Validity and Reliability of the Major Depression Inventory for Persons With Dual Sensory Loss

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesResearch has shown that dual sensory loss is a risk factor for depression in older adults. However, validated measures of depression for people with dual sensory loss are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Major Depression Inventory for use among elderly persons with acquired dual sensory loss.Research Design and MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a national sample of people ≥50 years of age with functional acquired dual sensory loss. Of the invited participants, 302 (66%) returned the questionnaire and 207 complete cases were included for analysis. Rasch models and graphical log-linear Rasch models were used for item analysis. Lack of differential item functioning was tested relative to severity of vision and hearing impairment, mode of questionnaire completion, age, sex, comorbidity, instrumental activities of daily living, social position, and cohabitation status.ResultsThe 10-item Major Depression Inventory did not fit the Rasch model. An 8-item version, excluding the items “feeling sad” and “sleep problems,” fit a graphical log-linear Rasch model. No evidence of differential item functioning was discovered, thus the 8-item Major Depression Inventory was measurement invariant across severity of impairments and mode of completing the questionnaire. The overall reliability was 0.81 and ranged from acceptable to good for all subgroups of participants, except males with severe hearing impairment and low functional status. Consequently, the 8-item version of the Major Depression Inventory was considered construct valid and reliable within the frame of reference.Discussion and ImplicationsAn 8-item version of the Major Depression Inventory can be used to screen for depressive symptoms in elderly persons with acquired dual sensory loss.

Visual, hearing, and dual sensory impairment are associated with higher depression and anxiety in women

“…While previous studies found high rates of depression and anxiety among adults with sensory impairment and especially among adults with dual sensory impairment, 39‐43 these have been carried out in different countries (UK, Norway, Korea, and Denmark). As different sociocultural backgrounds, environment and healthcare characteristics impact on mental health, it is of importance to study this also in Spanish population.…”

“…37 People with dual sensory loss are more likely to be poor and unemployed, and with lower educational outcomes, 38 and consequently may have higher risk of developing mental problems. 39 While previous studies found high rates of depression and anxiety among adults with sensory impairment and especially among adults with dual sensory impairment, [39][40][41][42][43] these have been carried out in different countries (UK, Norway, Korea, and Denmark). As different sociocultural backgrounds, environment and healthcare characteristics impact on mental health, it is of importance to study this also in Spanish population.…”

Continuum of Care for Older Adults With Concurrent Hearing and Vision Impairment: A Systematic Review

“…Nine studies focused on seven tools for health care assessments and/or interventions to improve health care for older adults with DSI ( Arauz et al, 1997 ; Bruhn & Dammeyer, 2018 ; Dalby et al, 2009 ; Dupuis et al, 2015 ; Hovaldt et al, 2018 ; Roets-Merken et al, 2014 ; Takano et al, 2016 ; Urqueta Alfaro et al, 2019 ; Vreeken et al, 2020 ). Of all the tools reported, five were standardized clinical assessment instruments.…”

Protocol for mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement (MORE) in the management of lumbosacral radiculopathy/radiculitis symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

“…Major Depression Inventory (MDI): The MDI is a self-reporting questionnaire that includes questions about depression symptoms consistent with the DSM-V guidelines for major depressive disorder. The MDI is commonly used in research to determine the degree to which an individual is currently experiencing a depressed mood and has shown to have high sensitivity, specificity, validity, and test-retest reliability for patients with low back pain [ 66 , 67 ]. Participants who score above a 30, indicating severe depression symptoms, will be sent a referral for medical management.…”