Factor structure of the 6-item Kessler distress scale (K6) and its correlation with the HADS scale in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders

Objective. The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the 6-item Kessler Distress Scale (K-6) and to compare it with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders. Methods and materials. The psychometric analysis was conducted on a sample of 328 patients with non-psychotic mental disorders, aged 18 to 85 years (M = 54.4 years; SD = 16.7 years). All study participants completed the Russian versions of the K-6 and HADS scales. The validity of the K-6 was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results. Analyses indicated a two-factor structure of the scale, including anxiety and depression factors. The internal reliability of the Russian version of the K-6 scale was determined using McDonald's omega coefficient (ω), with values of ω = 0.88. The K-6 scale showed good convergent validity with the HADS scale. Conclusions. The Russian version of the K-6 has significant potential for use in clinical practice and research.