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Conflict and Health
Published in: Conflict and Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Mental health assessments in refugees and asylum seekers: evaluation of a tablet-assisted screening software

Authors: Naser Morina, Simon M. Ewers, Sandra Passardi, Ulrich Schnyder, Christine Knaevelsrud, Julia Müller, Richard A. Bryant, Angela Nickerson, Matthis Schick

Published in: Conflict and Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Mental health problems resulting from persecution and forced migration are very common among refugees and asylum seekers and evolve into a major public health challenge in hosting societies. Language barriers often prevent timely access to appropriate health care, leading to chronic trajectories and abortive social integration. Tools for multilingual screening and assessment could be of great benefit for this particularly vulnerable population as well as for policy makers. This study aimed at testing the reliability, feasibility and usability of the Multi-Adaptive Psychological Screening Software (MAPSS), a newly developed Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview Software (ACASI) for touchscreen devices, for screening purposes in a clinical setting.

Methods

In a randomized cross-over design including both MAPSS and paper-pencil clinician-administered interviews, 30 treatment-seeking refugees completed clinical measures and a feasibility questionnaire to rate the user interface of MAPSS. Five professionals performed given tasks in MAPSS and completed usability questionnaires for the administration interface.

Results

Results showed no differences between the two assessment modalities with regard to symptom scores. The findings suggest good feasibility and usability of MAPSS in traumatized refugees. The administration via MAPSS was significantly shorter than the paper-pencil interview.

Conclusion

MAPSS may be a cost-effective, flexible and valid alternative to interpreter-based psychometric screening and assessment.
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Metadata
Title
Mental health assessments in refugees and asylum seekers: evaluation of a tablet-assisted screening software
Authors
Naser Morina
Simon M. Ewers
Sandra Passardi
Ulrich Schnyder
Christine Knaevelsrud
Julia Müller
Richard A. Bryant
Angela Nickerson
Matthis Schick
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Conflict and Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1505
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-017-0120-2

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