Methodological issues in the use of survey questionnaires to assess the health effects of torture.

Abstract

It has become increasingly important to identify torture survivors among subgroups of the American population and to assess the continuing health effects of torture experience. To determine whether survey questionnaires can be effectively used to make such assessments, we reviewed the recent literature on refugee health, on the measurement and treatment of trauma, and in the related areas of survey methodology and cognitive psychology. We conclude that, if properly conducted, the survey approach represents an effective method, and we propose specific recommendations concerning procedures that may be used in surveys of torture survivors to maximize study validity.