Symbol Digit Modalities Test: Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

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.