The factor structure of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 among persons seeking HIV testing.
AIDS Care
; 36(9): 1350-1357, 2024 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38861651
ABSTRACT
Rates of anxiety and depression are high among individuals living with HIV. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL) is a screening tool to identify symptoms of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the factor structure of the 25-item HSCL in a population-based sample of individuals seeking HIV testing in the Western Cape in South Africa. Participants volunteered for HIV testing at two non-medical HIV testing sites in the Western Cape. We used convenience sampling to administer the scale prior to their undergoing HIV testing. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, using an extraction method of principal components with Promax (oblique) rotation. The Cronbach's alpha reliability indices were calculated for each of the independent factors to determine internal consistency. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure that explained 56.86% of the total variance. These factors included depression (14 items), anxiety (7 items) and somatic symptoms (4 items). Alpha levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.94. We found that the HSCL is a reliable measure for depression and anxiety, and consists of 3 distinguishable factors depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anxiety
/
HIV Infections
/
Depression
/
Checklist
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
En
Journal:
AIDS Care
Journal subject:
SINDROME DA IMUNODEFICIENCIA ADQUIRIDA (AIDS)
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
South Africa