The acceptability of a depression screening tool in an urban, Aboriginal community-controlled health service
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 02:29 authored by Esler, D, Fay JohnstonFay Johnston, Thomas, DObjective: To assess the acceptability and face validity of a psychological assessment instrument, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), as a depression screening tool for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Methods: Four focus groups were held in an urban, Aboriginal community-controlled health service. Participants' attitudes to screening for depression and the specific components of PHQ-9 were explored. Results: Process-oriented and PHQ-9-specific themes were raised. They included the role of family in the screening process, the need for a trusting relationship between the tool administrator and patient, the risk of confounding by social disadvantage or physical co-morbidities, the absence of a question assessing the presence of anger as a symptom of depression, and the importance of culturally appropriate language within the tool. Conclusion: Modification of the screening process and wording of the PHQ-9 in response to these concerns should render it acceptable for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in this setting. Implications: These results may apply to the use of other psychological screening tools in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. This is particularly relevant given the policy emphasis on screening in Indigenous health. © 2007 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2007 Public Health Association of Australia.
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Publication title
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public HealthVolume
31Pagination
259-263ISSN
1326-0200Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Public Health Assoc Australia IncPlace of publication
Po Box 319, Curtin, Australia, Act, 2600Repository Status
- Restricted
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Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classifiedUsage metrics
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