Psychometric properties of the centre for epidemiologic studies depression scale revised – vietnamese version (CESDR-V) among adolescents

This study aimed to establish evidence of the psychometric properties of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised – Vietnamese Version (CESDR-V) for use among adolescents in Vietnam. We selected 1084 Grade-10 students in Hanoi using a multiple-stage sampling method. The factorial structure of the CESDR-V was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Measurement invariance between male and female participants was tested using multiple group confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent and divergent validity were tested using Pearson's correlation coefficients between CESDR-V and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Subscales of Depression (DASS21-D), Anxiety (DASS21-A), and Stress (DASS21-S) and a measure of mental well-being, Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF). The CESDR-V was found to be unidimensional. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of CESDR-V was 0.92. All levels of measurement invariance between male and female participants for the CESDR-V were supported well. The CESDR-V was positively correlated with DASS21-D at stronger levels (convergent pattern) than with DASS21-A/DASS21-S (discriminant pattern). The CESDR-V was negatively correlated with MHC-SF at a lower level than with the DASS21 subscales (discriminant pattern). This study strongly supports the use of the CESDR-V to screen for depression in adolescents in Vietnam who are attending school.