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Assessment of the PHQ-9 as a Screening Tool for Depression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

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Abstract

Background and Objectives We examined the test characteristics of the PHQ-9, a new screening tool that has been validated in the general population but not amongst patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Methods The PHQ-9, CES-D and BDI-II questionnaires were administered to 129 consecutive patients with chronic HCV attending a specialty clinic between August 2005 and April 2006. Results Approximately 52% of participants reported symptoms suggesting depression. Prevalence of depression was 62% using the BDI-II, 75% per the PHQ-9 and 72% per the CES-D. We observed a strong correlation between the BDI-II, CES-D and PHQ-9 in patients on and off interferon. Scores on the three questionnaires were only moderately associated with symptoms reported by the patients. There was moderate agreement between the CES-D and BDI-II and slight agreement between both these questionnaires and the PHQ-9. Scores on the PHQ-9 correlated strongly with scores on the CES-D and BDI-II and moderately with patients’ symptoms.

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Correspondence to Nader Dbouk.

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Dbouk, N., Arguedas, M.R. & Sheikh, A. Assessment of the PHQ-9 as a Screening Tool for Depression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Dig Dis Sci 53, 1100–1106 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9985-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9985-z

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