The Validation of Somatization Inventory in the Students of Tabriz Universities (Iran)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: As somatization is an one-dimensional approach and long questionnaires has no appropriate clinical and research application, therefore introduction of short questionnaires seems to be necessary. The somatization Inventory (PHQ-15) is a short self-report questionnaire for the assessment of somatization symptoms in non-clinical and clinical samples. This research was performed with the purpose of validating PHQ-15 questionnaire in students of Tabriz universities.   Methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, 360 university students, were selected by stratified sampling method in 2013 and were assessed using Somatization Inventory (PHQ-15), and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The concurrent validity was assessed through simultaneous implementation of SCL-90 scale.   Results: The correlation coefficient of PHQ-15 and SCL-90 scores, were, respectively, 0.77 and significant (p=0.001). The internal consistency of the scale was calculated to be 0.76 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient.   Conclusion: According to the results of this study, in the Iranian population, the somatization Inventory (PHQ-15) is an appropriate and short tool for screening in somatization-related researches.    

Keywords

• somatoform disorders
• mental disorders
• validation studies.