The Reliability and Validity of the Hebrew Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in the General Population

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in the general population. Methods Using an online survey, we assessed test-retest reliability with a two-week time interval. A total of 118 participants enrolled in the study, of whom 103 completed the survey twice. Each participant filled out the PHQ-9 and the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12). Our statistical analysis includes Cronbach’s alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1), Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Results Internal consistency of the Hebrew version of the PHQ-9 ranged from α=0.79-0.83. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire is good (ICC2,1= 0.81), and it is moderately and negatively correlated to the mental component of the SF-12 (Spearman ρ= -0.57, p< .05). The SEM of the PHQ-9 is 1.83 points, and the MDC was found to be 5 points. Conclusion The Hebrew version of the PHQ-9 is valid and reliable for screening self-reported depressive symptoms online in the general Hebrew-speaking population.