Open Access
Psychometric properties and normative data using item response theory approach for three neuropsychological tests in Waranka children population
(MDPI, 2025-02-15) Fierro Bósquez, María José; Fuentes Mendoza, Eliana María; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Abiuso Lillo, Trinidad; Orozco Acosta, Erick; Mascialino, Guido; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Rivera, Diego; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
: Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Shortened Version of the Token Test (SVTT), the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-III), and the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) using an item response theory (IRT) framework and to establish normative data for Waranka children and adolescents based on their ability scores. Methods: A total of 436 healthy people aged between 6 and 17 participated in this study. The factor structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the difficulty and discrimination parameters using IRT through the two-parameter logistic model for the SVTT and PPTV-III, while for the ROCF, the graded response model was used. The ordinal alpha and McDonald’s omega were used for reliability. Results: For most items, a low ability was enough to achieve the highest scores for the ROCF and SVTT. For the PPVTIII, the items aligned sequentially based on the difficulty, and a low level of ability was enough to achieve the highest score for the first 40 items. The ROCF, SVTT, and PPVTIII demonstrated adequate reliability. The ROCF copy and immediate recall scores were influenced by the mean parents’ years of education (MPE) and quadratic age interaction. The SVTT performance was affected by the quadratic age and sex interaction, and the PPVT-III by the interaction effect of the MPE and quadratic age. Conclusions: This is the first study to analyze the psychometric properties of the ROCF, SVTT, and PPVT-III through IRT models that are accurate and relevant for the validity of the obtained data and generate normative data in the under-represented nation of Ecuador for clinical and research purposes.
Open Access
Psychometric properties of the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI) spanish version for adolescents
(Elsevier, 2023) Bahamón, Marly Johana; Javela, José Julián; Bonilla-Cruz, Nidia-Johanna; Rivera, Diego; Vinaccia, Stefano; Forgiony-Santos, Jesús; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI) in its Spanish version for Colombian adolescents. This instrument was created to measure cognitive and emotional aspects of the urge to self-injure by assessing the frequency, the urge, thoughts associated with time and place, the capacity for resistance, and thoughts associated with the urge to self-injure. Method: A total of 752 preadolescents and adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age, with a mean of 15.3 years (SD = 1.97), participated. The instruments used were The Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure ABUSI, ERS Suicide Risk Scale, Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, and the Zimet The MSPSS Perceived Social Support Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis, inter-test correlations, to estimate cut-off point discriminant validity Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) and to determine convergent validity, a Pearson's coincidence analysis was performed between the ABUSI total score and the ERS Suicide Risk Scale, the Plutchik's Suicide Risk Scale and Zimet's Perceived Social Support Scale assessments. Results: The presence of a unidimensional model of the instrument is confirmed with adequate fit, reliability, and concurrent validity indices. The high score classification was determined from six (6) points for the total of the scale. These results show that ABUSI is a valid and reliable tool for the clinical assessment of self-injurious behavior in adolescents and preadolescents.
Open Access
Validation of the Norma Latina neuropsychological assessment battery in patients with Alzheimer's disease in Mexico
(MDPI, 2022) Núñez Fernández, Silvia; Rivera, Diego; Arroyo-Anlló, Eva María; Ortiz Jiménez, Xóchitl Angélica; Camino-Pontes, Borja; Salinas Martínez, Ricardo; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
To our knowledge, this is the first study reported in the literature that has validated the Norma Latina Battery in a population of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Mexico. The objective of the study was to determine the discriminant validity of the Norma Latina Battery in a group of Mexican individuals with AD and a group of heathy controls (HC). The Norma Latina Battery was administered to 234 Mexican participants (117 HC and 117 individuals with AD). Results show that: (1) the Norma Latina Battery has high discriminative capacity between groups in all domains; (2) participants with AD presented worse scores in each of the cognitive domains compared to the HC and a greater number of low scores in each of the established thresholds or cut-off points; and finally, (3) the Norma Latina Battery had optimal sensitivity and specificity, especially when a set was observed ≥5 scores below the 10th percentile or ≥4 scores below the 5th percentile. In conclusion, it is recommended that both clinicians and researchers use this battery in the evaluation of Mexican people with AD to better understand the prognosis of the disease and its subsequent treatment.
Open Access
The Family Needs Questionnaire-Revised: a Rasch analysis of measurement properties in the chronic phase after traumatic brain injury
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Røe, Cecilie; Anke, Audny; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Andelic, Nada; Rivera, Diego; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Purpose: The main aim was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Family Needs Questionnaire-Revised (FNQ-R) in family members of individuals living with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: A total of 309 family members of individuals with severe TBI from Colombia, Denmark, Mexico, Norway and Spain participated. Rasch analysis of the FNQ-R and its 6 subscales was conducted. Results: The Rasch analysis indicated a lack of fit of the 37-item FNQ-R to one single underlying construct of needs, and less than half of the items were invariant across the countries. Misfit of single items was revealed in the Need for Health Information, Need for Emotional Support, Need for Instrumental Support, Need for Professional Support and Need for Community Support Network subscales. Fit to the Rasch model was obtained after removal of misfitting items. The Involvement in Care subscale had too few items to be adequately assessed by the Rasch approach. Conclusion: The FNQ-R is a well-targeted instrument for assessing the unmet needs of caregivers regarding the need for health information, emotional support, professional support and a community support network after some scoring adjustment and the removal of misfitting items. Caution should be taken when comparing responses across countries.
Open Access
15-item version of the Boston naming test: normative data for the Latin American spanish-speaking adult population.
(American Psychological Association, 2023) Del Cacho Tena, Ana María; Merced, Kritzia; Perrin, Paul B.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Rivera, Diego; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: Naming is commonly impaired in people with neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury, and as a result, its accurate assessment is essential. The aim of this study was to provide normative data for the 15-item Spanish version of the Boston Naming Test (BNT) for an adult population from eight Latin American countries/regions. Method: The total sample consisted of 2,828 participants from Argentina, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Paraguay, and Puerto Rico. Multiple regressions were used to generate normative data following a four-step process. Results: Regression models showed a linear effect of age on the 15-item BNT total score for Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In contrast, Paraguay showed a quadratic age effect. Almost all countries showed a positive linear effect of education, except Cuba which had a quadratic effect. Sex was a significant predictor in Argentina, Chile, Cuba, and Mexico, where in women scored lower than men. Conclusions: This study generates normative data for the 15-item Spanish version of the BNT and offers a free open-source calculator that will assist in the efficacious use of this neuropsychological test in clinical practice and research.
Open Access
A preliminary examination of the TOMM2 in a sample of Spanish speakers in the United States
(SAGE, 2024-09-02) Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Ayearst, Lindsay E.; Rivera, Diego; Krch, Denise; Perrin, Paul B.; Carrión, Carmen I.; Morel Valdés, Gloria M.; Loro, Delly; Rodríguez, Miriam J.; Munoz, Geovani; Drago, Christin I.; García, Patricia; Rivera, Patricia M.; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
BACKGROUND: The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is a widely used performance validity measure that is available in both English and Spanish. The Spanish version, however, has historically lacked normative data from samples that are representative of the U.S. Hispanic/Spanish speaking population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to collect normative data on the update TOMM 2 for Hispanic individuals residing in the U.S. METHODS: Normative data on the TOMM 2 was collected across 9 sites from different regions of the U.S. The total sample consisted of n=188 cognitively healthy adults aged 18 and over with no current or prior history of neurological or psychiatric disorder. Descriptive analyses were performed on total raw scores. RESULTS: Participants obtained a mean score of 48.15 (SD=2.81) on trial 1 of the TOMM 2, 49.86 (SD=0.487) on trial 2, and 49.84 (SD=0.509) on the recognition trial. Scores are provided for traditional cutoff scores as well as some popular cutoffs reported in the literature. Item level analyses were conducted as well as evaluation of performance based on a variety of demographics. CONCLUSION: When compared to the English-speaking normative sample used for the original TOMM, this sample demonstrated better performance on the TOMM 2 indicating better cultural appropriateness of the items. This is the first study conducted that provides culturally appropriate descriptive norms for use with Spanish speakers living in the U.S.
Open Access
Normative data for ten neuropsychological tests for the Guatemalan pediatric population updated to account for vulnerability
(MDPI, 2021) Ibáñez Alfonso, Joaquín A.; Company-Córdoba, Rosalba; Cadena, Claudia de la; Simpson, Ian C.; Rivera, Diego; Sianes, Antonio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The Guatemalan pediatric population is affected by a high incidence of poverty and violence. The previous literature showed that these experiences may ultimately impact cognitive performance. The aim of this article is to update the standardized scores for ten neuropsychological tests commonly used in Guatemala considering vulnerability. A total of 347 healthy children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age (M = 10.83, SD = 3) were assessed, controlling for intelligence, mental health and neuropsychological history. The standard scores were created using multiple linear regression and standard deviations from residual values. The predictors included were the following: Age, age squared (age2), mean parental education (MPE), mean parental education squared (MPE2), gender, and vulnerability, as well as their interaction. The vulnerability status was significant in the scores for language, attention and executive functions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that includes the condition of vulnerability in the calculation of neuropsychological standard scores. The utility of this update is to help in the early detection of special needs in this disadvantaged population, promoting more accurate interventions in order to alleviate the negative effects that living in vulnerable conditions has on children and adolescents.
Open Access
Multivariate base rates of low scores on tests of learning and memory among Spanish speaking children
(Taylor & Francis, 2020) Benito Sánchez, Itziar; Ertl, Melissa M.; Ferrer Cascales, Rosario; Oltra Cucarella, Javier; Ibáñez Alfonso, Joaquín A.; Saracostti Schwartzman, Mahia; Soto Añari, Marcio; Cadavid Ruiz, Natalia; Rodríguez Lorenzana, Alberto; Rivera, Diego; Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
To determine the prevalence of low scores on two neuropsychological tests commonly used to evaluate learning and memory in children. 6,030 healthy children from 10 countries in Latin America and Spain were administered Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and the Test de Aprendizaje y Memoria Verbal–Infantil (TAMV-I). Results showed that low scores are common when multiple neuropsychological outcomes (tests and/or scores) are evaluated in healthy individuals. Clinicians should consider the higher probability of low scores in a given individual when evaluating learning and memory using various sets of scores to reduce false-positive diagnoses of cognitive deficits in pediatric populations.
Embargo
Test of memory malingering 2nd edition: normative data from cognitively intact adults living in Spain
(Routledge, 2024-11-05) Arango Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Ayearst, Lindsay E.; Rivera, Diego; Dini, Mia E.; Olabarrieta Landa, Laiene; Ramos Usuga, Daniela; Perrin, Paul B.; McCaffrey, Robert; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
This study evaluated the universality of the TOMM 2 and provided a reference sample of cognitively intact adults living in Spain whose native language was Spanish. A total of 203 adults completed the TOMM 2 from June 2019 to January 2020. When using the original TOMM cutoff scores derived from English speakers, all participants scored in a range that would suggest that they passed the TOMM. When using a cut score less than 40 on Trial 1, only one participant in this study would be mistakenly classified as providing an invalid performance. Spanish-speaking adults in Spain from this study achieved a perfect score on Trial 1 at a rate more than double that of English-speaking individuals on the original TOMM. At the item level, all but one item met the minimum standard for performance validity; this item fell only marginally below the standard at 89%. This study found a very low failure rate for the TOMM 2, suggesting that the second edition has at least as high specificity as the original in Spanish adults.
Open Access
Normative data for tests of attention and executive functions in a sample of European Portuguese adult population
(Routledge, 2021) Vicente, Selene G.; Rivera, Diego; Barbosa, Fernando; Gaspar, Nuno; Dores, Artemisa R.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: The main goal of this study was to produce normative data for the Portuguese population on five neuropsychological tests frequently used to assess executive functions and attention: the Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (M-WCST), the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Brief Test of Attention (BTA), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Method: The study included 300 individuals aged between 18 and 93 years, who had educational backgrounds ranging from 3 to 25 years. Results: The influence of age, education, and sex was explored for each measure, as well as their contribution to explain the performance variance. Conclusions: The normative data are presented as regression-based algorithms to adjust direct and derived test scores for sex, age, and education. This study provides a calculator of normative data, derived from the results of the regression models.