Adapting and validating a parent-completed assessment: A cross-cultural study of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires:INVENTORY in China and the United States

摘要

The Chinese government has announced the 2013 Guidelines for developing a national system for early detection of disability among children under 6 years of age. However, given limited resources, challenges exist with developmental measures required in the 2013 Guidelines. In order to meet the needs for a more accurate and cost-efficient measure for developmental assessment, the Ages & Stages Questionnaires:INVENTORY was translated into Simplified Chinese, and validated on a regional sample of 812 Chinese children ages from 1-25 months. Psychometric properties were examined; data from previous studies on the ASQ:INVENTORY in the U.S. were compared to identify differences between the two countries. Results indicated that the Chinese ASQ:INVENTORY was an instrument with sufficient internal consistency, reliability and validity. It was well accepted by parents and professionals in China. Findings suggested that the Chinese ASQ:INVENTORY provides a promising alternative measure for screening and diagnosing developmental delays in young children in China. Implications for future research and implementation are discussed.