OBJECTIVES : To determine the psychometric properties of the Urdu Version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CESD-U) that was developed by a two-step forward and back translation.

METHODS : A psychometric validation study was conducted among adult hemodialysis patients (N = 50) who could read/write Urdu, recruited via convenience sampling method, from the District Headquarter Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan. Content validity was assessed by content validity index (CVI). Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and interclass correlation (ICC) coefficient whereas convergent validity was assessed by exploring the correlation of CESD-U with Urdu version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

RESULTS : Mean Item-CVI was 0.986 (individual item-CVI range 0.857-1.000). Value of Scale-level-CVI, universal agreement calculation method (S-CVI/UA) was 0.9. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.754, indicating adequate internal consistency. ICC of CESD-U was also satisfactory (ICC of individual items 0.740-0.947). Moreover, Spearmen’s correlation testing between the CESD-U and PHQ-9 Urdu indicated good correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.660; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS : CESD-U is a valid and reliable instrument to screen depression among Urdu speaking populations.