Indochinese versions of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25: a screening instrument for the psychiatric care of refugees

TLDR

The United States is currently accepting the largest number of displaced persons since World War II, with over 70 % being Southeast Asians who have endured war trauma and torture, and cultural differences and limited mental‑health services hinder recognition of psychiatric distress among these refugees. The authors aimed to develop and validate Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese versions of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist‑25. They created and psychometrically validated the three language versions using standard procedures for reliability and validity assessment. The resulting brief, reliable instrument was well received by refugee patients, effectively screens for anxiety and depression, and is especially useful for evaluating trauma victims.

Abstract

The United States is accepting the largest number of displaced persons since World War II. Over 70% are Southeast Asians; many have suffered serious war trauma and torture. Cultural differences in health-seeking behavior and lack of specialized mental health services make the recognition of psychiatric distress in Southeast Asia refugees difficult for American health care providers. The authors describe the development and validation of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese versions of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. This brief, simple, and reliable instrument is well received by refugee patients, offers an effective screening method for the psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression, and is especially helpful for evaluating trauma victims.