World Health Organization 5-item Well-being Research Articles

The Ultra-Long-Term Sleep study: Design, rationale, data stability and user perspective.

Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality are significant societal challenges that negatively impact individuals' health. The interaction between subjective sleep quality, objective sleep measures, physical and cognitive performance, and their day-to-day variations remains poorly understood. Our year-long study of 20 healthy individuals, using subcutaneous electroencephalography, aimed to elucidate these interactions, assessing data stability and participant satisfaction, usability, well-being and adherence. In the study, 25 participants were fitted with a minimally invasive subcutaneous electroencephalography lead, with 20 completing the year of subcutaneous electroencephalography recording. Signal stability was measured using covariance of variation. Participant satisfaction, usability and well-being were measured with questionnaires: Perceived Ease of Use questionnaire, System Usability Scale, Headache questionnaire, Major Depression Inventory, World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index, and interviews. The subcutaneous electroencephalography signals remained stable for the entire year, with an average participant adherence rate of 91%. Participants rated their satisfaction with the subcutaneous electroencephalography device as easy to use with minimal or no discomfort. The System Usability Scale score was high at 86.3 ± 10.1, and interviews highlighted that participants understood how to use the subcutaneous electroencephalography device and described a period of acclimatization to sleeping with the device. This study provides compelling evidence for the feasibility of longitudinal sleep monitoring during everyday life utilizing subcutaneous electroencephalography in healthy subjects, showcasing excellent signal stability, adherence and user experience. The amassed subcutaneous electroencephalography data constitutes the largest dataset of its kind, and is poised to significantly advance our understanding of day-to-day variations in normal sleep and provide key insights into subjective and objective sleep quality.

Validation of the Danish Version of Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) – Introducing the PTQ Short Version

Abstract: Introduction: The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) measures repetitive negative thinking and has been translated and validated in several countries. However, the PTQ has not been translated and validated in a Danish clinical sample. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PTQ in a Danish clinical population and to introduce a shorter, 9-item version of the PTQ, the PTQ-9. Methods: Participants were recruited from a multicenter randomized clinical trial ( N = 251). They all completed the PTQ and World Health Organization 5-item Wellbeing Index (WHO-5). Participants were further assessed with the 6-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A6) and the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6). Results: The 2nd order factor model with one higher order general factor and three lower order factors showed the best model fit for the PTQ and the PTQ-9. Both versions showed good internal consistency and the expected correlations with the constructs used for validation. Furthermore, using WHO-5 as primary outcome, both the PTQ and PTQ-9 versions were able to discriminate between treatment responders and nonresponders. Conclusion: The PTQ and the PTQ-9 showed satisfying psychometric properties in a Danish clinical sample, including sensitivity to change, and could be used to evaluate psychotherapeutic treatment. To minimize the burden for the patients, the PTQ-9 may be recommended for clinical use over the PTQ.

Maternal Well-Being in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Practices: Findings from the ROLO Study.

Low mood is common during the perinatal period, which may negatively impact breastfeeding practices. Exploring predictors of successful breastfeeding is a health priority area. This study investigated if maternal well-being during pregnancy is associated with breastfeeding practices. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of a low glycemic index diet in pregnancy. A total of 610 secundigravida women were recruited in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Data on maternal education attainment, early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and age were collected from hospital records. Well-being was self-reported by mothers between 10 and 28 weeks' gestation using the World Health Organization 5-Item well-being index. Scores were transformed to give percentage well-being. Mothers recorded breastfeeding practices at hospital discharge and at the study follow-up appointments. Chi-squares and independent t-tests determined initial differences in breastfeeding practices. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. Average maternal age was 32.7 years; average BMI was 26.6 kg/m2, and 56% had achieved third-level education. The average well-being score was 58.2%. In unadjusted analysis, high well-being scores were associated with exclusive breastfeeding (56.2% breastfed vs. 46%, breastfed p < 0.03). After adjusted analysis, these associations were no longer significant (odds ratio: 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.01). No other associations were found. Our findings indicated 25% of pregnant women in the first trimester reported low well-being scores. Associations between maternal well-being and breastfeeding patterns were explained by maternal age and education level, suggesting low mood may not be a barrier to breastfeeding initiation or duration. This trial is registered at: https://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN54392969. · Well-being during pregnancy is often diminished and the WHO 5-Item well-being index is a useful measure in clinical settings to assess maternal well-being.. · Breastfeeding is a high-priority research area, particularly in an Irish setting.. · Well-being was not related to breastfeeding, however age, BMI and education were the main predictors of low well-being during pregnancy..

The Role of Self-Compassion on Psychological Well-Being and Life Satisfaction of Vietnamese Undergraduate Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Hope as a Mediator.

The simultaneous occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to adulthood have posed particular obstacles to university students' mental health. However, it remains unclear whether hope promotes mental health in the relationship between self-compassion, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. Therefore, this study investigated the role of hope as a mediator in the relationship between self-compassion, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction among Vietnamese undergraduate students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants consisted of 484 students (aged 18-24) from several universities in Vietnam. To measure the four variables in the research model, we opted for the Self-Compassion Scale, the State Hope Scale, the World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. The results showed that (1) self-compassion was significantly positively correlated with psychological well-being, (2) self-compassion was not correlated with life satisfaction, (3) hope was a mediator of the relationship between self-compassion and psychological well-being, and (4) hope was a mediator of the relationship between self-compassion and life satisfaction. These findings suggest interventions on self-compassion to enhance hope and subsequently increase students' mental health, which offers colleges, psychologists, and psychiatrists a guideline to cope with harmful psychological implications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Paws Project: The Impact Of Social Distancing On Physical Activity During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Physical and social distancing guidelines have been introduced across many US states to minimize community transmission of COVID-19. We hypothesized that social distancing behaviors may pose a barrier to the participation in habitual physical activity for the general population. PURPOSE: To determine whether engaging in social distancing behaviors predicts physical activity level of the US public. METHODS: We developed an online questionnaire: the COVID-19 Physical Activity and Wellbeing Survey (PAWS). Social media was used to recruit 4,819 respondents (Median age: 46 years [IQR: 35-59]; 51.3% female) from the US population during April through June 2020. The survey included questions on adherence to 11 social distancing behaviors, and validated questionnaires which assessed self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire; GPAQ), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale; GAD-7) and mental wellbeing (World Health Organization 5-item wellbeing scale; WHO-5). Physical activity level was categorized into 4 distinct groups: inactive (0 MET-min·week-1); low (1-599 MET-min·week-1); moderate (600-2999 MET-min·week-1); and high (≥3000 MET-min·week-1). An ordinal generalized additive model (GAM) was used to determine which social distancing factors predicted physical activity level, after accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and mental health variables. RESULTS: The GAM analysis revealed that wearing a facemask in public (OR: 1.60 [1.34-1.92]), limiting use of public transport (OR: 1.29 [1.08-1.54]), and restricting travel outside the house (OR: 1.21 [1.02-1.43]) were social distancing behaviors associated with higher odds of being more physically active (P < 0.05). Conversely, working from home (OR: 0.84 [0.74-0.95]) and avoiding physical activity outside the house (OR: 0.76 [0.66-0.88]) were associated with higher odds of being less physically active (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight that working from home and avoiding outdoor physical activity may negatively impact on physical activity levels of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a One-Week Multimodal Prevention Program for Slowing down and Stress Reduction Performed in a German Health Resort: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Effective concepts are required to overcome the negative impact of daily stressful overwhelming. We investigated the effectiveness of a 1-week multimodal program for stress reduction. Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial including adults with above-average stress level. The intervention consisted of health coaching, relaxation, physical activity, and balneotherapeutic elements. Individuals were randomized either to the intervention group (IG) or to one of the two control groups B and C. The main outcome was change in stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire [PSQ], Screening Scale of Chronic Stress of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress [TICS-SSCS]) at 6 months post intervention; further outcomes were well-being (World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and health status (EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-5D VAS]). Data were collected pre/post intervention as well as after 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Data of 96 individuals (mean age 48.0 years, 74% female) were available for analyses. The IG improved overtime with –13.45 points for the PSQ and –6.44 points for the TICS-SSCS after 6 months. At 6-month follow-up the IG did not significantly differ from group B (PSQ: p = 0.2332; TICS-SSCS: p = 0.0805) or group C (PSQ: p = 0.0950; TICS-SSCS: p = 0.0607) when controlling for baseline (ANCOVA). Compared to group C, ANCOVA revealed significant differences in WHO-5 (p = 0.0292) and EQ-5D VAS (p = 0.0177) post intervention. At the 3- and 6-month follow-up and compared to group B, no substantial differences could be found for WHO-5 and EQ-5D VAS. Conclusion: The results indicate that even a short-term multimodal program for stress reduction appears to set a positive trend towards less perceived and chronic stress.

Sustained Intensive Treatment and Long-term Effects on HbA1c Reduction (SILVER Study) by CGM in People With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With MDI.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) reduces HbA1c and time spent in hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) when evaluated over shorter time periods. It is unclear to what extent CGM improves and helps to maintain glucose control, treatment satisfaction, diabetes distress, hypoglycemic concerns, and overall well-being over longer periods of time. The GOLD trial was a randomized crossover trial performed over 16 months of CGM treatment in people with T1D treated with MDI. People completing the trial (n = 141) were invited to participate in the current SILVER extension study in which 107 patients continued CGM treatment over 1 year along with the support of a diabetes nurse every 3 months. The primary end point of the change in HbA1c over 1.0-1.5 years of CGM use compared with previous self-monitoring of blood glucose during GOLD showed a decrease in HbA1c of 0.35% (95% CI 0.19-0.50, P < 0.001). Time spent in hypoglycemia <3.0 mmol/L (54 mg/dL) and <4.0 mmol/L (72 mg/dL) decreased from 2.1% to 0.6% (P < 0.001) and from 5.4% to 2.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. Overall well-being (World Health Organization 5-item well-being index, P = 0.009), treatment satisfaction (Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, P < 0.001), and hypoglycemic confidence (P < 0.001) increased, while hypoglycemic fear (Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Worry, P = 0.016) decreased and diabetes distress tended to decrease (Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, P = 0.06). From randomization and screening in GOLD, HbA1c was lowered by 0.45% (P < 0.001) and 0.68% (P < 0.001) after 2.3 and 2.5 years, respectively. The SILVER study supports beneficial long-term effects from CGM on HbA1c, hypoglycemia, treatment satisfaction, well-being, and hypoglycemic confidence in people with T1D managed with MDI.

Relationship between well-being, quality of life and hope in family caregivers of schizophrenic people.

To measure and correlate the degree of psychological well-being, quality of life, and dispositional hope in family caregivers of schizophrenic people. Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with 117 relatives of schizophrenic people. We applied a questionnaire of sociodemographic variables was applied, and the instruments World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being (WHO-5), World Health Organization Quality of Life Abbreviated (WHOQOL-Bref), and Dispositional Hope Scale. We used The Kruskal Wallis, Jonckheere-Terpstra, and Spearman correlation tests at the level α <0.05. It was possible to observe statistical significance when comparing schooling and age with Disposal Hope; and when comparing the scales used. The study considered that well-being, quality of life, and hope are variables that negatively influence caregiver burden, suggesting schooling as an inverse correlation variable with Dispositional Hope.

Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Association with Patient-reported Outcomes: Results of Claims Data Linked to Questionnaire Survey.

To investigate the prevalence of comorbidities in a population-based cohort of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to matched controls and to examine their association with patient-reported outcomes in a survey sample. Data of 96,921 persons with RA [International Classification of Diseases, 10th ed (ICD-10) M05/M06] and 484,605 age- and sex-matched controls without RA of a German statutory health fund were studied regarding 26 selected comorbidities (ICD-10). A self-reported questionnaire, comprising joint counts [(tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC)], functional status (Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire), effect of the disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease), and well-being (World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index; WHO-5) was sent to a random sample of 6193 persons with RA, of whom 3184 responded. For respondents who confirmed their RA (n = 2535), associations between comorbidities and patient-reported outcomes were analyzed by multivariable linear regression. Compared to controls, all investigated comorbidities were more frequent in persons with RA (mean age 63 yrs, 80% female). In addition to cardiovascular risk factors, the most common were osteoarthritis (44% vs 21%), depression (32% vs 20%), and osteoporosis (26% vs 9%). Among the survey respondents, 87% of those with 0-1 comorbidity but only 77% of those with ≥ 8 comorbidities were treated by rheumatologists. Increasing numbers of comorbidities were associated with poorer values for TJC, SJC, function, and WHO-5. Compared to a matched population, persons with RA present with increased prevalence of numerous comorbidities. Patients with RA and multimorbidity are at risk of insufficient rheumatological care and poorer patient-reported outcomes.

Validation of a Swahili version of the World Health Organization 5-item well-being index among adults living with HIV and epilepsy in rural coastal Kenya

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization’s five item well-being index (WHO-5) when administered to adults living with HIV or epilepsy in a rural setting at the coast of Kenya.MethodsA case control study design was conducted among 230 adults aged 18–50 years, who comprised 147 cases (63 living with epilepsy and 84 living with HIV) and 83 healthy controls. The participants were administered to a face-to-face interview during which they completed the Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index, the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and responded to some items on their socio-demographic characteristics. Analysis to assess internal consistency, construct validity, discriminant validity, and convergent validity of the Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index was conducted. A multivariate regression was carried out to assess the association between psychological wellbeing (assessed using Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index) and having a chronic illness (HIV or epilepsy).ResultsThe Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index demonstrated good internal consistency with Cronbach alpha ranges of 0.86–0.88 among the three study groups. The tool had good discriminant validity. A one factor structure of the tool was obtained from confirmatory factor analysis (overall Comparative Fit Index = 1.00, Tuckler Lewis Index = 1.01, Root Mean Square of Error Approximation = 0.00). Living with HIV or epilepsy in comparison to being a healthy control was significantly associated with greater odds of having sub-optimal psychological wellbeing.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index has good psychometric properties and is appropriate for use to evaluate psychological well-being among adults living with chronic conditions such as HIV or epilepsy from a rural low resource setting in Kenya. Given its brevity and ease of use, the Swahili version of WHO-5 well-being index could potentially be used by lay workers and other paraprofessional to monitor psychological well-being among chronically ill adults in resource poor settings.

Prospective Assessment of Daily Patterns of Mood-Related Symptoms.

Background: The Mood Rhythm Instrument (MRI) is a new self-report questionnaire that aims to assess, the presence, and timing of daily patterns of mood-related symptoms. Here, we examined the reliability of the MRI against a prospective daily investigation over the course of 15 days. As a secondary aim, we examined whether the number of items with a perceived daily pattern correlated with severity of depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.Methods: Thirty-two participants recruited from the general population were asked to prospectively fill out a daily version of the MRI (MRI-d) for 15 days. On the 16th day, they filled out the MRI, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the World Health Organization 5-item well-being index (WHO-5).Results: The MRI showed high agreement with the MRI-d, which suggests that the MRI is a valid tool to assess daily patterns of mood symptoms. The number of mood symptoms perceived as having daily peaks correlated positively with BDI scores and negatively with WHO-5 scores.Conclusions: The MRI might be a valid tool to investigate the presence of daily patterns and the timing of mood-related factors.The MRI does not seem to be influenced by recall or recency biases. Future studies should test the usefulness of this new clinical instrument in individuals with mood disorders, as well as its ability to detect changes in the daily timing of mood symptoms before and after treatment.

Validation of Standardized Questionnaires Evaluating Symptoms of Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Approaches to Screening for a Frequent Yet Underrated Challenge.

To validate standard self-report questionnaires for depression screening in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare these measures to one another and to the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), a standardized structured interview. In 9 clinical centers across Germany, depressive symptomatology was assessed in 262 adult RA patients at baseline (T0) and at 12 ± 2 weeks followup (T1) using the World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index (WHO-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The construct validity of these depression questionnaires (using convergent and discriminant validity) was evaluated using Spearman's correlations at both time points. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaires was evaluated in RA patients who had not undergone a psychotherapeutic intervention or received antidepressants between T0 and T1. The sensitivity and the specificity of the questionnaires were calculated using the results of the MADRS, a structured interview, as the gold standard. According to Spearman's correlation coefficients, all questionnaires met convergent validity criteria (ρ > |0.50|), with the BDI-II performing best, while correlations with age and disease activity for all questionnaires met the criteria for discriminant validity (ρ < |0.50|). The only questionnaire to meet the predefined retest reliability criterion (ρ ≥ 0.70) was the BDI-II (rs = 0.77), which also achieved the best results for both sensitivity and specificity (>80%) when using the MADRS as the gold standard. The BDI-II best met the predefined criteria, and the PHQ-9 met most of the validity criteria, with lower sensitivity and specificity.

Efficacy of Desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d Versus Placebo in the Long-Term Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

To examine long-term (11-month) antidepressant efficacy of desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d across a broad range of clinical and functional outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder. Adult outpatients (≥ 18 years) with major depressive disorder (DSM-IV criteria) and a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) total score ≥ 20 at screening and baseline who responded to 8 weeks of open-label desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d and had a continuing stable response through week 20 were randomly assigned to receive placebo or desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d in a 6-month, double-blind, randomized withdrawal period. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the HDRS-17, 6-item HDRS, and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Ilness and -Improvement (CGI-S, CGI-I). Health outcomes included the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire and the World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The trial was conducted from June 2009 to March 2011 at 87 study sites in 14 countries worldwide. Of 874 patients enrolled in open-label treatment, 548 patients were randomly assigned to receive double-blind placebo (n = 276) or desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d (n = 272). At the end of the 6-month double-blind treatment, improvements in depressive symptoms were better maintained among the desvenlafaxine- than placebo-treated patients on all efficacy endpoints (all P ≤ .001); in the desvenlafaxine group, 21.8% (vs 42.9% in the placebo group) had CGI-I ratings of 5, 6, and 7 (minimally worse/much worse/very much worse), and 74.4% met criteria for remission (placebo: 54.2%). WPAI and WHO-5 scores indicated significantly better productivity and well-being with continued desvenlafaxine (vs placebo, P ≤ .001). Long-term treatment with desvenlafaxine 50 mg/d maintained improvements in major depressive disorder among adult outpatients who exhibited a stable therapeutic response. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00887224.

Reducing Adverse Polypharmacy in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder: An Empirical Case Study.

Polypharmacy is common and especially challenging in the context of borderline personality disorder in light of impulsivity and self-harm associated with the disorder, risk of adverse drug-drug interactions, and financial burden. Reduction in polypharmacy could be conceptualized as a high priority in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. This case aims to demonstrate that potential. This case report presents outcomes data for an individual with borderline personality disorder during the course of an extended psychiatric hospitalization. Symptomatic change is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms scales and World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index. Change in polypharmacy is presented both in terms of absolute number and complexity of the medication regimen. Clinical outcomes data are provided at 2, 12, and 24 weeks postdischarge. During a 56-day hospitalization, the patient demonstrated clinical improvement across clinical domains-all occurred within the context of reduced number (43%) and complexity (40%) of her medication regimen. Symptomatic improvement was sustained up to 6 months postdischarge. Despite good intentions, polypharmacy can be associated with iatrogenic harm and contribute to functional impairment, especially in the context of borderline personality disorder, in which symptomatic fluctuations are part of the illness itself. A reduction in the patient's high-risk polypharmacy during treatment represents a noteworthy treatment outcome in and of itself. Additional measures of medication risk and liability have the potential to become markers of clinical effectiveness.

Persistence of Psychological Distress in Surgical Patients with Interest in Psychotherapy: Results of a 6-Month Follow-Up

ObjectivesThis prospective observational study investigated whether self-reported psychological distress and alcohol use problems of surgical patients change between preoperative baseline assessment and postoperative 6-month follow-up examination. Patients with preoperative interest in psychotherapy were compared with patients without interest in psychotherapy.MethodsA total of 1,157 consecutive patients from various surgical fields completed a set of psychiatric questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, including Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), World Health Organization 5-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Additionally, patients were asked for their interest in psychotherapy. Repeated measure ANCOVA was used for primary data analysis.Results16.7% of the patients were interested in psychotherapy. Compared to uninterested patients, they showed consistently higher distress at both baseline and month 6 regarding all of the assessed psychological measures (p’s between <0.001 and 0.003). At 6-month follow-up, neither substantial changes over time nor large time x group interactions were found. Results of ANCOVA’s controlling for demographic variables were confirmed by analyses of frequencies of clinically significant distress.ConclusionIn surgical patients with interest in psychotherapy, there is a remarkable persistence of elevated self-reported general psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder symptoms over 6 months. This suggests high and chronic psychiatric comorbidity and a clear need for psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment rather than transient worries posed by facing surgery.

World Health Organization 5-item well-being index: validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version

The psychological well-being dimension and depressive symptoms are both important variables in an individual's health. In this study, we evaluated the World Health Organization 5-item well-being index (WHO-Five) internal and external validities, and accuracy in detecting depression. A total of 1,128 individuals between 18 and 65 years old from a rural Brazilian population were included. Cronbach's alpha and factor analysis were performed for internal validation. Demographic variables means were compared, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, and sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for different cutoff points were calculated for external validation and accuracy in detecting depression. Cronbach's alpha was 0.83, and only one factor was responsible for 59% of common variances, with an eigenvalue of 2.96. Higher WHO-Five scores were associated with being man, from oldest age category and retired. It was also related to better general health self-perception and negative screening in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based on BDI, the area under the curve was 67.37. A sensitivity of 66/75% and a negative predictive value of 91/92% for cutoffs <19/20 were detected. WHO-Five showed internal and external validities when used to measure the well-being dimension and to be a useful tool for depression screening.