Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Yasara Manori SAMARAKOON, WCO Sri Lanka Yasara Manori SAMARAKOON, 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Sumal Nandasena Provincial Directorate of Health Services, Western Province, Sri Lanka Sumal Nandasena
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Feasibility Testing and Validation of the Flexible Interview for ICD-11 (FLII-11) Adult Epi version for the Mental Health Survey in Sri Lanka |
| Public title | Testing and validation of the Flexible Interview for ICD-11 (FLII-11) tool for the mental health survey in Sri Lanka |
| Background | Sri Lanka's mental health landscape is burdened by the residual effects of civil conflict and recent socio-economic challenges, leading to an increased prevalence of mental health disorders. The current systems in place are insufficient to address the complex needs arising from such conditions. This proposal introduces the FLII-11 as a means to bridge this gap by providing a culturally sensitive and scientifically robust tool for mental health evaluation. It emphasizes the critical need for tools that are adapted to local languages—Sinhala and Tamil—to ensure effective communication and accurate diagnosis. The Flexible Interview for ICD-11 (FLII-11) is a sophisticated diagnostic tool tailored to support the evaluation of mental health disorders in alignment with the World Health Organization’s 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). |
| Objectives | The primary objectives are to culturally adapt the FLII-11 for Sinhala and Tamil languages, assess the tool's feasibility in local contexts, and validate its accuracy and reliability against established diagnostic standards. By achieving these objectives, the project aims to enhance the effectiveness of mental health services in Sri Lanka and contribute to the global understanding of mental health assessments across diverse cultural settings. |
| Study Methods | The methodology is divided into two main components: 1. Cultural Adaptation and Feasibility Testing: Translating the FLII-11 and the interviewer Experience Questionnaire (IEQ) into Sinhala and Tamil ensures the translations are culturally and linguistically appropriate. The process includes forward translation, synthesis of translations, and backward translation by native speakers knowledgeable in mental health terminology. The goal is to maintain the content's validity while making it accessible and relevant to different regions within Sri Lanka. 2. Validation Study: The validation component focuses on recruiting adult participants, both from clinical settings and the general population, to ensure a comprehensive assessment across varied mental health states. This stage assesses the criterion validity and inter-rater reliability of the FLII-11, employing statistical analyses to compare the tool's outputs against psychiatrist diagnoses (gold standard). Sample size and methodology adjustments are made based on resource limitations, operational feasibility, and practical considerations. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | By completing this study, it is expected to validate the FLII-11 for local languages in Sri Lanka. The validated tool for Sri Lanka could be used for the National Mental Health Survey to assess the mental health burden in Sri Lanka and develop effective interventions for the next health policy cycle in Sri Lanka. Thus, Sri Lanka will be able to fulfill national requirements. |
| Keywords | Flexible Interview for ICD-11, feasibility testing, validation |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Oct-2024 |
| End Date | 28-Feb-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | First Rate Strategies, Sri Lanka |
| Multi-country research | Yes |
| Sri Lanka | |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Non-communicable Disease, |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Under Review |