Summary
An instrument for epidemiological studies of mental disorders in children was developed and tested for validity and reliability by means of a two-step study (pre-test and field test). Four ways of building a score were assessed. They showed high sensitivity, specificity, and low overall misclassification rate. The instrument reached high re-test and application reliability coefficients, while the interrater reliability study showed recognition of abnormality as the most reliable information, followed by level of severity. Uses and limitations of the different versions of the QMPI are discussed.
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This research was supported by the Mental Health Program and the Master's Program in Community Health of the University of Bahia and by the Rockefeller Foundation. I am much indebted to Professor Luiz Umberto Pinheiro, from the University of Bahia, for his help in the development of the project. Dr. Stephen Plank and Dr. Victor Schoenbach patiently proofread different drafts of this paper. Address questionnaire and reprint requests to Dr. N. Almeida-Filho, Programa de Saude Mental, University of Bahia, rua Padre Feijo, 31/sala 15, Canela-Salvador-Bahia, Brazil 40000.
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de Almeida-Filho, N. Development and assessment of the QMPI: A Brazilian children's behaviour questionnaire for completion by parents. Soc Psychiatry 16, 205–211 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00582661
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00582661