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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

The factor structure of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) in Saudi Arabia

Authors: Ashraf El-Metwally, Sundas Javed, Hira Abdul Razzak, Khaled K. Aldossari, Abdurrahman Aldiab, Sameer H. Al-Ghamdi, Mowafa Househ, Mamdouh M. Shubair, Jamaan M. Al-Zahrani

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) is one of the most unique and extensively used self-report instruments for evaluating psychological disorders and strains. However, the factor structure of GHQ-12 has not been fully explored. The current study aims to assess the factorial structure of GHQ-12 in a large cross-sectional data-set extracted from Al Kharj central region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Population based cross sectional data was extracted from January 2016 to June 2016 from Al Kharj population recruiting 1019 respondents aged 18 and above. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied together with multiple regression analysis to extract and retain factors. Mean GHQ-12 score for demographic and health-related traits were used for assessing this association. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA version 12.1.

Results

Three factors, including social dysfunction, anxiety, and loss of confidence were extracted from the factor structure. 55% of the overall variance was obtained through these factors. Total score of GHQ-12 ranged from 0 to 32 with a mean score of 12.

Conclusion

Investigation of the factor structure of GHQ-12 demonstrated that GHQ-12 is a good measure for evaluating the general health of Saudi population. Future studies based on a larger sample size of non-clinical respondents will be useful to evaluate the practical effectiveness of GHQ-12 factors.

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Title: The factor structure of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ashraf El-Metwally
Sundas Javed
Hira Abdul Razzak
Khaled K. Aldossari
Abdurrahman Aldiab
Sameer H. Al-Ghamdi
Mowafa Househ
Mamdouh M. Shubair
Jamaan M. Al-Zahrani
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3381-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The factor structure of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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