Psychometrische Prüfung einer Hocharabischen Übersetzung des PHQ-4 anhand einer repräsentativen Befragung syrischer Geflüchteter

Abstract

This study addresses the need for methodologically sound, brief screening procedures (e. g., the PHQ-4) which need to be validated for refugees in their native languages. A cohort of Syrian refugees in the state of Lower Saxony was investigated with the PHQ-4 translated into Standard Arabic language by a professional translation bureau. Based on representative data, the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders was estimated among refugees. N=864 persons of mainly male sex (68%) answered with a mean age of M=31.5 (SD=9.3 years, ranging from 16 to 93 years). Internal consistency was good (PHQ-2, respectively GAD-2: α=0.76/0.83; women α=0.76/0.83; men: α=0.76/0.83). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed good to excellent fit: RMSEA=0,068 [95%-KI: 0.028, 0.117], TLI=0.971, CFI=0.995. Measurement invariance was demonstrated for sex. The prevalence of depression was 20%, which corresponds to results reported for the German population; generalized anxiety was moderately higher in the Syrian sample (19.3 vs. 15.2%). The Arabic version of the PHQ-4 is an ultra-short and valid screening procedure suitable for refugees from Arabic countries. The finding that the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was moderate may be due to the sample composition, which comprised predominantly young men. Given the often traumatic circumstances of their flight, additional symptoms beyond the scope of this study (esp. PTSD) can be expected.

High Manifestations of Mental Distress in Arabic Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Collective Centers for Refugees in Germany

“…In comparison to other studies about refugees from Syria [12,13,14] and Iraq [15,16], we found consistent results. Compared to studies from Germany [17,18,19], we found similar or higher levels of mental distress.…”

“…In general, the prevalence rates in the literature for depression in refugees vary between 3% and 47%, and for anxiety between 5% and 90% [4]. In studies in Germany, the prevalence rates for depression vary between 20% and 80% [10,17,18,19], and for anxiety between 19.3% and 80% [10,18]. In our sample, 57.1% of the asylum seekers endorsed symptoms of at least moderate depression and 39.3% for at least moderate anxiety.…”

“…In a review for anxiety disorders in Arabic speaking countries, most studies showed higher prevalence rates in woman than in men [37]. Some recent studies with refugee populations from Arabic speaking countries found a positive correlation between mental disorders and female gender [12,15], while others did not report gender differences [13,18]. In contrast, de Jong et al [39] found in the Gaza Strip sample that men had more PTSD symptoms than women.…”

“…Most frequently they found PTSD (33%) and depression (22%) symptoms. In a cohort of Syrian refugees, the prevalence of depression, examined with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-4, was 20%, corresponding to results for the German population with the same questionnaire [18]. The prevalence of generalized anxiety was moderately higher in the Syrian refugee sample (19.3%).…”

Screening and follow-up for depression among Arab Americans

“…Perhaps the Arabic translation of this question does not capture depression or depressive symptoms as intended. In future studies, available reliable and valid Arabic depression scales should be used to ensure consistency across studies (Bachner, 2016;Chaaya et al, 2008;Fawzi, Fawzi, & Abu-Hindi, 2012;Kliem et al, 2016;Terkawi et al, 2017). Second, the available studies use community samples receiving social and/or health services from a community-based organization (Jamil et al, 2005(Jamil et al, , 2006(Jamil et al, , 2008.…”