Symbol Digit Modalities Test: Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population
J C Arango-Lasprilla1,2, D Rivera2, S Trapp3
1IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
Insights
This study provides the largest normative data for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) in Spanish-speaking children globally. Findings reveal age, parental education, and sex influence SDMT scores, enabling more accurate pediatric assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
Background:
- The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a widely used measure of cognitive processing speed.
- Normative data is essential for accurate interpretation of test scores in diverse populations.
- Existing SDMT normative data may not adequately represent Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish comprehensive normative data for the SDMT in a large, multi-country sample of Spanish-speaking children.
- To investigate the influence of demographic factors on SDMT performance in this population.
- To provide a valuable resource for neuropsychologists assessing Spanish-speaking pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale study involving 4,373 healthy children from nine Latin American countries and Spain.
- Standardized administration of the SDMT within a broader neuropsychological assessment.
- Norming procedures utilizing multiple linear regressions, accounting for age, age squared, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE).
Main Results:
- Age demonstrated a significant linear effect on SDMT scores across all participating countries.
- Age squared was a significant predictor in most countries, indicating non-linear age-related changes.
- Higher parental education (MLPE >12 years) correlated with higher SDMT scores in several countries; sex influenced scores in Paraguay and Spain.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the most extensive Spanish-speaking pediatric normative data for the SDMT to date.
- The generated norms will enhance the accuracy of SDMT interpretations for neuropsychologists working with pediatric populations in these regions.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering demographic variables for culturally sensitive cognitive assessments.
Objective:
To generate normative data for the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) in Spanish-speaking pediatric populations.
Method:
The sample consisted of 4,373 healthy children from nine countries in Latin America (Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Puerto Rico) and Spain. Each participant was administered the SDMT as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. SDMT scores were normed using multiple linear regressions and standard deviations of residual values. Age, age2, sex, and mean level of parental education (MLPE) were included as predictors in the analyses.
Results:
The final multiple linear regression models showed main effects for age in all countries, such that score increased linearly as a function of age. In addition, age2 had a significant effect in all countries, except in Honduras and Puerto Rico. Models indicated that children whose parent(s) had a MLPE >12 years of education obtained higher score compared to children whose parent(s) had a MLPE ≤12 years for Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Spain. Sex affected SDMT score for Paraguay and Spain.
Conclusions:
This is the largest Spanish-speaking pediatric normative study in the world, and it will allow neuropsychologists from these countries to have a more accurate interpretation of the SDMT with pediatric populations.
