Psychometric Validation of Short Version of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-7) in Mexican Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction. Depression affects 5% of adolescents worldwide, requiring a prevention policy based on reliable, updated prevalence estimates. A key factor in achieving this is the measurement instruments used. Objective: Psychometrically validate the short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-7) in Mexican adolescents. Method. We analyzed the CESD-7 scale responses of 4,152 adolescents aged 10 to 19 who completed the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2022). Four psychometric properties were evaluated: distribution, discrimination, reliability, and validity. Results. A version of the scale with six items was obtained, with adequate reliability (Ordinal Omega = .91), discrimination, fit in its factorial structure [χ2(9) = 170.03, p < .01; CFI = .99; RMSEA = .06 (95% CI .05–.06); SRMR = .03]; and criterion validity concerning previous diagnosis (t(144.94) = 9.89, p < .001), suicidal ideation (t(251.79) = 18.06, p < .01), and suicide attempts (t(239.08) = 15.05, p < .01). Discussion and conclusion. The short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is reliable and valid for measuring depressive symptoms in Mexican adolescents.