Why local concepts matter: Using cultural expressions of distress to explore the construct validity of research instruments
To measure mental health problems among Congolese women in Nyarugusu refugee camp.
Abstract
Although mental health problems present differently across cultural contexts, most screening tools do not capture culturally or locally specific measures of distress. A qualitative exploration of local expressions of distress can help assess whether existing screening measures are appropriate in a specific context as well as what adaptations may improve their construct validity.
This study used a mixed-methods approach to describe and measure cultural concepts of distress among female Congolese survivors of intimate partner violence in Nyarugusu refugee camp, Tanzania. It found 3 local concepts of distress: huzuni (deep sadness), msongo wa mawazo (stress, too many thoughts), and hofu (fear). These constructs were comparable to those of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder - measured by the quantitative symptom assessment tools adding weight to the appropriateness of using these tools in this specific setting.
This mixed-methods approach presents an innovative additional method for assessing the local “cultural fit” of globally used tools for measuring mental health in cross-cultural research.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme.
Citation
Greene MC, Ventevogel P, Likindikoki SL, and others. ‘Why local concepts matter: Using cultural expressions of distress to explore the construct validity of research instruments to measure mental health problems among Congolese women in Nyarugusu refugee camp’. Transcultural Psychiatry 2023: volume 60, issue 3, pages 496-507.