02463nas a2200241   4500000000100000008004100001260003700042653004100079653003400120100001700154700001800171700001600189700001300205700001300218700001800231700001300249245012900262856010900391300000900500490000600509520169200515022001402207       2024                            d  bPublic Library of Science (PLoS)10aGeneral Earth and Planetary Sciences10aGeneral Environmental Science1 aDijkstra JIR1 avan Elteren M1 aBanstola NL1 aShakya L1 aSigdel H1 avan Brakel WH1 aMahato P00aCross-cultural validation of two scales to assess mental wellbeing in persons affected by leprosy in Province 1 and 7, Nepal  uhttps://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002654&type=printable  a1-180 v43 a<p>To assess mental wellbeing among persons affected by leprosy, this study aimed to validate the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, depression tool) in Province 1 and 7, Nepal. Using purposive and convenience sampling, cross-cultural equivalences were assessed through semi-structured interviews with persons affected by leprosy (&gt;18 years). Data were transcribed, translated, analysed and discussed with experts before revising the tools. Psychometric properties of the scales were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire with cases affected by leprosy and controls not affected by leprosy (&gt;18 years). Statistical analysis included internal consistency, construct validity, floor and ceiling effects, and interpretability. The qualitative study included 20 respondents of whom eleven were female. The statements in the original tools were rephrased to questions as participants had difficulties understanding the statements. Six additional changes were made to ensure items were understood well. The quantitative study included 90 cases (46% female) and 50 controls (54% female). The WEMWBS and PHQ-9 had adequate psychometric properties. Cronbach’s alphas were 0.85 and 0.76, respectively, indicating good internal consistency, 75% of hypotheses for construct validity were confirmed, no floor and ceiling effects were found, and data to help users interpret results are presented. Our study provides evidence that the adapted versions of the WEMWBS and PHQ-9 have good cultural validity to measure mental wellbeing and depression among persons affected by leprosy in Province 1 and 7, Nepal.</p>
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