Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version of the Five-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5)

Abstract

This study presents the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the five-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5). Participants were 524 subjects (69.8% women), aged from 18 to 88 years old (M = 38.3; SD = 13.26), from 17 Brazilian states. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a single-factor solution. Reliability was assessed using alpha reliability, average variance extracted and composite reliability. Convergent validity was presented using the MHI-5, the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Discriminant validity, using the GHQ-12, showed that MHI-5 is a reliable measure to evaluate mental health. The scale presented strong evidence of validity and seems appropriate to evaluate mental health in the Brazilian population.