Forward-backward translation and cross-cultural validation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale among Tigrigna-speaking Eritrean refugees
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 21 June 2019
Issue publication date: 15 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale is a widely used instrument for studying depression in the general population. It has been translated into several languages. Cross-cultural relevance of the construct of depression and cultural equivalence of the CES-D items used to measure it are crucial for international research on depression. Given the increasing number of refugees from Eritrea entering the USA and Europe, there is a need among health care researchers and providers for an instrument to assess depressive symptoms in the native language of this vulnerable population. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed forward–backward translation and assessed the CES-D scale for cross-cultural research and depression screening among Tigrigna-speaking Eritrean refugees. Forward–backward translation, cognitive interview and semantic analysis were conducted to ensure equivalence of comprehension of the items and instructions between Tigrigna- and English-speaking samples. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the measurement invariance of the translated version.
Findings
Translation efforts were successful as reflected by the results of semantic analysis and pilot testing. Evidence supporting the measurement invariance of data collected using the Tigrigna version of the CES-D was obtained from a sample of 253 Eritrean refugees in the USA.
Practical implications
The findings of this study provide support for reliability and validity of data collected using the Tigrigna version of the CES-D scale. This important tool for assessing depression symptoms among Eritrean refugees is now available for health care providers and researchers working with this vulnerable population.
Originality/value
This work is an original work of the authors and it has not been published previously.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank all participants of the study and churches and community organizations who allowed the authors to use their venues to collect data. The authors also thank all volunteers who helped the authors in the translation process of the CES-D scale. Last but not least, the authors thank the University of South Florida, College of Nursing Research Center for providing resources to facilitate the conduct of this study.
Citation
Mogos, M.F., Beckstead, J.W., Evans, M.E., Kip, K.E. and Boothroyd, R.A. (2019), "Forward-backward translation and cross-cultural validation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale among Tigrigna-speaking Eritrean refugees", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 163-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2017-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited