Propiedades psicométricas de la escala geriátrica de depresión (GDS): análisis procedente de cuatro investigaciones | Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología

Article information

Resumen

Objetivos

Este estudio ha pretendido hallar características psicométricas y la estructura factorial de la escala GDS que ayude y complemente la interpretación de la puntuación total de la misma.

Métodos

Los 516 ancianos participantes (media de edad de 75 años) proceden de 4 investigaciones, de 27 residencias (51,7%) y de la comunidad (48,3%); el 41,7% eran varones y el 58,3% mujeres, sin deterioro cognitivo. Se empleó un método correlacional en un diseño transversal. Los sujetos fueron equiparables en cuanto a la edad, la clase social y el deterioro cognitivo.

Resultados

Los resultados señalaron unos buenos indicadores de la GDS en consistencia interna (0,8) y fiabilidad test-retest (0,8; p < 0,01). El análisis factorial exploratorio puso de manifiesto una estructura de 6 componentes (en total un 44,3% de la varianza explicada): a) estado de ánimo depresivo y ansioso; b) bienestar y optimismo; c) preocupaciones y pesimismo; d) funcionamiento cognitivo; e) pérdida de interés y anhedonía y f) actividad social.

Conclusiones

La escala GDS proporciona una información válida y fiable acerca de la sintomatología depresiva en la vejez. Mientras la puntuación total se relaciona con los componentes cognitivos de la depresión, se observan dos factores sólidos: uno anímico y otro ligado al bienestar subjetivo. Ello permite delimitar de forma más precisa la sintomatología depresiva de los ancianos con la escala GDS. Algunos resultados sugieren la reducción de la longitud del instrumento.

Palabras clave:

Escala geriátrica de depresión

GDS

Depresión

Envejecimiento

Análisis factorial

Fiabilidad

Validez

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric characteristics and factorial structure of the GDS scale, which would help and complement interpretation of the overall GDS score.

Methods

The 516 elderly participants were from four investigations. The mean age was 75 years and participants were from 27 nursing homes (51.7%) and from the community (48.3%); 41.7% were men and 58.3% were women. None showed cognitive impairment. A correlational method within a cross-sectional design was used. The subjects were similar in age, social class, and cognitive impairment.

Results

The GDS showed good internal consistency (0.8) and test-retest reliability (0.8, p < 0.01). The exploratory factorial analysis revealed a 6-component structure (44.3% of explained variance): a) depressive and anxious mood state; b) well-being and optimism; c) worries and pessimism; d) cognitive functioning; e) loss of interest and anhedonia, and f) social activity.

Conclusions

The GDS provides valid and reliable information on depressive symptomatology in the elderly. While the overall score is related to depressive cognitive components, two solid factors can be observed: one of them is a mood component and the other is linked more to subjective well-being. This allows more accurate delimitation of depressive symptomatology in the elderly using the GDS scale. Some outcomes suggest the advisability of reducing the length of the instrument.

Key words:

Geriatric depression scale

GDS

Depression

Aging

Factor analysis

Reliability

Validity

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