# IRT analysis of the BDI-II for early online depression detection: validation in a Mexican population

## TL;DR

This study validates the BDI-II as a reliable online tool for depression screening among Mexican adults using psychometric analysis.

## Contribution

The study provides psychometric validation of the BDI-II for online depression screening in a Mexican population.

## Key findings

- A hierarchical confirmatory model with one second-order and two first-order factors showed a good fit.
- Optimal accuracy estimates were found using both IRT and CTT methods.
- The BDI-II is supported as a reliable online screening tool for depression in Mexican adults.

## Abstract

Identifying factors associated with depression is crucial to addressing the global rise in mental health needs. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) has shown robustness in assessing depression, even in digital contexts. However, psychometric evidence is essential to support its use in online self-diagnosis, particularly in regions where it has not been widely employed for this purpose.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BDI-II for online self-diagnosis among Mexican adults.

Data from 58,456 medical records were analysed using Item Response Theory (IRT).

A good fit was found for a hierarchical confirmatory model with 1 s-order factor (overall severity) and two first-order factors (cognitive and somatic symptoms), as well as optimal accuracy estimates in both the IRT and the Classical Test Theory (CTT).

These findings support the use of the BDI-II as a reliable online screening tool for depression in self-diagnosis settings for Mexican adults.