Structural variation of PHQ-9 by temporal reference in symptom networks of Peruvian adult general population

Authors

Keywords:

depression; memory; patient health questionnaire; psychometrics; statistical models

Abstract

Introduction: The temporal reference frame of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 may influence the organization of depressive symptoms and modify its internal structure in the Peruvian population.

Objective: To evaluate the structural equivalence of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 across 14-day and 12-month temporal reference frames.

Methods: Cross-sectional study based on the Peruvian National Health Survey 2022 and 2024 (n = 63,514). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was administered in a single interview using two retrospective temporal reference frames (14 days and 12 months), without longitudinal follow-up. Internal consistency was assessed, and symptom networks, centrality metrics, and structural similarity were estimated.

Results: The instrument showed adequate internal consistency in both temporal frames. The 12-month network exhibited higher density and a redistribution of symptom centrality. Structural overlap between networks was limited.

Conclusions: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 shows structural variation according to the temporal reference frame, suggesting a lack of equivalence between the 14-day and 12-month versions.

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Published

2026-09-03

How to Cite

1.
Guevara Tirado A. Structural variation of PHQ-9 by temporal reference in symptom networks of Peruvian adult general population. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 3 [cited 2026 Oct. 20];55(3):e026077361. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/77361

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 3 (2026): July - September (in Progress)

Section

Brief Communication

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alberto Guevara Tirado

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