The psychometric properties of the Colorado Symptom Index.
The Colorado Symptom Index (CSI: Shern et al. 1994, Milbank Quart 72:123-148) is widely used in research as a self-report measure of psychiatric symptomatology, yet little information exists regarding the scale's psychometric properties. Additionally, the CSI has no cut-off score denoting the need for further psychiatric assessment. This study examined the CSI's psychometric properties and established a cut-off score. Analyses were based on 3,874 adult Florida Medicaid respondents. The CSI had excellent internal consistency (.92) and test-retest reliability (.71). Evidence of the CSI's validity was strong; CSI scores distinguished among individuals with and without mental health services needs and were significantly correlated with functioning. Results using a contrasting groups approach indicate that 30 is a reasonable "clinical" cut-off score. At this score, the CSI had respectable sensitivity (.76) and specificity (.68) and a ROC curve analysis suggests that the CSI is "fair to good" discriminator of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, MHC 2719, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USA. boothroy@fmhi.usf.edu
Roger A
RA
Boothroyd
Huey Jen
HJ
Chen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires