In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 17, No. 12 ( 2022-12-15), p. e0277619-
Abstract:
There is paucity of culturally adapted tools for assessing depression and anxiety in children and adolescents in low-and middle-income countries. This hinders early detection, provision of appropriate and culturally acceptable interventions. In a partnership with the University of Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenyatta National Hospital, and UNICEF, a rapid cultural adaptation of three adolescent mental health scales was done, i.e., Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and additional scales in the UNICEF mental health module for adolescents. Materials and methods Using a qualitative approach, we explored adolescent participants’ views on cultural acceptability, comprehensibility, relevance, and completeness of specific items in these tools through an adolescent-centered approach to understand their psychosocial needs, focusing on gender and age-differentiated nuances around expression of distress. Forty-two adolescents and 20 caregivers participated in the study carried out in two primary care centers where we conducted cognitive interviews and focused group discussions assessing mental health knowledge, literacy, access to services, community, and family-level stigma. Results We reflect on process and findings of adaptations of the tools, including systematic identification of words adolescents did not understand in English and Kiswahili translations of these scales. Some translated words could not be understood and were not used in routine conversations. Response options were changed to increase comprehensibility; some statements were qualified by adding extra words to avoid ambiguity. Participants suggested alternative words that replaced difficult ones and arrived at culturally adapted tools. Discussion Study noted difficult words, phrases, dynamics in understanding words translated from one language to another, and differences in comprehension in adolescents ages 10–19 years. There is a critical need to consider cultural adaptation of depression and anxiety tools for adolescents. Conclusion Results informed a set of culturally adapted scales. The process was community-driven and adhered to the principles of cultural adaptation for assessment tools.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.t001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.t002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.t003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.t004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0277619.r004
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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