Promoting Human Rights in Mental Health: Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the WHO QualityRights Training in Brazil

Abstract

Background: Human rights violations in mental healthcare can worsen conditions, while their protection fosters recovery and dignity. The WHO QualityRights training is an important educational tool for empowering health professionals and driving institutional change. Recognizing the need for culturally relevant mental health training materials in Brazil, this study aimed to adapt and validate the WHO QualityRights training modules into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: Seven modules were translated and validated through four stages (translation, synthesis, expert committee review, and pretesting), following models by Beaton et al. (2000) and Pasquali (1998). A total of 42 experts evaluated semantic, idiomatic, and conceptual equivalence using the content validation index (CVI). The pretest involved 21 primary healthcare professionals, who assessed the training’s relevance through closed and open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25, while qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2022). Results: The CVI ranged from 93% to 99% across modules, confirming content validity. During pretesting, 82.6% of participants found the training relevant and applicable to their practice. Responses to open-ended questions revealed three themes, highlighting increased empathy, understanding of human rights-based approaches, and the effectiveness of the training methodology used by facilitators. Conclusions: The results indicate that the material is culturally adapted and ready for implementation in the Brazilian context, with the potential to transform professional practices toward more humane, person-centered care.