The development of a contextually appropriate measure of psychological distress in Sierra Leone.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies of psychological distress in Sierra Leone have typically used measures which were developed for use in other contexts, and which often have not been adapted or validated for use in Sierra Leone. This has resulted in a lack of reliable information about the patterns of psychological distress within the population, which is a barrier to the development of effective and appropriate mental health services. The aim of the study was to develop a locally-appropriate measure of psychological distress for Sierra Leone.

Methods

The new measure consists of two instruments: the Sierra Leone Psychological Distress Scale (SLPDS) and a gendered measure of ability to carry out daily tasks-a Function scale-as an indication of the severity of distress. A three-phase mixed m

SUBMITTER: Horn R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8294262 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature