Factor structure and psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among Ghanaian adolescents

J Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2015;27(1):53-7. doi: 10.2989/17280583.2015.1007867.

Abstract

Purpose: There is little information about the reliability and validity of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Ghana. This study sought to examine the reliability and factor structure of the GHQ-12 in Ghanaian adolescents.

Methods: High school students (N = 770) completed the GHQ-12 and the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). Internal consistency, convergent validity and exploratory factor analysis were used.

Results: A two factor structure, each with six items, was extracted. The total GHQ-12 had acceptable internal consistency and a generally high correlation with the ASQ subscales.

Conclusion: The GHQ-12 can be used in Ghanaian samples, but more research is needed to confirm its factor structure.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Ghana
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards