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Exploring the reliability and acceptability of cognitive tests for Indigenous Australians: a pilot study
Kylie M Dingwall1, Allison O Gray2, Annette R McCarthy2
1Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 4066, Alice Springs, NT, 0871, Australia. Kylie.dingwall@menzies.edu.au.
BMC Psychology
|August 4, 2017
Summary
This pilot study assessed cognitive tests for Indigenous Australians, finding the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Screen (RUDAS) and Story Memory Recall Test (SMRT) showed good reliability. While generally accepted, cultural relevance and language impact test acceptability.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Indigenous Health
Background:
- Cognitive assessment for Indigenous Australians is challenging due to culturally biased mainstream tests.
- Psychometric properties of cognitive tests must be validated before cross-cultural application.
- This study addresses the need for culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot test the reliability and acceptability of four cognitive tests for Indigenous Australians.
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of selected cognitive assessment tools in a new cultural context.
- To gather feedback on the suitability and user experience of cognitive tests.
Main Methods:
- 84 Indigenous Australian adults from Alice Springs Hospital participated.
- Four tests were assessed: RUDAS, PEBL Corsi Blocks, SMRT, and CogState battery.
- Test-retest reliability was determined through repeated assessments; acceptability was explored via qualitative interviews.
Main Results:
- Intra-class correlations for reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.86.
- RUDAS, CogState Identification, and SMRT demonstrated the highest reliability.
- Qualitative themes included general impressions, understanding, performance, appropriateness, and suggested improvements.
Conclusions:
- RUDAS, CogState Identification, and SMRT are promising for Indigenous Australian cognitive assessment.
- Tests were perceived as a positive challenge, though some anxiety was noted.
- Language, convalescence, and cultural relevance are key considerations for test acceptability.
