Adaptation of a neurobehavioral test battery for Thai children

Juthasiri Rohitrattana; Wattasit Siriwong; Panrapee Suittiwan; Mark G Robson; Pam Ohman Strickland; Diane S Rohlman; Nancy Fiedler

Adaptation of a neurobehavioral test battery for Thai children

Journal article

Open access

Adaptation of a neurobehavioral test battery for Thai children

Juthasiri Rohitrattana, Wattasit Siriwong, Panrapee Suittiwan, Mark G Robson, Pam Ohman Strickland, Diane S Rohlman and Nancy Fiedler

Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, Vol.65(3), pp.205-212

2014

PMCID: PMC4243443

PMID: 25247800

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Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Exposure to neurotoxicants is a world wide problem with significant health implications for child development. In spite of higher neurotoxicant exposures, many developing countries do not have established neuropsychological instruments. This study evaluated the adaptation and reliability of a computer and examiner administered Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) that includes tests of motor speed and dexterity, attention, memory, and visuospatial coordination for use in Thailand. To assess test-retest and alternate form reliability, BARS was administered to 24 healthy, 6-8 year old urban Thai children during two testing sessions two weeks apart. A comparison group of 29 healthy, rural Thai children of similar age and sex completed the BARS as part of another study and comprised a comparison group. Test-retest reliabilities for tests without alternate forms ranged from 0.41 to 0.77, but reliabilities were lower for tests with alternate forms (0.11 to 0.83). Paired t-tests revealed few significant differences in group performance between test administrations. Performance of urban Thai participants was compared to 29 rural Thai participants of similar age and sex. Parental education was significantly greater for urban vs. rural participants, resulting in significant differences in performance on tests of motor speed. This study supports the use of BARS for epidemiologic studies of neurotoxicants in Thailand, but highlights the sensitivity of these tests to differences in parental education and the need for improved alternate test forms.

Thailand

Environmental Pollutants - adverse effects

Reproducibility of Results

Humans

Neuropsychological Tests - standards

Male

Psychomotor Performance - drug effects

Urban Population

Cognition - drug effects

Psychomotor Performance - physiology

Rural Population

Cognition - physiology

Female

Child Behavior - drug effects

Child

Child Behavior - physiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Adaptation of a neurobehavioral test battery for Thai children
Creators: Juthasiri Rohitrattana - College of Public Health Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Institute Building 2-3, Soi Chulalongkorn 62, Phyathai Rd, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Wattasit Siriwong
Panrapee Suittiwan
Mark G Robson
Pam Ohman Strickland
Diane S Rohlman
Nancy Fiedler
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, Vol.65(3), pp.205-212
PMID: 25247800
PMCID: PMC4243443
NLM abbreviation: Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig
ISSN: 0035-7715
Publisher: Poland
Grant note: R01 ES020522 / NIEHS NIH HHS R21 ES018722 / NIEHS NIH HHS D43 TW007849 / FIC NIH HHS P30 ES005022 / NIEHS NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 2014
Academic Unit: Occupational and Environmental Health; International Programs; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9983997364402771

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