Skala Depresji i Lęku (HADS) – zastosowanie w grupie zdrowych i chorych na mukowiscydozę nastolatków w Polsce

Abstract

IntroductionChronic disease carries the risk of emotional disorders among adolescents. It is important to observe early signs to implement treatment. One commonly used screening tool is Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which has Polish adaptation for adults. Although there are publications presenting the validation of a scale for use in adolescents, in Poland this study has not yet been conducted. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of Anxiety and Depression Scale among Polish healthy and CF adolescents. MethodsAnxiety and Depression Scale was examined in 142 adolescents, including 65 patients with CF in Cystic Fibrosis Centre at the Institute of Mother and Child, as well as in 77 healthy students. Scale accuracy has been verified by comparing the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory STAI and the Center for Epidemiological Study for Depression CES-D. ResultsThe relatively high HADS scale reliability (Cronbach's α=0.83) and good stability in test-retest analysis (ρ=0.75 for the depression subscale and ρ=0.67 for the anxiety subscale) was reported. Correlations item–scale were statistically significant and ranged from r=0.32 to r=0.74. χ2 test showed a link between anxiety subscale HADS-A and the two subscales STAI (anxiety as a state and as a trait) and between subscale HADS-D and CES-D. ConclusionsOur study achieved satisfactory indicators of reliability, stability and validity of the test. The test could be useful in adolescents with cystic fibrosis, due to the limited number of questions concerning the somatic symptoms that may result from the underlying disease.