Adaptation and validation of two screening instruments of mental health of first grade schoolchildren of Santiago

Authors

  • Myriam George Unidad de Salud Mental, Ministerio de Salud
  • Ximena Siraqyan Centro de Medicina Reproductiva del Adolescente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile
  • Randa Morales Facultad de Ciencias Humanas, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales
  • Flora Barra De La Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Oriente, Universidad de Chile
  • Jorge Rodríguez Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Sur, Universidad de Chile
  • Carmen López Unidad de Salud Mental, Ministerio de Salud
  • Virginia Toledo Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Norte, Universidad de Chile

Abstract

The adaptationand validation of two questionnaires -teacher and parents rating scales- that asses maladaptative behaviors in 1st grade children is described. A sample of 595 children attending seven schools of Santiago was used. The statistical analysis showed acceptable levels of internal consistency for both instruments and a factorial structure for the teacher's scale discriminating different behavioral areas. Finaly standarized norms, separately for males females, were obtained.

Keywords:

Schoolchildren mental health, screening instruments, adaptation and validation