Interviews versus checklists: Adequacy for classifying childhood psychiatric disorder based on adolescent reports

Author(s): Offord, D. R., Racine, Y. A., Szatmari, P., Sanford, M., Fleming, J. E.

Journal/Book: Int J Meth Psychiatr Res. 1996; 6: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 309-319.

Abstract: To compare the reliability and validity of two types of instruments - a lay-administered structured interview and a self-administered problem checklist - for classifying DSM-III-R categories of childhood psychiatric disorder based on adolescent assessment data in general population samples. Data for the study came from 137 adolescents aged 12-16 years participating in a two-stage measurement evaluation study. Reliability and validity were compared between the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents (DICA-R: a structured interview based on DSM-III-R criteria) and the revised Ontario Child Health Study Scales (OCHS-R: a problem checklist tied to DSM-III-R criteria). Reliability estimates based on kappa went from 0.42 (oppositional defiant disorder) to 0.60 (depression) on the interview and from 0.18 (depression) to 0.58 (conduct disorder) on the checklist. Validity coefficients tended to favour the checklist classifications of disorder. On balance, differences in reliability and validity were small between the lay-administered structured interview and the self-administered problem checklist. These differences would appear to have no discernible impact on the knowledge generated by use of such instruments in epidemiological studies in the general population.

Note: Article Boyle MH, Chedoke Mcmaster Hosp, Ctr Studies Children Risk, Chedoke Div, Patterson Bldg, POB 2000, Stn A, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, CANADA

Keyword(s): classification; childhood disorder; epidemiology; surveys; questionnaires; TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY; DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW; ASSESSMENT CAPA; CHILDREN; HEALTH; SYMPTOMS; BEHAVIOR; PARENT

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