Screening for common mental disorders using the SRQ-20 in Brazil: what are the alternative strategies for analysis?

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) assessed with the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), using the established cutoff point, and comparing it with the results of a joint correspondence factor analysis (CFA) and cluster analysis and of a latent class analysis (LCA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban sample of 1,095 women aged 19 to 55 years. Joint CFA-cluster analysis and LCA were used. Results: We found a high prevalence of CMD, regardless of classification method (37.6% when using the cutoff point; 44.4% and 52% for LCA and joint CFA-cluster, respectively). The alternative analysis strategies describe the cases more efficiently when compared to the traditional cutoff method, especially regarding more severe symptoms. Both alternative strategies also provide a description of the SRQ-20 dimensions in their particularities, which may be useful for the planning and implementation of specific actions in a given population. Conclusion: The SRQ-20 cutoff point seems to underestimate the magnitude of CMD among women. The alternative methods of analysis presented herein highlight the different possibilities of using this important instrument of screening for mental health.

Nearly three in every five prisoners experience common mental disorders (CMDs) in Jimma correctional institution; south-West Ethiopia

“…Furthermore; majority of scales previously used for the assessment of mental health status at clinical and community settings performing varying degree of validity across settings, populations and cultures. These scales are the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scale, the structured clinical interview for depression in DSM-5, comprehensive psychopathological rating scale, and the SRQ-20 were few among many [27, 41–43]. Despite it has many limitations; the SRQ-20 demonstrated better validity in culture of developing nations including Ethiopia [26].…”

“…However; since the SRQ-20 is not a diagnostic tool; the use of cut off point doesn’t matter as it is enough to establish the mental health profile of a given population at a given time. Furthermore; study have showed that the cut off point SRQ-20 tends to underestimate prevalence of mental disorders among women [27].…”

“…One of the challenges with this scale was its poor predictive validity across culture and context especially when the score of 7/8 cut off point is employed. This cut-off point tends to underestimate prevalence of mental disorders especially among women [27]. However; the scale demonstrated better validity in culture of developing nations including Ethiopia [26].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders among adult patients attending HIV follow up service in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

“…The questionnaire was translated into local languages Afan Oromo and Amharic and validated to Ethiopian context. As common mental disorders (CMDs) refers to the set of signs and symptoms of non-psychotic depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, considering how challenging it can be to diagnose these disorders in primary care practice, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), a screening instrument to identify suspected CMDs cases in primary care settings [21]. The SRQ-20 has 20 yes/no questions and it has been validated in Ethiopia, with high sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (75.6%) [22].…”

Maternal common mental disorder over time and asthma control: The role of social support

“…These include symptoms of depressive-anxious mood, psychosomatic complaints, decreased vital energy, and depressed thoughts. 15,16 Although highly prevalent globally, CMD is quite often overlooked and may not be identified as psychiatric morbidity in up to two-thirds of cases by health professionals in primary care. 16,17 Other psychosocial factors, such as maternal stress and social support (SS), seem to be associated with asthma morbidity in the child.…”