Normative Data for Ten Neuropsychological Tests for the Guatemalan Pediatric Population Updated to Account for
Joaquín A Ibáñez-Alfonso1,2, Rosalba Company-Córdoba1,2, Claudia García de la Cadena3
1Human Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, 41704 Sevilla, Spain.
Insights
This study updated neuropsychological test scores for Guatemalan children, accounting for vulnerability. Vulnerability significantly impacted scores for language, attention, and executive functions, aiding early detection of special needs.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Guatemalan children face high poverty and violence rates.
- These adverse experiences can negatively impact cognitive performance.
- Existing neuropsychological tests may not fully account for these vulnerabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update standardized scores for ten common neuropsychological tests in Guatemala.
- To incorporate the factor of vulnerability into score calculations.
- To improve early detection of special needs in disadvantaged youth.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 347 healthy Guatemalan children and adolescents (ages 6-17).
- Used multiple linear regression to create updated standard scores.
- Included age, gender, parental education, and vulnerability as predictors.
Main Results:
- Vulnerability status significantly affected scores in language, attention, and executive functions.
- This is the first study to include vulnerability in neuropsychological score calculations.
- Updated scores provide a more accurate assessment for vulnerable populations.
Conclusions:
- The updated scores enhance early identification of special needs in Guatemalan children.
- Accurate assessment facilitates timely and effective interventions.
- Addressing vulnerability in testing can mitigate negative developmental impacts.
Abstract:
The Guatemalan pediatric population is affected by a high incidence of poverty and violence. The previous literature showed that these experiences may ultimately impact cognitive performance. The aim of this article is to update the standardized scores for ten neuropsychological tests commonly used in Guatemala considering vulnerability. A total of 347 healthy children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age (M = 10.83, SD = 3) were assessed, controlling for intelligence, mental health and neuropsychological history. The standard scores were created using multiple linear regression and standard deviations from residual values. The predictors included were the following: age, age squared (age2), mean parental education (MPE), mean parental education squared (MPE2), gender, and vulnerability, as well as their interaction. The vulnerability status was significant in the scores for language, attention and executive functions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that includes the condition of vulnerability in the calculation of neuropsychological standard scores. The utility of this update is to help in the early detection of special needs in this disadvantaged population, promoting more accurate interventions in order to alleviate the negative effects that living in vulnerable conditions has on children and adolescents.
