Translation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children

Context: Psychological disorders afflict a great number of youths throughout the world. The early beginning of psychological disorders not only affects all of the life of a person but also affects Childrens, Depression Questionnaire (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children), Iranian Version, Psychometric properties the welfare of next generations. It is necessary to develop acceptable psychometric tools to measure the depression of children and youths.
Aims: This study deals with the psychological properties of the Persian version of the Center for the Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for children.
Setting and Design: This study is a cross sectional study with a methodological design. 342 students with the age range of 11–17 were selected by random cluster sampling in multiple stages from among students in Khoy.
Material and Original version of the scale was translated from English to Persian language using Backward Forward translation method.
Statistical Analysis: The validity of the instrument was determined using face validity and exploratory factor analysis. Reliability was reported by Alpha Cronbach coefficient and test–retest and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The SPSS was used to analyze the data.
The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the scale with four factors and a cumulative variance of 50.443. The correlation with Beck's Depression Test for Children is quiet strong r= 0.738. Cronbach's alpha = 0.872, ICC = of 0.97 that both show a good validity for the Persian version.
The Persian version of the Children's Depression Questionnaire has a good reliability and validity and can be used as a proper tool for the screening of the depression of children and youth