Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine the validity of PHQ-9 as a screening tool for depression for the Pakistani population. Despite its wide use, it has not yet been validated in Pakistan. The validity of PHQ-9 will be assessed against the Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS). These 2 questionnaires were administered on 50 participants who were picked through convenient sampling method, 25 clinically depressed individuals from hospital settings and 25 non-depressed individuals from university. The results showed a weak positive correlation (R2 Linear=0.382) between AKUADS and PHQ-9 scores. It was concluded that PHQ- 9 Urdu Version is a valid scale for assessing depression in Pakistan.
