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Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Adaptation and standardization of a Western tool for assessing child development in non-Western low-income context

Authors: Teklu Gemechu Abessa, Berhanu Nigussie Worku, Mekitie Wondafrash Kibebew, Jan Valy, Johan Lemmens, Herbert Thijs, Wondwosen Kasahun Yimer, Patrick Kolsteren, Marita Granitzer

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Due to lack of culturally relevant assessment tools, little is known about children’s developmental profiles in low income settings such as Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to adapt and standardize the Denver II for assessing child development in Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia.

Methods

Culture-specific test items in Denver II were modified. After translation into two local languages, all test items were piloted and fine-tuned. Using 1597 healthy children 4 days to 70.6 months of age, the 25, 50, 75 and 90 % passing ages were determined for each test item as milestones. Milestones attainment on the adapted version and the Denver II were compared on the 90 % passing age. Reliability of the adapted tool was examined.

Results

A total of 36 (28.8 %) test items, mostly from personal social domain, were adapted. Milestones attainment ages on the two versions differed significantly on 42 (34 %) test items. The adapted tool has an excellent inter-rater on 123 (98 %) items and substantial to excellent test-retest reliability on 119 (91 %) items.

Conclusions

A Western developmental assessment tool can be adapted reliably for use in low-income settings. Age differences in attaining milestones indicate a correct estimation of child development requires a population-specific standard.
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Metadata
Title
Adaptation and standardization of a Western tool for assessing child development in non-Western low-income context
Authors
Teklu Gemechu Abessa
Berhanu Nigussie Worku
Mekitie Wondafrash Kibebew
Jan Valy
Johan Lemmens
Herbert Thijs
Wondwosen Kasahun Yimer
Patrick Kolsteren
Marita Granitzer
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3288-2

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