Psychometric Properties of The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) In Ecuadorian Population

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of validity and reliability of the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) in Ecuadorian university students, since a cultural validation of the instrument has not been found in Ecuador. The study population consisted of a non-probabilistic sample of 600 participants (59.6% women and 40.4% men, M = 21 years, SD = 2.82). The factorial structure was examined with the method of extraction by Parallel Analysis of unweighted least squares (ULS) and of prominent rotation. In both, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and composite reliability. Like the original version, both subscales have a factorial structure of one dimension and are considered good in terms of reliability, which concludes that the scale meets the criteria of validity and reliability in Ecuador

Psychometric Properties of The Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) In Ecuadorian Population

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of validity and reliability of the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) in Ecuadorian university students, since a cultural validation of the instrument has not been found in Ecuador. The study population consisted of a non-probabilistic sample of 600 participants (59.6% women and 40.4% men, M = 21 years, SD = 2.82). The factorial structure was examined with the method of extraction by Parallel Analysis of unweighted least squares (ULS) and of prominent rotation. In both, internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and composite reliability. Like the original version, both subscales have a factorial structure of one dimension and are considered good in terms of reliability, which concludes that the scale meets the criteria of validity and reliability in Ecuador.El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de validez y fiabilidad de la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión de Goldberg (EAD-G) en estudiantes universitarios ecuatorianos, ya que no se ha encontrado una validación cultural en Ecuador del instrumento. La población estudiada estuvo conformada por una muestra no probabilística de 600 participantes (59.6% de mujeres y 40.4% de hombres; M=21 años, DT = 2.82). La estructura factorial se examinó con el método de extracción por Análisis Paralelo de mínimos cuadrados no ponderados (ULS) y de rotación promin. En tanto a la consistencia interna se evaluó por coeficientes de alfa de Cronbach y fiabilidad compuesta. Al igual que la versión original ambas subescalas presentan una estructura factorial de una dimensión y es considerada buena en términos de fiabilidad, lo cual se concluye que la escala cumple con los criterios de validez y confiabilidad para la cultura ecuatoriana

Prevalence of soil transmitted helminths in school-aged children, Colombia, 2012-2013.

BackgroundThis study aims to establish the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) intestinal infections, nutritional status, and anemia in school children aged 7 to 10 years old in the biogeographic provinces of Colombia in 2012-2013. STH prevalence in the country has not been described within the last 30 years and it is needed in order to establish policies its control in the country.MethodologyNational Survey of STH in school-aged children with a multistage stratified probability sampling was conducted. The overall prevalence and intensity of STH infection, as well as for each parasite, (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworms) were calculated for the country and for each of the nine biogeographic provinces.Principal findingsStool samples were collected from 6045 children in eight out of nine biogeographic provinces. The combined prevalence of STH in the country was 29.6%. T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (18.4%), followed by A. lumbricoides (11.3%), and hookworms (6.4%). For A. lumbricoides and hookworms, the highest prevalence values were found in the Amazonía province (58.0% and 35.7%, respectively). Regarding STH intensity, most cases showed moderate intensity (41.3%) for A. lumbricoides, and light intensity, for T. trichiura and hookworms. The national prevalence of anemia in school-aged children was 14.2%, lowest in the Nor-Andina province (3.5%), and highest in the Territorios Insulares oceánicos del Caribe province (45.1%).SignificanceColombia has a moderate risk of STH infection in school-aged populations, with considerable variation in the prevalence values among the biogeographic provinces. Like any public health issue, this problem should be handled with a comprehensive approach that involves deworming programs and strategies for STH control according to the specific epidemiological and socioeconomic conditions and sanitation service coverage in each biogeographic province. The program should be further supported by intersectoral action to improve living conditions, particularly the excreta disposal, promoted at municipality levels