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

Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a quick, self-reported questionnaire to screen depressive symptoms. It is commonly used among various populations and has been validated and translated into many languages. However, the psychometric properties of the online Hebrew version of the PHQ-9 have yet to be studied. The study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the PHQ-9. Methods: We assessed test-retest reliability using an online questionnaire with a two-week time interval. A total of 118 participants enrolled in the study, of whom 103 completed the questionnaire twice. Participants 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 standard error of measurement of the PHQ-9 is 1.83 points, and the minimal detectable change was found to be 5 points. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire is good (ICC2,1= 0.81, 95% CI 0.72-0.86), and it is moderately and negatively correlated to the mental component of the SF-12 (Spearman ρ=-0.57, p<.05). 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. The study’s limitation is that we did not use a standard diagnostic interview for depression. Consequently, the sensitivity and specificity of the Hebrew PHQ-9 were not explored.