Cross-cultural comparison of depressive symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory-II, across six population samples

Abstract

Background The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and BDI-II (revised version) are some of the most widely used and comparable self-report scales for assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in many countries. However, although the relative mean score of each symptom in different countries may vary, the cultural differences of BDI-II symptoms for each item have not been previously studied. Aims To examine the overall picture of the magnitude of the symptoms in the Finnish population, and compare the relative mean score of each symptom between all published population-based samples from different countries fulfilling the search criteria. Method We conducted a search for population-based studies reporting BDI-II item, using Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed, and five population-based samples were identified. Relative average scores for each item of the scale were calculated for the Finnish population and five populations from other countries. Meta-regression methods were used to test the differences in the relative score of each symptom between each country separately, and results were then visually compared with spider charts. Results We found significant differences in several BDI-II item scores between countries: lower indecisiveness, higher changes in sleep pattern and higher irritability in Finland; higher loss of pleasure in Norway; higher loss of interest in the Dominic Republic; higher self-criticalness and feelings of punishment in Mexico; and higher sadness in Japan. Conclusions Based on the study fundings and including all currently published population-based samples with BDI-II scores, cultural differences in depressive symptoms should be considered when interpreting BDI-II item scores.

Multiculturalism and reported cognitive change in Parkinson’s disease

“…Third, we compared groups based on the immigration status of patients, but we have no information on the status of care-partners. Fourth, while questionnaire-rated differences in iADL difficulties and executive dysfunction persist after accounting for depressive symptoms, self-rated depression measures are also susceptible to cultural differences (Dere et al, 2015; Seppanen et al, 2022), and their use as covariates in statistical models may remove part of the effect of interest. Fifth, characteristics that may contribute to SCD and likely differ between groups were not available, notably socioeconomic status (SES).…”

Psychological states and needs among post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors

“…Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most widely used self‐report measures to assess depressive symptom severity. The original version was developed in 1961 and underwent two major revisions in 1978 and 1996, as the BDI‐IA and BDI‐II respectively 12,13 . All the three versions consist of 21 items.…”

Cultural modification of neuropsychiatric assessment: complexities to consider

“…For example, a recent study in this journal has illustrated important differences in symptom profiles in depression across a number of cultural groups, as expressed in the Beck Depression Inventory. 11…”

“…For example, a recent study in this journal has illustrated important differences in symptom profiles in depression across a number of cultural groups, as expressed in the Beck Depression Inventory. 11 Fitting screening to the context The detection of mild cognitive impairment can allow early appropriate assessment and management, such as the 'prescription' of strategies promoting brain health and setting up appropriate monitoring. However, the development of appropriate screening tools may be premature in areas of the world where resources do not exist to provide such treatment.…”