Sensitivity and specificity of the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Visual scales may be particularly useful in screening for depression in patients with low literacy. However, few have been validated and none are in common use.AimModification and validation of a visual scale to screen for depression in low literacy settings. METHOD: We assessed the validity, reliability and factor loading of a 28-item visual depression inventory using pictorial items depicting depression signs and symptoms. We validated a revised scale comprised of 18 items known as the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) against a structured diagnostic interview (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Inventory) in 343 patients in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa). RESULTS: The 18 pictorial items had acceptable validity and reliability. The area under the curve (AUC) score of the AViDI-18 was 0.9. AUC scores were not significantly associated with sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: The AViDI-18 is a valid screen for depression in patients with low literacy.Declaration of interestNone.