Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist in preschool children in Serbia

Abstract

Aim To demonstrate the use of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) as a tool for screening problems in psychosocial development in preschool children in Serbia. Methods The form was filled out by parents to 269 children. The statistical and metric characteristics of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist were analyzed, while cut-off values were compared with the values reported from other countries. Results The PSC scale filled out by parents was found to have acceptable reliability in our sample of preschool children. A high level of reliability of the scale was achieved (α = 0.86). Average values on the scale were lower than in other analyses. There was no statistically significant difference in behavioral traits in regards to children's gender (p=0.53). Factor analysis of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist scale (promax solution) established an existence of a general factor. This general factor is structured with internal and external behavioral traits, as well as with impulsiveness and attention deficit in preschool children. Based on our cut-off value, the need of further follow up was established in 10.4% of study children (n=28, 17 male and 11 female). Conclusions The study revealed that the PSC filled out by parents is a good tool for early and rapid identification of potential problems of psychosocial functioning of preschool children. It should be noted that a positive PSC score was not a diagnosis but an indication for additional analysis and assessment of the children and their families.