The Validity of the WHO-5 as an Early Screening for Apathy in an Elderly Population

Abstract EN

Aim.

The objective of our study has been to evaluate the WHO-5 as a new early screening instrument for apathy in a group of elderly persons.

Methods.

The WHO-5 was compared to the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).

The GDS contains five items measuring well-being and ten items measuring depression.

The internal validity of the WHO-5 (total score being a sufficient statistic) was evaluated with both parametric and nonparametric item response theory models.

The external validity of the WHO-5 and the GDS was evaluated by ROC using depression as index of validity.

Results.

The item response theory analyses confirmed that the total score of the WHO-5 is a sufficient statistic.

The ROC analysis shows an adequate sensitivity (61%) and specificity (84%).

The GDS15 and its two subscales obtained low sensitivity (25–42%), but high specificity (90–98%).

Conclusion.

The WHO-5 was found both internally and externally valid when considering decreased positive well-being to be an early indication of apathy reflecting that the wind has begun to be taken out of the “motivation sail.”