Understanding locally, culturally, and contextually relevant mental health problems among Rwandan children and adolescents affected by HIV/Aids

Bibliographic Data

ID21111687
AuthorsTheresa Betancourt (0000-0002-3683-4440, Harvard School of Public Health, corresponding author), Theresa S Betancourt (Harvard School of Public Health), Julia Rubin-Smith (0000-0003-4709-1934, Harvard Global Health Institute), Julia E Rubin-Smith (Harvard School of Public Health), William R Beardslee (0000-0003-2248-3210, Children's Hospital), Sara N Stulac (Mental Health Program), Sara Stulac (0000-0001-7407-9960, Partners In Health), Ildephonse Fayida (Mental Health Program), Steven A Safren (0000-0002-0121-0806, Massachusetts General Hospital), Steven Safren (Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital)
Year2011
Volume23
Issue4
Pages401-412
Publication date2011-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540121.2010.516333
PMID21271393
PMCIDPMC3057405
OpenAlexW1993269701
LanguageEN
Citations received31
References cited39

In assessing the mental health of HIV/AIDS-affected children and adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers often employ mental health measures developed in other settings. However, measures derived from standard Western psychiatric criteria are frequently based on conceptual models of illness or terminology that may or may not be an appropriate for diverse populations. Understanding local perceptions of mental health problems can aid in the selection or creation of appropriate measures. This study used qualitative methodologies (Free Listing, Key Informant interviews, and Clinician Interviews) to understand local perceptions of mental health problems facing HIV/AIDS-affected youth in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda. Several syndrome terms were identified by participants: agahinda kenshi, kwiheba, guhangayika, ihahamuka, umushiha, and uburara. While these local syndromes share some similarities with Western mood, anxiety, and conduct disorders, they also contain important culture-specific features and gradations of severity. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding local manifestations of mental health syndromes when conducting mental health assessments and when planning interventions for HIV/AIDS-affected children and adolescents in diverse settings

Developmental psychology · Family medicine · Mental health · Psychiatry · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology