The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is one of the most widely used self-report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although strong psychometric properties have been demonstrated in U.S. veteran and community samples, evidence in conflict-affected populations in low- and middle-income countries remains limited.

To examine the cultural adaptation, reliability, validity, factorial structure, and diagnostic utility of the PCL-5 in Colombian adults affected by armed conflict.

Participants (N = 253) were recruited as part of a randomized controlled trial of the Unified Protocol for victims of armed conflict in Colombia. Analyses included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency (α, ω), convergent and divergent validity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses using a structured diagnostic interview as reference.

The PCL-5 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .93, ω = .95), strong convergent validity with measures of depression (r = .73) and anxiety (r = .68), adequate divergent validity with quality of life (r = -.55), and strong criterion validity relative to MINI PTSD diagnoses (AUC = .87). CFA indicated that the DSM-5 four-factor model, as well as the externalizing, anhedonia, and hybrid models, provided adequate fit to the data. However, the DSM-5 model was retained as the preferred solution due to its superior parsimony (CFI = .996, RMSEA = .031, SRMR = .061). A cutoff score of 46 demonstrated optimal sensitivity (.83) and specificity (.76) for probable PTSD.

The Colombian PCL-5 is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing PTSD severity among victims of armed conflict and may be used for screening, monitoring treatment outcomes, and research purposes in post-conflict settings.