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A qualitative study of the cultural appropriateness of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) in South Africa

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Abstract

Background

The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) has been designed for use by trained laypersons. It therefore shows great promise for use in developing countries such as South Africa, where there is a lack of clinically trained and skilled professionals at the primary care level. Against this background, the aim of the current study was to investigate the sociocultural appropriateness of the DISC-IV for use with Sesotho families in South Africa.

Methods

Qualitative methodology of expert review and contextualized content analyses were used. Ten Sesotho-speaking clinicians were recruited through a snowball sampling technique to the review the DISC through expert review reports.

Results

Several themes emerged, including the structure of the DISC-IV, its computerized nature, Americanisms, problems in interpretation due to the adversity children live under, language problems, the effect of rural settings and education level, and cultural norms regarding psychiatric symptoms, gender, the experience of time, the expression of emotion, and family structure.

Conclusion

Recommendations for the sociocultural adaptation and translation of the DISC into Sesotho are made.

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Acknowledgments

The study was supported by a National Institute of Health Centers for AIDS research developmental grant awarded to Carla Sharp while at Baylor College of Medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77024, USA

    Carla Sharp

  2. University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa

    Donald Skinner

  3. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    Motsaathebe Serekoane

  4. University of Texas, Houston, USA

    Michael W. Ross

Authors
  1. Carla Sharp
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  2. Donald Skinner
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  3. Motsaathebe Serekoane
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  4. Michael W. Ross
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Correspondence to Carla Sharp.

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Sharp, C., Skinner, D., Serekoane, M. et al. A qualitative study of the cultural appropriateness of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) in South Africa. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 46, 743–751 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0241-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0241-z

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