A preliminary psychometric validation of selected mental health scales among youths residing in Hong Kong

Abstract

Youths experience mental health challenges which are associated with their biopsychosocial development. However, this has been exacerbated by technological advances and their attendant challenges. Therefore, there is a need to periodically screen youths’ mental health using psychometrically valid scales so as to offer appropriate preventive and interventional programmes for them. This study examined the preliminary psychometric properties of eight mental health scales and their relationships among youths in Hong Kong. A total of 428 youths were conveniently recruited to respond to measures on depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, smartphone application-based addiction, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, internet addiction, insomnia, life satisfaction, stress and cognitive fatigue. Data were analysed using Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Pearson’s r . Generally, CFA fits (comparative fit index >0.9, Tucker–Lewis index >0.9, root mean square error of approximation <0.08 and standardised root mean square residual <0.08), average variance extracted (ranging between 0.531 and 0.724), composite reliability (ranging between 0.875 and 0.946) and internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.834–0.918 and McDonald’s ω = 0.860–0.925) for the scales were acceptable. Correlations were significant among all measures ( p s < 0.001). The CFA indices and correlational analyses suggest that all eight mental health measures have acceptable reliability and construct–convergent validity. Health and research professionals can use these scales to promote mental health activities among youths in Hong Kong.