Abilities of preschoolers: comparing different tools

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a strong need for studies evaluating tests in terms both of psychometric properties (i.e. their efficacy or ability to be helpful in reaching a diagnosis) and of their cost-effectiveness (i.e. their efficiency). These data are essential for planning a correct evaluation to identify children's needs (both educational and abilitative).MethodsWe evaluated 58 children attending for the first time the last year of the Scuola dell'Infanzia. Parental view was obtained with Child Behaviour Check-List and Conners' Rating Scales - Revised, and family socio-economic status was evaluated using Hollingshead's Four Factor Index; teacher compiled the IPDA questionnaire; children were administered Raven's Progressive Matrices, Modified Bell Cancellation Test, BVN 5-11 (a neuropsychological battery).ResultsA correlational analysis was conducted using Spearman's Rho (since variables were not normally distributed). These asymptomatic children show a good global cognitive functioning, but also a deficit of attention and of Executive Functions. Some of the tests used seem more cost-effective than others and there are some redundancies in information obtained.ConclusionsOur data show that there are significant correlations between different neuropsychological and behavioural measures. It is therefore possible to rationalize diagnostic protocols without a significant information reduction. A deeper analysis will require a preliminary definition of the psychometric properties of used tools.

Menstrual disorders among Zagazig University Students, Zagazig, Egypt

“…With the exception of Karout et al, who reported the prevalence of irregular menstruation in 59.4% of their participants, the average incidence of irregular menses was noted to be 5-24% beyond the first 6-12 months after menarche (9,16,21,23,24). Irregular menstruation is a factor that increases the rate of emotional and psychological stresses (25).…”

“…Menarche tends to appear earlier in life as the living standards of a society improve, e.g. adequate nutrition and improved health care (3,14,16). In this study, the mean age at menarche was 12.1 ± 1.6 years with a range of 11-16 years.…”

“…Such variation may be due to different aetiologies, cultural differences in pain perception and variability in pain threshold (23). Prevalence rates between 51% and 78% have been reported (3,16,19,21,23,29,31).…”

“…Despite the fact that dysmenorrhoea in adolescents is usually primary, there is evidence that in approximately 10% of subjects with severe dysmenorrhoea, pelvic or uterine anomalies may be found (16). Dysmenorrhoea may present as dyspareunia or pain of bladder or bowel origin suggesting the presence of endometriosis (3,23,34).…”

“…In the UK, girls enter puberty around the age of 10 years with a median age at menarche of 12.9 years (17). In Italy, the mean age at menarche was estimated at 12.4 ± 1.3 years (16,18).…”