Exploring the validity of the ASQ-SE for socio-emotional competency screening of a low-risk Asian cohort at 2 years of age

Abstract

Aims: To assess the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE)'s concurrent validity in a low-risk Singapore cohort and study its association with maternal mental health status.

Methods: Concurrent validity of the parent-filled ASQ-SE with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL1.5-5) was evaluated in 341 children at age 24 months. Data on maternal anxiety and depression were collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-Second Version (BDI-II). ASQ-SE cut-off scores based on receiver operating characteristic curve were compared to CBCL scores to derive a local ASQ-SE "at risk" cut-off score. Correlations of ASQ-SE with CBCL scores and with maternal STAI and BDI scores were evaluated using Pearson coefficients.

Results: Using a cut-off score of 51 at 24 months, ASQ-SE had acceptable concurrent validity, with an AUC of 0.819(0.765-0.872), 70 % sensitivity and 79 % specificity. Mothers of children with "at-risk" ASQ-SE scores had significantly higher STAI and BDI-II scores. ASQ-SE had moderate- high correlations (r = 0.32-0.53) (p < .01) with CBCL scores at 24 and 48 months and with maternal mental health status(r = 0.32).

Interpretation: ASQ-SE can be a useful tool for screening child's socio-emotional competence for primary health care use in Singapore Dyadic mental health screening would be helpful in identifying families at risk.

Keywords: CBCL; Convergent validity; Criterion measure; Maternal mental health status; Socio-emotional screening.