Dr. Michalopoulos, David Robertson, Nikita Aggarwal, and colleagues publish an article in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology.
Dr. Michalopoulos and colleagues publish article in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology titled "The Development and Validation of the Global Post Trauma Symptom Scale-Uganda among Trauma-Affected Adults."
Abstract: This study aimed to adapt and validate the Global Post-Trauma Symptom-Item Bank (GPTS-IB) for use among adult caregivers of youth living with HIV in Uganda, addressing the limitations of applying Western-developed post-traumatic stress assessment tools in non-Western contexts. Using a combination of qualitative cognitive interviews and quantitative psychometric analyses, researchers ensured the cultural relevance and validity of the tool. Cognitive interviews with 31 participants confirmed general comprehension of the GPTS-IB, though some items required wording adjustments.
Through item response theory, a shortened version—Global Post-Trauma Symptom Scale-Uganda (GPTSS-U)—was developed, demonstrating strong convergent validity with the PCL-5 and acceptable discriminant validity with the PHQ-9. The GPTSS-U provided the most precise measurement at moderate to severe symptom levels and significantly predicted functional impairment beyond the standard Post Traumatic Stress Checklist-5. These findings indicate that the GPTSS-U is a valid and reliable measure of post-traumatic symptoms among Ugandan caregivers of children with HIV, with potential utility in other non-Western settings lacking culturally validated trauma assessments.