title: Adaptation of a neurobehavioral test battery for Thai children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exposure to neurotoxicants is a world wide problem with significant health implications for child development. In spite of higher neurotoxicant exposures, many developing countries do not have established neuropsychological instruments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the adaptation and reliability of a computer and examiner administered Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) that includes tests of motor speed and dexterity, attention, memory, and visuospatial coordination for use in Thailand.
  
  
  METHODS
  To assess test-retest and alternate form reliability, BARS was administered to 24 healthy, 6-8 year old urban Thai children during two testing sessions two weeks apart. A comparison group of 29 healthy, rural Thai children of similar age and sex completed the BARS as part of another study and comprised a comparison group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Test-retest reliabilities for tests without alternate forms ranged from 0.41 to 0.77, but reliabilities were lower for tests with alternate forms (0.11 to 0.83). Paired t-tests revealed few significant differences in group performance between test administrations. Performance of urban Thai participants was compared to 29 rural Thai participants of similar age and sex. Parental education was significantly greater for urban vs. rural participants, resulting in significant differences in performance on tests of motor speed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the use of BARS for epidemiologic studies of neurotoxicants in Thailand, but highlights the sensitivity of these tests to differences in parental education and the need for improved alternate test forms.
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health Sciences Chulalongkorn University, Institute Building 2-3, Soi Chulalongkorn 62, Phyathai Rd, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
authors.forename: Juthasiri
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rohitrattana
authors.forename: Wattasit
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Siriwong
authors.forename: Panrapee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Suittiwan
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Pam Ohman
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Strickland
authors.forename: Diane S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Rohlman
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fiedler
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012424:Rural Population; D013785:Thailand; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants