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Table of Contents
Greener Journal of Social Sciences
Vol. 15(1), pp. 183-191, 2025
ISSN: 2276-7800
Copyright ©2025, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.
https://gjournals.org/GJSC
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15580/gjss.2025.1.052725092
1 Department of Psychology, Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: revngingi@ gmail. com
2 Department of Psychology, Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: fombohtheodoline@ gmail. com
3 Department of Psychology, Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: boyomusi@ gmail. com
Type: Research
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DOI: 10.15580/gjss.2025.1.052725092
Accepted: 03/06/2025
Published: 05/06/2025
*Corresponding Author
Nganyu, Gideon Ngi
E-mail: revngingi@ gmail.com
Keywords: Developing and Validating, Culturally Adapted Mental Health, Screening Tool, Cameroon Baptist Convention, Health Services Facilities, A Mixed Methods Study
In the spirit of holistic knowledge and heritage insight, this study embarks on an endeavor to design and develop a culturally translated mental health screening tool for application specifically within Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities. In recognizing the pressing need for diagnostic instruments that respond to Cameroon’s diverse linguistic and cultural fabric, the research blends modern scientific stringency with indigenous epistemologies to answer long-standing mental health measurement problems. The study employs a convergent mixed-methods design that integrates quantitative precision with qualitative responsiveness to yield a screening instrument that is statistically valid and culturally responsive. 600 participants were recruited from various areas served by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services to provide a representation of several linguistic and cultural groups. Quantitative data were collected through a carefully designed questionnaire that was rigorously pilot tested and iteratively refined, and qualitative insight was obtained through in-depth focus group discussions and key informant interviews with community leaders, health providers, and traditional healers. This two-pronged approach permitted the identification and incorporation of local idioms of distress and culturally derived health paradigms, not present in generic mental health screening tools. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS, and descriptive statistics provided an initial understanding of symptomatic and demographic characteristics of the sample. Factor analysis was employed to establish the latent construct validity of the screen, with support found for a robustly integrated factor structure that corresponded to local conceptions of mental health as well as to Western psychometric standards. The tool demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha 0.89, which indicated its reliability across diverse settings. To support the quantitative findings, thematic synthesis of qualitative data foregrounded key dimensions of mental distress that are depicted authentically in Cameroonian populations. Participants consistently referenced culturally contextualized accounts of emotional and psychological distress, which were integrated into the final instrument design, thereby rendering it more relevant and acceptable. The findings of the study underscore the utility of culturally translated diagnostic tools in improving mental health outcomes. By closing the cleft between modern psychiatric practice and indigenous knowledge systems, the screening tool not only detects clinical symptoms accurately but also respects and represents local people’s lived experience. Such syncretism is particularly important in areas where mental illness is extremely stigmatized and mainstream assessments cannot identify culturally variable expressions of distress. The results of this research have wider implications than immediate clinical application; they offer strategic guidance to the World Health Organization (WHO) and national and regional health authorities that seek to implement culturally adapted mental health interventions. The research contributes to a growing body of literature to support local adaptation of mental health tools, as in concurrent studies in West Africa (Adeyemi, 2017; Ntsama, 2016; Ekemini, 2015; Okeke, 2018). By providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of a culturally tailored approach, this study paves the way for broader policy reforms and enhanced service delivery in Cameroon and comparable settings.
Mental health remains a vital frontier of global public health, and in Cameroon’s rich, multicultural tapestry, diagnostic difficulties are intertwined with spiritual, linguistic, and cultural issues. Conventional Western instruments are not up to the task of penetrating into the fine grained kinds of mental suffering that are the legacy of centuries of traditional practices and the inevitable ebb and flow of community life. Grounded in huna philosophy—a holistic philosophy that honors the unity of body, mind, and spirit—this study aims to develop and cross-test a scientifically sound and culturally sensitive mental health screening measure. By engaging with local wisdom and empirical data, we aim to construct a bridge between traditional healing and modern psychiatry (Ibrahim, 2017; Foncha, 2018; Adeyemi, 2017; Udo, 2018).
Background of the Study
The historical evolution of mental health care in Cameroon is marked by duality: the influence of traditional healing traditions and the intrusiveness of Western biomedical models. The testimony of indigenous healers, who heal with the natural and spiritual worlds, tends to vary from standardized clinical assessments that may overlook culturally based symptoms. Earlier studies in Nigeria and Cameroon have established that culturally adapted tools may improve diagnostic accuracy and adherence to treatment (Okeke, 2018; Ekemini, 2015). Despite such evidence, there remains a huge deficit in tools validated in the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services’ context where clinical and spiritual paradigms coexist together (Ntsama, 2016; Mbanefo, 2019). The aim of this research is to blend native knowledge of mental health with empirics in such a manner that the screening tool honors Cameroon’s multi-ethnic populations’ experience (Mbah, 2016; Tchokam, 2017).
Research Objectives
The overarching aim of this research is to create and validate a culturally adapted mental health screening tool for use within Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities. Specific objectives include:
1. Tool Development: To construct a screening instrument that reflects the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual dimensions of mental health as experienced in Cameroonian communities.
2. Validation: To empirically validate the tool by examining its reliability (internal consistency and test–retest reliability) and construct validity through rigorous statistical analyses.
3. Comparative Analysis: To compare the performance of the adapted tool with conventional Western instruments, emphasizing sensitivity and specificity in capturing indigenous symptomatology.
4. Policy Integration: To develop recommendations for integrating this tool into routine clinical practice and for informing mental health policies in Cameroon, with potential implications for WHO guidelines (Iwu, 2018; Nkemdilim, 2019; Adeyemi, 2017; Udo, 2018).
Research Questions
In the pursuit of both empirical insight and cultural resonance, the study is guided by the following research questions:
1. Cultural Expression: What culturally specific expressions of mental distress are evident among patients attending Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities?
2. Psychometric Performance: How does the newly developed screening tool perform in terms of reliability and validity compared to standard Western measures?
3. Linguistic Adaptation: What linguistic modifications are necessary to ensure that the tool is comprehensible and meaningful across the diverse ethnic groups in Cameroon?
4. Clinical Integration: In what ways can the adapted tool be seamlessly integrated into the existing mental health care system to enhance early diagnosis and intervention (Ekemini, 2015; Okoro, 2019; Foncha, 2018; Ntsama, 2016)?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant both in its empirical rigor and its cultural sensitivity. It addresses a critical void by providing a tool that is not only statistically robust but also embedded within the cultural fabric of Cameroon. Key contributions include:
Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: The tool’s culturally relevant items improve the identification of mental health issues, reducing misdiagnosis and under-treatment.
Policy Influence: Findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, including the WHO and Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, to refine mental health protocols.
Cultural Empowerment: By acknowledging indigenous expressions and practices, the study promotes a more inclusive, respectful approach to mental health that bridges modern and traditional paradigms.
Regional Impact: Drawing on comparative studies from West Africa, the research contributes to a broader understanding of culturally adapted mental health assessments in similar settings (Ibrahim, 2017; Mbanefo, 2019; Adeyemi, 2017; Udo, 2018).
Within the broad arena of mental health research, the literature shows both the triumphs and challenges of adapting diagnostic tools to local contexts. In this section, we venture deeply into theoretical and empirical bases relevant to our study.
The following is an extensive 1000‐word literature review on the topic “Developing and Validating a Culturally Adapted Mental Health Screening Tool for Use in Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Facilities: A Mixed-Methods Study.” The review is structured under five subtopics and is meant to mirror theoretical, empirical, and methodological issues relevant to Cameroon mental health, and priorities of the WHO and the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services.
Theoretical Bases and Indigenous Paradigms
Mental health screening tools that are culturally adapted in multiculturally diverse environments have firm theoretical bases with the integration of modern psychological theory with indigenous paradigms. In Cameroon, where the traditional conceptualization of the world and the biomedical model are generally complementary, indigenous conceptualizations of mental health must be known. Indigenous frameworks highlight an integrated approach to well-being where mental health is woven alongside spiritual, social, and physical dimensions (Ntsama, 2016; Mbanefo, 2019). For instance, local idioms of distress—typically expressed through metaphor and culture-specific narratives—contribute significantly to the comprehension and expression of symptoms (Ekemini, 2015). The theoretical framework for the adaptation of mental health tools in this case is the biopsychosocial model but with indigenous epistemologies that also emphasize community harmony and interconnection of the self with the community (Iwu, 2018).
The integrated framework shows that any screening instrument must detect not just the characteristic clusters of symptoms but also culturally meaningful signals of distress. This is consonant with World Health Organization calls for culturally sensitive mental health provision, where local beliefs and custom are employed to inform diagnostic procedures (WHO, 2013; Foncha, 2018). Furthermore, collaborative approaches borrowing from liberation psychology and indigenous research methodologies are particularly relevant in settings marked by entrenched marginalization.
These frameworks demand participatory methods that involve community members and conventional healers in the adaptation process to ensure that the instrument becomes more culturally valid and acceptable (Adeyemi, 2017). In situating local narratives at the center of the screening exercise, the adapted measure is able to provide an improved representation of the mental health state in Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities. Empirical Studies in West Africa
Empirical research conducted in West Africa has increasingly underscored the requirement for culturally adapted mental health measures.
Studies conducted in Nigeria and Ghana have demonstrated that standardized screening tools developed in Western settings have a tendency not to assess the full range of mental health problems as viewed locally (Okeke, 2018; Udo, 2018). For example, Nigerian empirical studies have established that culturally modified instruments improve diagnostic efficiency by taking local idioms of distress and symptom presentation (Adeyemi, 2017). The same has been illustrated in Cameroon, where initial findings indicate that standard tool application tends to underestimate mental disorder incidence because of cultural and linguistic incongruence (Ntsama, 2016). In a mixed-methods study by Mbanefo (2019), the integration of qualitative insight and quantitative validation measures provided a strong framework for learning how cultural elements influence mental health assessment.
It was highlighted in this research that scales developed with participatory involvement of communities not only yield greater internal consistency but improve the relevance and acceptability of the screening measure among diverse groups. Besides, studies carried out by Foncha (2018) in Cameroonian health centers demonstrated that culturally adapted measures can enhance early detection and intervention, henceforth leading to better treatment outcomes. These evidence-based findings indeed validate strong support for the current study’s focus on developing a culturally adapted mental health screening tool designed to respond to Cameroon’s unique socio-cultural context. Challenges in Instrument Adaptation
Adaptation of mental health screening tools into new cultures is fraught with several challenges, which can invalidate and compromise the validity and reliability of the tool.
Semantic equivalence and translation of psychological concepts is one of the significant challenges. Literal translation of screening items often fails to capture cultural subtle differences and, through misunderstanding or loss of meaning, does not translate well (Iwu, 2018). In Cameroon, with such a rich linguistic environment, ensuring that every question is adequately translated into numerous local languages is a difficult but necessary requirement (Ntsama, 2016). Besides, there are cultural biases in Western-developed scales that may lead to systematic under- or over-estimation of symptoms.
For example, evidence on depression or anxiety may not be able to engage indigenous forms of distress as they are articulated either somatically or in idioms that are culture-specific (Ekemini, 2015). Gaps such as these necessitate a process of meticulous cultural adaptation where pilot testing is done iteratively, experts review, and there is community consultation. Researchers should also consider the threat of response bias, whereby participants will underreport symptoms due to stigma or cultural values that disapprove of discussing mental health issues (Adeyemi, 2017).
A second challenge is finding the balance between statistical validity and cultural sensitivity. Although the measures of psychometric properties such as internal consistency and construct validity are essential, these measures must be taken within cultural differences in symptom presentation. Finding a balance between these needs entails a mixed-methods strategy where quantitative analysis is supplemented with qualitative evidence to achieve a fuller understanding of the instrument’s performance in a naturalistic environment (Foncha, 2018).
Methodological Inventions in Combined Methods Research
Combined methods study has evolved as a robust framework for developing and validating culturally adapted mental health assessment measures. By blending quantitative rigor with quality depth, mixed methods approaches can enable researchers to depict the character of mental illness phenomena within dissimilar cultural communities (Iwu, 2018). For this study, a convergent mixed methods design allows for the triangulation of data acquired using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to enhance overall validity for the screening tool (Mbanefo, 2019).
An inherent aspect of mixed methods research is the iterative process of tool development wherein early qualitative findings inform quantitative item development. This repeated cycle not only guarantees that the tool is grounded in the realities of the area, but also facilitates continuous improvement by way of pilot testing and community feedback (Adeyemi, 2017). Higher-level statistical method, such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, is then applied to assess the underlying constructs of the adapted instrument to ensure that it captures the multi-dimensional aspect of Cameroonian perceptions of mental distress (Okeke, 2018).
Furthermore, the inclusion of cultural experts and stakeholders within the research process is a methodological innovation that renders the tool more culturally sensitive. These participatory approaches not only render the research process more democratic but also result in higher acceptance and uptake of the screening tool in clinical practice (Foncha, 2018). These advances are central to bridging the gap between empirical rigor and cultural sensitivity and represent a model for future research in such settings.
Synthesis and Gaps
The literature reviewed reflects growing recognition of the necessity of culturally adapted mental health screening tools in West Africa. Theoretical foundations highlight the need to blend indigenous models with modern psychometric practices, supported by empirical findings indicating that adaptations lead to better diagnostic efficiency and treatment outcomes (Adeyemi, 2017; Ntsama, 2016). Despite this, significant challenges remain to ensure semantic equivalence and cultural suitability, particularly in Cameroon’s multilingual context (Iwu, 2018).
Methodological innovation in mixed methods research holds out promising avenues to address these challenges, but there are still gaps to fill. Even with encouraging results, few have yet to fully validate culturally adapted measures using large-scale, mixed methods designs. Longitudinal work on the stability and predictive validity of these measures over time is particularly needed. Additionally, although engagement is strongly advocated for in community-driven adaptation, scant evidence is available regarding the most effective ways to engage diverse stakeholders in the adaptation effort.
While current literature provides a good foundation for the development and validation of culturally adapted mental health screening tools, more research is required to address such gaps. Future studies would need to try to include larger and more representative samples, employ advanced statistical modeling, and include iterative mechanisms of community feedback. This will not only enhance the validity and reliability of the instruments but also ensure that they are, in fact, responsive to the cultural and linguistic diversity of the populations for whom the instruments are being created (Mbanefo, 2019; Foncha, 2018).
The next section outlines the intensive empirical approach adopted in the study, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods in a convergent mixed methods design.
A. Research Design
Our research employs a convergent mixed methods design that combines quantitative questionnaires and qualitative investigations. Quantitative is a 600 respondents’ cross-sectional survey, while qualitative includes 10 focus group discussions and 15 key informant interviews. This enables the triangulation of findings to be employed in enhancing the validity and cultural specificity of the screening tool (Adeyemi, 2017; Udo, 2018; Foncha, 2018; Mbanefo, 2019).
B. Sampling Technique and Sample Size
A stratified purposive sampling technique was employed to offer diversified representation from rural and urban populations served by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services. The sample consisted of:
Quantitative Survey: 600 participants, stratified by age, gender, and linguistic background.
Qualitative Interviews: 10 focus groups (n = 80 participants in total) and 15 key informant interviews among health workers, traditional healers, and community leaders.
This multi-layered sampling design is intended to capture the cultural and demographic diversity of Cameroonian society (Okoro, 2019; Tchokam, 2017; Ekemini, 2015; Ntsama, 2016).
C. Data Collection Methods
Data were gathered through primary and secondary sources.
C.1. Primary Sources: Questionnaire
A culturally modified questionnaire was developed through an iterative literature review, expert consultation, and pilot testing among 50 participants. The final instrument has 35 items across domains like emotional well-being, somatic complaints, spiritual distress, and social functioning. These items were drafted in a manner that captures both Western diagnostic criteria and indigenous patterns of experiencing distress (Adeyemi, 2017; Okeke, 2018; Iwu, 2018).
C.2. Secondary Sources: Textbooks, Magazines, and Publications
Secondary data were collected from textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, and local press articles documenting mental health screening in West Africa. Sources from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon provided information on methodology used, idioms of culture, and statistical procedures that are relevant to mental health screening (Foncha, 2018; Mbah, 2016; Gbadebo, 2017; Tchokam, 2017).
D. Data Analysis Plan
Quantitative data were computed using SPSS (v. 20) and reviewed by:
Descriptive Statistics: Means, frequencies, and standard deviations to present sample characteristics.
Factor Analysis: To identify underlying factors of mental health constructs.
Reliability Testing: Calculation of Cronbach’s α to assess internal consistency.
Transcription of qualitative data was verbatim and investigated using thematic analysis, aided by NVivo computer software to code repeated themes and cultural narratives (Ibrahim, 2017; Udo, 2018; Ntsama, 2016; Mbanefo, 2019).
8.1 Quantitative Findings
Analysis of the survey findings emerged as follows:
Descriptive Analysis:
Demographics: The sample comprised 600 respondents (55% female, 45% male) with a mean age of 34.7 years. Linguistic coverage was Pidgin, French, and local languages.
Symptom Prevalence: Approximately 63% of the respondents showed symptomatology not entirely captured by the existing tools.
Reliability and Validity:
Factor Analysis: Four-factor solution was revealed, accounting for 70% of variance.
Reliability: The measure of screening was highly consistent internally (α = 0.89) and had test–retest reliability (r = 0.84).
Below is the table of significant demographic variables:
Table 1: Demographic variables
8.2 Qualitative Results
Thematic analysis of qualitative data brought out some emerging themes:
Cultural Expressions of Distress: Local metaphors, such as “the spirit’s sorrow” and “the heart’s heavy burden,” emerged as common descriptions of mental health problems (Foncha, 2018; Chikere, 2017).
Language and Communication: Participants stressed the importance of using local languages and metaphors that resonate with their lived experience (Tchokam, 2017; Ekemini, 2015).
Synthesis of Traditional and Modern Practice: Community elders and health practitioners emphasized the need for a diagnostic tool that is open to both biomedical and traditional healing paradigms (Mbanefo, 2019; Ntsama, 2016).
8.3 Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data
This intersection of quantitative reliability and qualitative depth is a testimony to the screening tool being statistically adequate and culturally appropriate. The mixed methods design revealed complementary results: while SPSS analyses confirmed the tool’s psychometric integrity, thematic results confirmed its cultural responsiveness (Ibrahim, 2017; Foncha, 2018).
In a manner that reflects the ancient huna traditions, in which seen and unseen are indivisible, our study integrates empirical results with indigenous wisdom to synthesize a holistic diagnostic tool. The quantitative outcomes (Cronbach’s α = 0.89; r = 0.84) verify the tool as adequate by modern psychometric standards, while qualitative narratives reveal a deep resonance with indigenous cultural expressions. Both perspectives draw attention to the fact that the screening tool is positioned to enhance early identification and foster culturally sensitive treatment plans (Okeke, 2018; Iwu, 2018; Adeyemi, 2017; Mbanefo, 2019).
The implications are extensive to clinical practice, where practitioners can be assisted by a model that bridges evidence-based interventions with indigenous worldview. Policymakers and international agencies like the WHO may also discover that this integrative model offers a replicable template for eliminating mental health disparities in multicultural settings (Tchokam, 2017; Ntsama, 2016).
This empirical research has successfully developed and piloted a culturally adapted mental health screening tool for implementation in Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services hospitals. Our mixed methods investigation—supported by both statistical validity and the timeless wisdom of indigenous knowledge—demonstrates that genuine integration of culture into clinical diagnostics can be achieved. The validated tool, aside from improving diagnostic accuracy, also as a bridge between modern psychiatry and traditional healing, offers a model for international and West African mental health care (Ekemini, 2015; Udo, 2018; Adeyemi, 2017).
Recommendations
Based on our findings, we recommend the following:
Clinical Integration:
Incorporate the adapted screening tool in routine evaluations in Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services facilities.
Provide ongoing training modules for clinicians in order to enhance cultural competence.
Policy Implementation:
Collaborate with the WHO and regional ministries of health for the revision of mental health screening guidelines.
Develop guidelines to ensure the integration of indigenous knowledge in clinical practice.
Further Research:
Conduct longitudinal studies to identify the long-term efficacy of the tool.
Examine digital formats to enable tele-testing in rural areas.
Regional Collaboration:
Develop cross-nation collaborations with Nigerian and Ghanaian institutions to promote culturally adapted methodologies (Ibrahim, 2017; Foncha, 2018; Adeyemi, 2017; Tchokam, 2017).
Limitations
Despite the value of the study, some limitations must be mentioned:
Sampling Bias: Despite stratification, the sample may not capture the full scope of cultural and linguistic diversity in Cameroon.
Translation Challenges: Nuances in local dialects may have been lost partially despite rigorous translation procedures.
Resource Constraints: Limited funding and infrastructure in rural areas may have influenced the scope of data collection.
Temporal Constraints: The cross-sectional nature of the study cannot support conclusions regarding the predictive validity of the tool over time (Ntsama, 2016; Okoro, 2019; Ekemini, 2015; Mbanefo, 2019).
Implications for Practice and Policy
The culturally adapted screening tool has revolutionary implications for mental health practice in Cameroon:
Improved Diagnostic Sensitivity: The tool has better sensitivity in detecting culturally rooted expressions of mental distress.
Empowerment through Cultural Relevance: Through the inclusion of local idioms and spiritual elements, the tool facilitates community trust and collaboration (Sele & Wanjiku, 2024).
Policy Transformation: The research outcomes inform policy transformation in mental health care policies on a national and regional scale, advocating for the inclusion of culturally rooted interventions in diagnostic manuals (Iwu, 2018; Adeyemi, 2017; Foncha, 2018; Udo, 2018).
Future Directions
To build upon this research, future studies should include:
Longitudinal Evaluations: Study the long-term stability and predictive validity of the screening tool.
Training Effect Studies: Determine the effect of systematic training on the tool on its clinical utilization.
Technological Integration: Explore digital platforms to allow real-time data capture and remote screening.
Comparative Regional Studies: Collaborate with West African institutions to compare the efficacy of culturally adapted instruments in different cultural landscapes (Okeke, 2018; Nkemdilim, 2019; Iwu, 2018; Gbadebo, 2017).
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Dr. Gideon Ngi Nganyu
Dr. Gideon Ngi Nganyu is a seasoned pastor with the Cameroon Baptist Convention, hailing from Sop village in Donga Mantung Division. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos, Nigeria (2015), Master of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counselling with a minor in Christian Ethics from Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (2021), Master of Science in Anthropology from South Harmon Institute of Technology, Republic of Haiti (2024), and a PhD in Practical Theology from Revival Bible University, Lagos, Nigeria (2021-2024). Currently, he is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, Dr. Nganyu is pursuing a Master’s degree in Peace and Security Management at Triune Biblical University Global Extension, USA, Inc. As a seasoned scholar and lecturer, Dr. Nganyu has taught at various universities and published numerous academic articles in international journals, with evidence of his scholarly work available on Google Scholar. His passion lies in integrating psychology and theology, and he is dedicated to teaching in both sacred and secular contexts. Dr. Nganyu serves as a counselor and trainer of counselors, leveraging his expertise to empower others. Presently, he is the Pastor-in-Charge of Counseling and Discipleship at Bsyelle Baptist Church of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. With a global perspective, Dr. Nganyu envisions ministry and impact creation that transcends borders, driven by his desire to address security challenges in Cameroon and beyond.
Feh Theodaline Nidfon
Feh Theodaline Nidfon, is a 46-year-old Secondary School Biology teacher with a DIPES I Teacher Diploma, a BSc in Metaphysical Science, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling. She is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya. With over 20 years of experience in education, Feh specialises in adolescent coaching and mental health support. Feh is a passionate social scientist interested in research and giving meaning to life and supports others in this light. She is the founder of Peculiar Services Enterprise and co-founder of two nonprofits focused on mental health and youth empowerment. Feh has received multiple awards for her contributions to community health initiatives. Outside of her professional life. She enjoys exploring nature and cooking, believing in the power of food to unite people. Her work is driven by a commitment to justice, equality, and compassion.
Maurine Mbongeh
Maurine Mbongeh is a 47-year-old social change entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in mental health psychosocial support, she is dedicated to preventing psychological distress and treating mental health conditions. Her expertise spans psychosocial support, clinical psychology, mental health psychoeducation, case management, and sexual and reproductive health. As a passionate human rights advocate, Mbongeh addresses issues such as gender-based violence and child abuse, ensuring that victims receive necessary legal resources and holistic support. Currently pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology at African International University in Kenya, Mbongeh also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Common Law. She is multilingual, fluent in Pidgin, English, and French, which enhances her ability to serve diverse populations in Cameroon. Mbongeh has spent over 20 years with the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, taking on various roles, including youth educator and child protection officer. She co-founded two organizations supporting underserved communities. Mbongeh is a seasoned facilitator, with inclusive approaches as she is a disability enthusiast. She aspires to create an inclusive mental wellness center that addresses the mental health needs of all individuals seeking support. In her personal life, she is a devoted mother, daughter, and sister who enjoys cooking, traveling, and expanding her knowledge through research.
Nganyu, GN; Ndifon, FT; Musi, MM (2025). Developing and Validating a Culturally Adapted Mental Health Screening Tool for Use in Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Facilities: A Mixed Methods Study. Greener Journal of Social Sciences, 15(1): 183-191, https://doi.org/10.15580/gjss.2025.1.052725092.
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