Assessment and challenges of the use of assessment tools across cultures

Le résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Somatization is highly prevalent and disabling, and leads to high primary care utilization. The number, diversity, and expression of somatic symptoms are highly influenced by culture. Measurement of somatic symptoms can be very challenging because of the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition, the qualitative and subjective nature of symptoms, and difficulties in quantifying the pattern, attribution, and frequency. Currently available instruments for assessment vary widely in their focus and time frame of assessments, and have several limitations. While several clinician-rated, self-report, and diagnostic instruments are available to assess somatic symptoms, there is a dearth of instruments that will lend themselves to culturally informed and sensitive assessment. This chapter aims to delve into the challenges in assessment of somatization and limitations of currently available instruments. This chapter discusses and examines some commonly used instruments with a cultural lens, summarizes the findings, and provides future directions.

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