Psychometric properties of the Escala de Gravedad de Síntomas Revisada del Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (EGS-R) in adults in Ecuador after the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the validity of the Escala de Gravedad de Síntomas Revisada del Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (EGS-R) among adults in Ecuador within the post-pandemic context of Covid-19. Methods: Descriptive and instrumental design. Participants: 537 participants from Ambato, Ecuador, comprising 44.1% men and 55.9% women, aged 18 to 65 years (M = 24.36; SD = 8.87). Among the participants, 64.6% had experienced Covid-19, while 35.4% had not. Results: The EGS-R exhibits a hierarchical factorial structure, demonstrating measurement equivalence between participants who experienced Covid-19 and those who did not. Significant differences emerged between the groups, with individuals who had contracted Covid-19 displaying a higher symptom burden, thereby establishing the discriminant validity of the measure. The scale also exhibits validity concerning other variables, such as stress perception, and demonstrates satisfactory internal consistency among its scores. Conclusions: The EGS-R proves to be a valuable tool for assessing adults in Ecuador for potential indicators of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) given the robust evidence of validity and reliability, affirming its utility and evaluative capacity in this population.