Validation of Visual Analog Scales for Mood and Anxiety at Work
Author Information
Author(s): Dutheil Frédéric, Palgen Clara, Brousse Georges, Cornet Thomas, Mermillod Martial, Lakbar Ines, Vallet Guillaume, Baker Julien S., Schmidt Jeannot, Charbotel Barbara, Pereira Bruno, Delamarre Louis
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Clermont–Ferrand, CHU Clermont–Ferrand, France
Hypothesis
A VAS for mood and anxiety would identify at-risk workers with depressive or anxious symptoms, in comparison with the HADS.
Conclusion
The VAS is a quick, easy, and reliable tool for screening depression and anxiety in occupational medicine.
Supporting Evidence
- VAS anxiety and mood correlated with HADS sub-scores (0.70 and 0.65, respectively).
- Optimal VAS cut-offs were ≥ 60/100 for anxiety and ≤ 60/100 for mood.
- Test-retest reliability was good with Lin concordance coefficients of 0.79 for VAS anxiety and 0.72 for VAS mood.
- Women were more affected by anxiety than men (p = 0.008).
- High anxiety was correlated with lower sleep quality (p <0.001).
Takeaway
This study shows that simple scales can help find workers who might be feeling very anxious or sad, making it easier to help them.
Methodology
An observational study using self-reported questionnaires to assess anxiety and mood in workers, comparing VAS with HADS.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of participants and the imbalance in demographics.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate and a higher representation of women and executives, which may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Average age 41.4 years, 47.3% women, 57.7% senior executives.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 59.9% to 81.5%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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