Implementation drivers scale: a new implementation measure to reduce mental health gaps

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Mental Health Implementation Science
• Global Health

Background:

• Mental health programs in low- and middle-income countries face implementation challenges.
• Addressing care gaps requires effective implementation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties and structural validity of the Implementation Drivers Scale (IDS).
• To adapt the IDS for the mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme) in clinical and community settings.
• To propose a validated instrument for supporting mhGAP implementation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 204 participants in Colombia (2022-2023).
• Participants included primary care professionals, national administrative leaders, and community strategy leaders.
• Factor analysis (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Bartlett's Test) and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess validity and reliability.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis confirmed the suitability of the data (KMO=0.861, Bartlett's p<.001).
• Exploratory factor analysis explained 66.781% of the variance, confirming four proposed factors.
• The IDS demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.907) and structural validity.

Conclusions:

• The validated Implementation Drivers Scale (IDS) is suitable for assessing mental health program implementation.
• The IDS can aid in monitoring clinical and community-based mhGAP components in low- and middle-income settings.
• The study provides a robust instrument for similar implementation contexts.