Factor structure of the depression anxiety stress Scale-21 (DASS-21): Unidimensionality of the Arabic version among Egyptian drug users

Abstract

Background Emotional distress is common among illicit drug users, and it can negatively affect treatment outcomes and increase the risk of relapse. Nonetheless, instruments that properly measure emotional distress are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the factor structure of the Arabic Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) in that population. Methods The DASS-21 and the Self-stigma of Alcohol Dependence Scale (SSAD) were completed by 149 inpatient Egyptian drug users. The DASS-21 was examined using exploratory factor analysis, partial confirmatory factor analysis, and parallel analysis. For validation testing, correlations between stigma scores and DASS scores were computed. Results A one-factor solution provided the best fit to the DASS-21 data. Four items with low loadings were removed. The resulting DASS-17 was also unidimensional, and its reliability was high (0.88). On the validation tests, the DASS scores correlated with the stigma scores as hypothesized. Conclusion Subscales of the Arabic version of the DASS-21 do not differentiate between depression and anxiety. A modified 17-item version (the DASS-17) was suitable for measuring overall distress, and the results of convergent validation testing indicated that it was superior to the DASS-21.

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 in Chinese Hospital Workers: Reliability, Latent Structure, and Measurement Invariance Across Genders

“…Similar findings were reported from a study in clinical population in Egypt. Ali and Green (2019) found that a one-factor solution was most appropriate for the DASS-21 data among Egyptian drug users.…”

Psychological Climacteric Symptoms and Attitudes toward Menopause among Emirati Women

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COVID-19: A pandemic that threatens physical and mental health by promoting physical inactivity

“…4 , 13 Dysfunctional emotions are associated with maladaptive behaviors (e.g., illicit drug use) and poor quality of life. 14 A recent systematic review shows that fear of contacting viral infections and social isolation associated with the tight social distancing measures heighten emotional negativity and feelings of loneliness, eventually increasing the risk for suicide among people witnessing great pandemics such as SARS-CoV 2002. 13 In addition to economic recession, lack of resources (e.g., food supply), lack of emotional support associated with distancing measures, 4 we believe that lack of physical activity associated with staying at home during the current pandemic may considerably, in part, heighten emotional negativity in a manner that may alter body immunity and increase the risk for contacting COVID-19 infection.…”