Factor structure and psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among Ghanaian adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: There is little information about the reliability and validity of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in Ghana. This study sought to examine the reliability and factor structure of the GHQ-12 in Ghanaian adolescents.
Methods: High school students (N = 770) completed the GHQ-12 and the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). Internal consistency, convergent validity and exploratory factor analysis were used.
Results: A two factor structure, each with six items, was extracted. The total GHQ-12 had acceptable internal consistency and a generally high correlation with the ASQ subscales.
Conclusion: The GHQ-12 can be used in Ghanaian samples, but more research is needed to confirm its factor structure.