Serial Pediatric Symptom Checklist Screening in Children

2011

Toni M. Whitaker
[email protected]
901-448-6511

To examine screening results obtained by serial annual behavioral assessment of children with prenatal drug exposure. Method: The Maternal Lifestyle Study enrolled children with prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) at birth for longitudinal assessments of developmental, behavioral, and health outcomes. At 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 years of age, caregivers rated participants on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). Serial PSC results were compared with an established broad-based behavioral measure at 9, 11, and 13 years. PSC results were analyzed for 1081 children who had at least 2 annual screens during the 5-year time span. Most subjects (87%) had 4 or more annual screens rated by the same caregiver (80%). PSC scores (and Positive screens) over time were compared at different time points for those with and without PCE. Covariates, including demographic factors and exposures to certain other substances, were controlled. Results: Children with PCE had significantly higher scores.

behavior disorder, child behavior, mental health, screening

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals

http://journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/Fulltext/2011/04000/Serial_Pediatric_Symptom_Checklist_Screening_in.

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