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 Cronbachs alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1), Spearmans 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 alpha=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 rho;= -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.