Symptoms of depression were measured using the BDI. In this questionnaire, each question is multiple choice. According to a Likert scoring system, a value of 0 to 3 is assigned to each item and then the total score is compared to the key scores.
The scores from 0 to 9 indicate no depression. Mild-to-moderate depression, moderate-to-severe depression, and severe depression are indicated by obtaining scores of 10–18, 19–29 and 30–63 respectively (Beck, 1972; Ambrosini et al, 1991).