Psychometric properties of Japanese version of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version-IV Scale-Teacher Form: a study of school children in community samples.

BACKGROUND

Psychometric properties of The Japanese version of Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV scale (SNAP-IV)-Teacher Form were examined in this study.

METHOD

Community samples of 1296 children (Grade 1-9, boys 52.9%) were collected from public elementary/middle schools in suburban areas. Teachers rated their children's behavior using Japanese version of SNAP-IV-Teacher Form and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

RESULTS

A three-factor structure model, which was equivalent with AD/HD symptoms subscales (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and oppositional-defiant disorder symptoms subscale was obtained and confirmed in an explorative/confirmative factorial analysis (Goodness-of-Fit Index=0.913, Comparative Fit Index=0.959, root mean square error of approximation=0.056). The current version of the SNAP-IV-Teacher Form demonstrated good test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation=0.752-0.822), high internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.933-0.952), significant correlations with relevant subscales of Japanese version of SDQ, and typical effects of age and gender on those subscales.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicates that the Japanese version of SNAP-IV-Teacher Form is a reliable and valid instrument for rating symptoms related to AD/HD and ODD.