Exploring the use of the GHQ-12 in longitudinal mental health studies: a scoping review

The aim of this study is to summarize and systematize methods employed in utilizing the GHQ-12 within longitudinal studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried to identify articles answering the guiding question: "How has the GHQ-12 been used in longitudinal studies from 2013 to 2023?". From 480 articles, 46 met inclusion criteria. Studies were predominantly conducted in high-income countries, with white population and utilized the binary method with a cutoff point of three. Traditional methods such as General Linear Models, among which the most used was log-binomial or logistic regression, followed by Poisson regression, linear regression models and general estimate equations were the most used methods. The review revealed a growing interest in SEM techniques. Future research should include studies in low- and middle-income countries, incorporating ethnic diversity, and further exploring SEM, and latent growth for in-depth mental health analyses.