Development and psychometric evaluation of child abuse screening tools in children aged 3-6 years in primary health care

Abstract

The aim of this study was development and psychometric evaluation of child abuse screening tools in children aged 3-6 years in primary health care. Materials and Methods: To design the items in the present work, a scientific method was used step by step, which was attended by pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists and medical students in different stages. First, scientific sources were reviewed and screening tools were collected, then based on scientific texts, collected tools and experiences of the people present The items of each area of child abuse were designed based on general characteristics, then with this guide the basic items for each area were written. In the next step, during several sessions, the items of each area were finalized with appropriate words and sentences. Results: Finally, 101 parent items and 94 child items were designed. For each item, parent-child response, reports, evaluator observation, and evaluator judgment including observation and inference are considered, and risk factors, complications, and signs of child abuse are check listed. The final items along with the symptoms and risk factors were sent to 15 psychologist and psychiatrists, to which 10 peoples responded and CVR of each item are determined and a number of items were deleted. In the second round, the remaining items were sent to 10 Delphi members and CVI of items are determined. The mean value of CVR calculated for questionnaire was 0.64 and the mean value of CVI was 0.84. Finally, after determining CVR and CVI, final items were form as a questionnaire, which included 28 child items and 55 parent items. The reports, judgments, risk factors and symptoms were written as check list.