An instrument for assessing hikikomori syndrome in Peruvian university students

Abstract

Hikikomori syndrome is characterized by prolonged social withdrawal that may have personal and community consequences. This study aimed to linguistically and culturally adapt the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25) and evaluate its psychometric properties among Peruvian university students. An instrumental, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. The adapted version was assessed by 15 experts and then administered to a pilot group of 50 students. Construct validation was performed in a sample of 291 students using exploratory factor analysis. Three factors were identified: isolation, socialization, and emotional support. The final version consisted of 18 items. Overall reliability was α= 0.898; reliability coefficients were α= 0.853 for isolation, α= 0.837 for socialization, and α= 0.748 for emotional support. The adapted HQ-25 showed adequate evidence of validity and reliability for assessing characteristics associated with hikikomori syndrome among Peruvian university students.