Psychometric Properties of the Abbreviated Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-7) in the Mexican Population

Background: Depression is a public health problem that requires early detection. The CES-D-7 is a brief instrument designed to screen for depressive symptoms, which may help identify individuals who could benefit from further clinical evaluation. Objective: To identify the psychometric properties of the CES-D-7 in the Mexican population. Methods: Based on the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua conducted from 2021 to 2023, responses to the CES-D-7 were obtained from 32,076 participants. Its structure was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The mean factor loading (Mλ), average variance extracted (AVE), and factorial invariance across sex (men vs. women), age group (20–59 vs. ≥60 years), year (2021 vs. 2022 vs. 2023), and 8 different regions in Mexico were estimated. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, composite reliability (CR), and the H coefficient. Results: Model fit was excellent according to CFI = 0.982, TLI = 0.973, and SRMR = 0.020, and was at the threshold of acceptability according to RMSEA = 0.080 (90% CI: 0.077–0.084). The mean factor loading (Mλ = 0.751) and average variance extracted (AVE = 0.602) were also acceptable. Reliability was acceptable: Cronbach’s α = 0.824 (95% CI: 0.820–0.828); ordinal McDonald’s ω = 0.847 (95% CI: 0.843–0.850); CR = 0.908; and H = 0.951. Factorial invariance was identified across sex, age group, year, and region. Conclusions: The CES-D-7 demonstrates solid psychometric properties supported by evidence of construct validity, convergence among indicators within the measurement model, reliability, and factorial invariance in a Mexican sample aged 20 years and older.