The abilities of NGOs to conduct needs assessments and assess the impact of mental health programs are currently limited by the lack of objective and widely applicable indicators. This is partly due to the necessity of validating indicators among each new cultural group, and the expense and time this requires.
This presentation describes 1) a simplified approach by which NGOs could test the validity of existing indicators of severe mental trauma among new populations; 2) the application of these indicators as the basis for a community-based survey; and 3) a description of an experience with this method in Africa and the resulting data. The methodology uses a combination of simple ethnographic/qualitative and quantitative methods.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about an approach to cross-cultural assessment of trauma-related mental health issues that can be applied by NGOs. the theoretical constructs underpinning this approach are discussed, as well as the experiences with the use of this methodology in the field and the resulting data
Keywords: Mental Health, Methodology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.