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The evaluation of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) reliability generalization: A meta-analysis

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  • Ajele Kenni Wojujutari
  • Erhabor Sunday Idemudia
  • Lawrence Ejike Ugwu

Abstract

Background: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is widely used for detecting psychiatric disorders, but its reliability across different populations remains to be determined. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the reliability of GHQ-12 across varied cultural and demographic settings. Method: This meta-analysis evaluates the reliability of General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12]’ across diverse populations, employing a systematic search strategy and rigorous inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis evaluates the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) using a pre-registered protocol (CRD42023488436) to ensure unbiased results. Data from 20 studies published between 2016–2023 were analysed using a random-effects model, with quality assessment guided by COSMIN Risk of Bias and QUADAS-2. This study enhances our understanding of GHQ-12’s psychometric properties. Results: For the GHQ-12 subscales, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.72 (90% CI [0.68, 0.75]) for anxiety and depression, 0.82 (90% CI [0.79, 0.86]) for social dysfunction, and 0.72 (90% CI [0.68, 0.76]) for loss of confidence. However, the analysis showed substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 90.04%), with significant variability in reliability estimates across different studies. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.84 (95% Cl [0.810, 0.873]) with SE = 0.016 (90% CI [0.68, 0.82], p

Suggested Citation

  • Ajele Kenni Wojujutari & Erhabor Sunday Idemudia & Lawrence Ejike Ugwu, 2024. "The evaluation of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) reliability generalization: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0304182
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304182
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