Construct validity and Reliability of Amharic version of DASS-21 scale among Ethiopian Defense University College of Health Science Students

Abstract Background DASS-21 is the common and widely used tool for assessing depression, anxiety and stress. However, its validity and Reliability in Ethiopian Amharic language is not assessed. Objective To translate the DASS-21 and assess its validity and reliability among Ethiopian Defense University college of health science students in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Method An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data on 435 undergraduate health science students. Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to assess the factor structure and construct validity of Amharic version of the DASS-21. Cronbach alpha coefficient and corrected item total correlation was calculated to assess the internal consistency of Amharic version of DASS-21. Result Confirmatory factor analysis indicates a good model fit of the three correlated factors (Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92 with root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059[0.063–0.066] and standardize root mean residual SRMR = 0.045). The internal consistency of overall DASS-21 and each sub scale were in acceptable range (0.82, 0.77and 0.77) respectively. Conclusion Amharic version of DASS-21 was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure the mental problem especially, Depression, Anxiety and Stress among university students.