ArticleScientific reports2026
Developing and validating a short version of the multidimensional depression scale in asian adolescents sample using rasch analysis.
Article in Scientific reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Depression is a prevalent mental disorder among Asian adolescents. The 52-item Multidimensional Depression Assessment Scale (MDAS), with its four sub-scales (Emotional, Cognitive, Somatic, Interpersonal), has been effective in measuring depressive symptoms across various dimensions. However, there is increasing interest in developing a shorter version for easier administration. This study aimed to (1) shorten the MDAS using Rasch analysis and (2) evaluate the psychometric properties of the shortened scale for Asian adolescents. A sample of 1996 Asian adolescents aged 12-18 from secondary schools in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Netherlands participated via the Qualtrics online platform. Rasch analysis was conducted using Winsteps, with a stepwise removal of one item per sub-scale each round. Eventually, the original 5-point MDAS was transformed into a 4-point scale during monotonicity diagnostics and was ultimately reduced to 24 items. Both the general scale and sub-scales displayed acceptable functionality readings and high internal consistency (> 0.89) post-shortening. The Pearson's correlation test also demonstrated the strong correlations of MDAS24-4pt with the original scale (> 0.90) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (> 0.70). To conclude, the MDAS24-4pt retained robust psychometric properties, while making it a more efficient tool for detecting depression in Asian adolescents compared to the original scale.
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