title: The factor structure of the CES-D in a sample of Rwandan genocide survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Past research suggests that culture shapes the way psychopathology is experienced and expressed. Standard psychiatric assessment instruments may therefore not capture the same underlying constructs in different contexts. The present study investigated the factor structure of a standard depression scale in a sample of Rwandan genocide survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred ninety six Rwandan adults provided socio-demographic information and completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D), one of the most widely used self-report instruments assessing depressive symptoms, as part of a larger study on well-being and mental health in Rwanda.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A two-factor solution provided the best fit for these CES-D data. The first factor corresponded to general depressive symptoms (including depressed affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal concerns) and explained 37.20% of the variance. The second factor included items assessing positive affect and explained 8.68% of the variance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The two-factor solution found in the present study deviates from the commonly reported four-factor structure, but is consistent with studies showing that depressed affect and somatic symptoms may not be experienced as distinct in certain non-Western and minority cultural groups.
authors.affiliation: School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, USA.
authors.forename: Justin J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lacasse
authors.forename: Marie J C
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Forgeard
authors.forename: Nuwan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jayawickreme
authors.forename: Eranda
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jayawickreme
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D063365:Genocide / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012432:Rwanda / Q000453:epidemiology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult