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.
Boothroyd
Roger A
RA
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
Chen
Huey Jen
HJ
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