Reference values of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) version for parents in the Spanish population, 2006.
BACKGROUND
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most frequently used screening test for children and adolescents mental health (MH). In 2006, the Spanish National Health Survey included the child’s MH section through the SDQ version for parents.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain reference values of the SDQparents Spanish version for the 4-15 year-old population living in Spain during 2006-2007.


METHODS
From the Spanish National Health Survey-2006, measurements of central tendency, dispersion and percentiles scores were calculated for the “Total Difficulties Score” (TDS-SDQ) Index and for the five dimensions of the questionnaire.


RESULTS
A sample made up of 6266 children, ages 4 to 15 years, having national representativeness was obtained. Regarding the TDS-SDQ Index, scores were higher (worse MH) in boys than in girls (9.66 vs 9.04) and were higher in the younger age group in the total sample (9.90, 9.49 and 8.73) and also in boys. Girls scored higher than boys on the emotional symptoms and prosocial dimensions, and the scores were higher in older age group for the total sample. Regarding behavior problems, the younger age group scored higher in the total sample (2.19, 1.87 and 1.76) and by sex. Boys scored higher than girls on hyperactivity (4.51 vs. 3.92) and scores were lower in older ages in total sample (4.71, 4.19 and 3.82) and by sex. Peer problems dimension has no statistically significant differences by sex or age.


CONCLUSIONS
The population values shown are informative and extend the knowledge and interpretation of the SDQ results.
Consejería de Sanidad y Política Social. Región de Murcia.
Laura M
LM
Barriuso-Lapresa
Consejería de Sanidad y Política Social. Región de Murcia.
Lauro
L
Hernando-Arizaleta
Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries. Generalitat de Catalunya. IMIM (Instituto de Investigación Hospital del Mar), Barcelona.
Luis
L
Rajmil
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010290:Parents; D012016:Reference Values; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires