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BMC Psychiatry 2012
A rapid screening tool for psychological distress in children 3–6years old: results of a validation studyAbstract: This study was conducted in Maradi, Niger. The scale was translated into Hausa, using corroboration of independent translations. A cross-cultural validation was implemented using quantitative and qualitative methods. A random sample of 580 mothers or caregivers of children 3 to 6 years old were included. The tool was psychometrically examined and diagnostic properties were assessed comparing the PSYCa 3–6 against a clinical interview as the gold standard.The PSYCa 3–6 Hausa version demonstrated good concurrent validity, as scores correlated with the gold standard and the Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S) [rho?=?0.41, p-value?=?0.00]. A reduction procedure was used to reduce the scale from 40 to 22 items. The test-retest reliability of the PSYCa 3–6 was found to be high (ICC 0.81, CI95% [0.68; 0.89]). In our sample, although not the purpose of this study, approximately 54 of 580 children required subsequent follow-up with a psychologist.To our knowledge, this is the first validation of a screening scale for children 3 to 6 years old with a cross-cultural validation component, for use in humanitarian contexts. The Hausa version of the PSYCa 3–6 is a reliable and a valuable screening tool for psychological distress. Further studies to replicate our findings and additional validations of the PSYCa 3–6 in other populations may help improve the delivery of mental health care to children.The mental health needs of young children in humanitarian contexts often remain unaddressed [1-4]. During the acute phase of a humanitarian emergency, and in humanitarian contexts in general, psychological care of children may come far down on the list of priorities. The limited number of both local and international medical professionals combined with the relative lack of mental health professionals in these settings also hinders the implementation of mental health activities [5]. Further, even when mental health professionals are present, they are rarely specialists in yo
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