Screening for PTSD among Somali adolescent refugees: psychometric properties of the UCLA PTSD Index

J Trauma Stress. 2006 Aug;19(4):547-51. doi: 10.1002/jts.20139.

Abstract

This study presents the psychometric properties for the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Index among a sample of Somali adolescents. Data were derived from a sample of English-speaking Somali adolescent refugees between the ages of 12 and 19 years (n=76). The UCLA PTSD Index showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha=.85). Convergent validity was assessed through bivariate correlations with the Depression Self Rating Scale (r=.72, p<.001) and the War Trauma Screening Scale (r=59, p<.001). Results suggest that the UCLA PTSD Index may be a reliable and valid screening tool for PTSD symptoms for use with Somali adolescent refugees.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • New England
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Psychometrics
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Somalia / ethnology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / prevention & control*
  • Warfare