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Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Italian version of the depression attitude questionnaire (DAQ)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2012

C. Sighinolfi ,
A. Norcini Pala ,
F. Casini ,
M. Haddad ,
D. Berardi  and
M. Menchetti
C. Sighinolfi
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
A. Norcini Pala
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
F. Casini
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
M. Haddad
Affiliation:
Section of Primary Care Mental Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
D. Berardi
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
M. Menchetti*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr. Marco Menchetti, Institute of Psychiatry, Viale C. Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Aims.

To validate the Italian version of the ‘depression attitude questionnaire’ (DAQ), to assess its psychometric properties and to evaluate the primary care physicians' (PCPs) opinion and attitude towards depression.

Methods.

An Italian version of the DAQ was created and then administered to a representative sample of PCPs working in the Emilia-Romagna region.

Results.

The findings derived from the Italian version of the DAQ indicated a three-factor solution (professional confidence, negative viewpoint and biological stance), broadly similar to previous studies and with acceptable fit indices. Our results showed that the PCPs consider depression as an increasingly important issue for their daily clinical practice. A large majority of them believed in the effectiveness of antidepressants and considered psychopharmacological treatment as appropriate for the PCPs to undertake. However, most PCP respondents thought that psychotherapy should be left to the specialists. Our findings suggest a prevalent orientation to the biochemical aspects of depression and the use of antidepressant treatment.

Conclusions.

The PCPs' attitude and opinion towards depression is an important aspect of their understanding and response to this common and disabling condition. The Italian version of the DAQ appears to be an appropriate and useful instrument to assist the understanding of the PCPs' views and potential need for further professional development.

Keywords

Attitudedepressionfactor analysisopinionprimary care physician
Type
Instruments
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 22 , Issue 1 , March 2013 , pp. 93 - 100
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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