Validation of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25/Nepali Version among Bhutanese Refugees in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundBhutanese refugees’ mental problems are relatively high. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) has been used widely in examining refugees’ mental health, but its psychometric properties in Nepali version is unknown.PurposeTo examine psychometric properties of the HSCL-25/Nepali version.MethodsBhutanese refugees (n = 209) responded to demographic questionnaire, the HSCL-25/Nepali, and the Refugee Health Survey-15. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), convergent validity, and internal consistency were performed. Results: After three rounds of EFA, item 14 was deleted resulting in HSCL-24/Nepali with good construct validity and excellent internal consistency (α = .94).ConclusionsThe HSCL-24/Nepali version is reliable and valid and can be used to culturally, appropriately assess psychological distress of Bhutanese refugees as it omits item 14 that captures individual’s sexual interest.