Translation and validation of the Igbo version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale in Nigeria

Abstract

There is growing international interest in the assessment of mental well-being. This study offers lessons learned from the field in the assessment of the validity and the reliability of the Igbo version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (Igbo-WEMWBS) among adult Igbos in areas affected by Hansen's disease in southern Nigeria. The World Health Organization methodologies were applied in translating the WEMWBS into Igbo. The psychometric properties and validity of the Igbo-WEMWBS were analysed. Of the 100 participants enrolled, 74.0% (n=74) were ≤40 y of age and 55.0% (n=55) were females. The total score of the new scale had a mean of 54.05 (95% confidence interval 52.31 to 55.79) and a range of 30-70. It was shown that a one-factor solution was optimal for the Igbo-WEMWBS. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.83 for the Igbo-WEMWBS. The stability of the Igbo-WEMWBS was found to be very high (r=0.96). There was a moderate correlation between the Igbo-WEMWBS and the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. A cut-off score of ≤48.50 was found to be ideal for diagnosing very low mental well-being using the Igbo-WEMWBS. The Igbo-WEMWBS was found to be reliable and valid and can be used to assess mental well-being related to leprosy in the Igbo-speaking population of Nigeria.