Effectiveness of computerized working memory training program in Chinese community settings for children with poor working memory.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to further examine the effectiveness of computerized working memory intervention among Chinese population. METHOD: In comparing the performance of experimental group with those of control group, General Linear Model Analysis (repeated measures) was applied to neurological and behavioral measures obtained for working memory, response inhibition, and inattention and hyperactive symptoms. RESULTS: For experimental group that received high-intensity training in school setting, there was a significant improvement in working memory reflected in neuropsychological measures as well as parent-rated behavioral measures as compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results generally supported the effectiveness of group-based computerized training. It might be served as a cost-effective intervention in semistructured settings, with high-intensity training and minimal therapist involvement.

Validation of the Chinese strengths and weaknesses of ADHD-symptoms and normal-behaviors questionnaire in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: Unlike rating scales that focus on the severity of ADHD symptoms, the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD-symptoms and normal-behaviors (SWAN) rating scale is phrased in neutral or positive terms for carers to compare the index child's behaviors with that of their peers. This study explores its psychometric properties when applied to Chinese children in Hong Kong. METHOD: Ratings from the Chinese SWAN scale collected from parents and teachers of a community sample of 3,722 6- to 12-year-old students recruited by stratified random sampling were compared with 247 clinic children with a diagnosis of ADHD. Reliability, validity, factor structure, and cutoff scores were calculated. RESULTS: Favorable psychometrics and a two-factor structure identical to the original were reproduced. Cutoff scores were supported by satisfactory sensitivities and specificities. CONCLUSION: The SWAN scale is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of ADHD symptoms in Chinese children in Hong Kong.

Validation of the Chinese version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: The strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) is now one of the most commonly used instruments for screening child psychiatric morbidities. Psychometric studies in the West affirm its reliability and validity, but similar studies are scarce among non-Western populations. This is an important gap because cultural differences can influence how children's behaviours are perceived and rated. This study explores the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the SDQ among children in Hong Kong. METHOD: The SDQ was translated into Chinese. A community sample of 3,722 students between 6 and 12 years were recruited by stratified random sampling from across the whole of Hong Kong. Comparison group consisted of 494 consecutive children attending a general child psychiatric clinic. SDQ and basic socio-demographic data were collected from parents and teachers. Reliability was determined by internal consistency and test-retest stability. Validity was assessed by the questionnaire's ability to discriminate between community and clinic samples, and ROC curves. Cutoff scores and their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. RESULTS: Our results confirm the questionnaire's reliability and validity. The total difficulties scale and hyperactivity subscale are potentially the most useful in discriminating between community and clinic children. The emotional subscale was relatively weaker, especially with respect to teachers' ratings. Of note also is that our normative scores are significantly higher than those reported in the West, highlighting once again the importance of examining a questionnaire's cultural applicability. CONCLUSION: Our data support the use of the Chinese version of the SDQ, especially the total difficulties scale, as a screening instrument for psychiatric morbidities among children in Hong Kong.