Table 1 Validated items were adapted from the psychometric instruments.

1

Bodycott’s

Psychological Adjustment

(2 items)

1. “Since returning, how often do you feel emotionally overwhelmed by your experiences?”

2. “Do you feel disconnected or isolated from your family and friends since coming back?”

2

Cultural Reintegration

(1 item)

1. “Do you feel that your time abroad has altered your sense of belonging in Malawi?”

3

GAD-7

Anxiety Severity

(7 items)

1. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge

2. Not being able to stop or control worrying

3. Worrying too much about different things

4. Trouble relaxing

5. Being so restless that it is hard to sit still

6. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable

7. Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen

4

PHQ-9

Depression Severity

(9 items)

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

5. Poor appetite or overeating

6. Feeling bad about yourself

7. Trouble concentrating

8. Psychomotor agitation/retardation

9. Suicidal ideation

5

FWB

Financial Stability

(7 items)

1. “I can make ends meet.”

2. “I am confident that I can handle a major unexpected expense.”

3. “I can meet all of my financial responsibilities.”

5. “I feel financially secure.”

6. “I am satisfied with my current financial situation.”

8. “I worry about my financial situation.”

9. “I feel confident about my financial future.”

6

Job Insecurity Scale

Employment Insecurity

Your employment status: Employed/Not employed/Underemployed)

1. “How likely do you think it is that you will lose your job within the next year?”

2. “Do you feel your current job is secure?”

7

Economic Hardship Index

Economic Hardship

(2 items)

1. “In the last month, how often did you have difficulty paying for necessities?”

2. “Have you had to borrow money to cover basic expenses after returning to Malawi?”

8

SSQ-6

Social Support

(6 items)

1. “How many people do you feel that you can count on for help?”

2. “How many people do you feel close to?”

3. “How many people can you talk to about your personal feelings?”

4. “How often do you get the kind of support you need?”

5. “How satisfied are you with the support you receive?”

6. “How often do others feel available?”

9

PSS

Perceived Stigma

(8 items)

Have you experienced stigma? (Yes/No)

1. “I feel that others judge me negatively because of my situation.”

3. “Others make me feel different because of what has happened to me.”

4. “I worry that people will reject me if they find out about my background.”

6. “I feel that others treat me differently.”

7. “I feel that people look down on me.”

8. “Others view me as less competent.”

9. “I feel unaccepted.”

12. “Others view me negatively due to my history.”

10

SIS

Social Identity

(12 items)

1. “I identify strongly with my community.”

2. “I feel a sense of belonging to my community.”

3. “I feel proud to be part of my community.”

4. “I think of myself as a member of my community.”

5. “Being a member is an important part of who I am.”

6. “I feel emotionally attached to my community.”

9. “My community shares common values.”

10. “I feel connected to traditions.”

11. “I feel included.”

12. “I have an important role.”

13. “I am accepted.”

16. “My community helps define who I am.”

11

CIQ

Community Integration

(7 items)

Rate support from the community (low, medium, and high)

1. “How often do you interact with others in your community?”

2. “How frequently do you participate in community activities?”

3. “Do you feel that you belong to your community?”

12. “Do you feel included or accepted by others?”

13. “How often do you participate in activities outside your home?”

14. “Do you feel your community is supportive?”

15. “Do you feel like an active part of your community?”

12

FSS

Family Support

(6 items)

Rate support from your family (low, medium, and high)

1. “How satisfied are you with the emotional support from your family?”

2. “How often does your family provide emotional comfort?”

3. “How often does your family help with practical tasks?”

6. “How often does your family understand your feelings?”

8. “How often does your family encourage you during difficulties?”

10. “How often does your family offer help during challenges?”

13

ISS

Institutional Support

(5 items)

Rate support from the government (low, medium, and high)

1. “How satisfied are you with government programmes for returnees?”

4. “How effective are government policies in supporting returnees?”

5. “How often is institutional support available?”

7. “Do institutions provide sufficient resources?”

10. “How confident are you in future institutional support?”

14

Other items