An assessment approach that uses brief semi-structured interviews to develop locally relevant indicators. In a semistructured interview, a central question is asked and discussed, from which themes and assessment data are derived. Following interviews, data is sorted, given thematic names, and eventually molded into assessment indicators by a group of researchers. Once a set of indicators is developed, it will need to first be piloted to test for accuracy in assessing intended areas of MHPSS. Although Brief Ethnographic Interviews can be used singularly, they are encouraged to be used in conjunction with other assessment approaches, such as focus groups and key informant interviews. Each interview takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Bolton, P., & Tang, A. M. (2004). Using ethnographic methods in the selection of post-disaster, mental health interventions. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 19(1), 97-101.
Rasmussen, A., Katoni, B., Keller, A. S., & Wilkinson, J. (2011). Posttraumatic idioms of distress among Darfur refugees: hozun and majnun. Transcultural Psychiatry, 48(4), 392-415.
The Center for Victims of Torture
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http://www.cvt.org/sites/cvt.org/files/attachments/u8/downloads/Brief%20Ethnographic%20Interviewing%20Manual.p
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