demographics and responses on the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14). RESULTS A total of 275 participants completed the survey, including 46 doctors (16.73%) and 229 nurses (83.27%). Depression was significantly positively associated with physical fatigue (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.41-1.83), mental fatigue (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.60-2.45), and the total score (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.39-1.75) after adjusting for age, occupation, gender, educational background, marital status, having children, years working, job title, and supporting time in Wuhan. Significant positive associations were also observed between the symptoms of anxiety and physical fatigue (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.44-1.87), mental fatigue (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.71-2.60), and the total score (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.42-1.71) in the adjusted model. Similar associations between fatigue, depression, and anxiety were found in the analyses stratified by gender and occupation. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated that, among the front-line clinical workers in Wuhan, fatigue is significantly associated with depression and anxiety and mental fatigue contributes to a greater risk than physical fatigue on the mental health of clinical workers. Males and doctors were found to be more vulnerable to psychological problems such as depression and anxiety under fatigue, suggesting the need for targeted psychological interventions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Malmberg ◽  
Junilla K. Larsen

Objective. Prior research has found consistent support that rumination and insomnia are important risk factors for depressive symptoms. The aim of the present cross-sectional study is to examine the interaction between these two previously well-established risk factors (i.e., rumination and insomnia) in the explanation of depressive symptoms.Design. A total of 417 participants (277 women) with a mean age of 39 (SD = 17.59; range 18–85) completed a cross-sectional survey.Main Outcome Measures. Participants filled out the Response Rumination Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale, and the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results. It was predicted and found that self-reported insomnia moderated the relationship between rumination and depressive symptoms. We found that particularly participants who reported higher levels of rumination as well as insomnia had the highest depressive symptoms.Conclusion. This study is the first to suggest that particularly individuals exhibiting both self-reported insomnia and higher levels of rumination also report higher levels of depressive symptoms. Health professionals screening for mental problems should be aware of this specific combination of insomnia and rumination. Explanations for this moderation effect were discussed in light of study’s limitations.


2002 ◽  
Vol 180 (5) ◽  
pp. 428-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Weich ◽  
Martin Blanchard ◽  
Martin Prince ◽  
Elizabeth Burton ◽  
Bob Erens ◽  
...  

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of the physical environment on individual health.AimsThe present study tested the hypothesis that the prevalence of depression is associated with independently rated measures of the built environment, after adjusting for individuals' socio-economic status and the internal characteristics of their dwellings.MethodCross-sectional survey of 1887 individuals aged 16 years and over in two electoral wards in north London. Depression was ascertained using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES–D). The built environment was rated independently, using a validated measure.ResultsAfter adjusting for socio-economic status, floor of residence and structural housing problems, statistically significant associations were found between the prevalence of depression and living in housing areas characterised by properties with predominantly deck access (odds ratio=1.28, 95% Cl 1.03–1.58; P=0.02) and of recent (post-1969) construction (odds ratio=l.43, 95% Cl 1.06–1.91; P=0.02).ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression was associated with independently rated features of the built environment, independent of individuals' socio-economic status and internal characteristics of dwellings.


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