Neuropsychological Testing in a Rural African School-Age Population: Evaluating Contributions to Variability in Test Performance. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kitsao-Wekulo, Patricia K.; Holding, Penny A.; Taylor, H. Gerry; Abubakar, Amina; Connolly, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 20:Number 6(2013)
• Page Start: 776
• Page End: 784
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: neuropsychological tests -- children -- school-age -- psychometric properties -- sub-Saharan Africa -- adaptations; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191112457408
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

This study investigated the psychometric properties of a number of neuropsychological tests adapted for use in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 308 school-age children in a predominantly rural community completed the tests. These tests were developed to assess skills similar to those measured by assessments of cognitive development published for use in Western contexts. Culturally appropriate adaptations were made to enhance within-population variability. Internal consistency ranged from .70 to .84. Scores on individual tests were related to various background factors at the level of the child, household, and neighborhood. School experience was the most consistent predictor of outcome, accounting for up to 22.9% of the variance observed. Significant associations were identified to determine salient background characteristics that should be taken into account when measuring the discrete effects of disease exposure in similar sociocultural and economic settings.