The Cultural Adaptation of the DISC-IV: Appropriateness for Sotho-Speaking South Africans

ABSTRACT: The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV) has been designed for use by trained laypersons so it can be used in developing countries including South Africa. We examine the sociocultural appropriateness of the DISC-IV for Sesotho families. In-depth individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with Sesotho clinicians who used the DISC-IV. The clinicians found it to be a rigorous assessment tool offering new insights into their patients’ mental capacities. Concerns were raised about its length and structure, norms, and gaps in diagnostic criteria specific to the Sesotho community. With adaptation the DISC-IV could make a valuable contribution to their assessment tools.