Reliability and Validity of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) in Emerging Adults in Three African Countries

The prevalence of mental disorders in adults in sub-Saharan Africa is particularly high with rates ranging from 20% to 60% for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many emerging adults in Africa face economic, social, political, cultural, and health challenges placing them at increased risk for mental health and well-being challenges. Mental health concerns generally manifest in adolescence and young adulthood. However, substantially more research exists on adolescence compared to young or emerging adults. Being able to empirically assess mental health and psychological well-being in emerging adults is paramount for clinical diagnoses and intervention. Therefore, this study will evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) using data collected in the Africa Long Life Study with approximately 2500 participants aged 18–19 years from Kenya, Namibia and South Africa. Reliability will be assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega coefficients and the explained common variance index. Construct validity will be evaluated by using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modelling for one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor hierarchical and bifactor models. Cross-cultural validity will be examined by evaluating the measurement invariance across the three countries as well as across gender.