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The reliability and validity of PSE assessments by lay interviewers: a national population survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Bryan Rodgers*
Affiliation:
MRC National Survey of Health and Development, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Bristol
Sheila A. Mann
Affiliation:
MRC National Survey of Health and Development, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Bristol
*
1Address for correspondence: Bryan Rodgers, MRC National Survey of Health and Development, University of Bristol, Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2PR.

Synopsis

Studies employing psychiatric rating instruments administered by lay interviewers need to demonstrate the reliability and validity of subject classification. In a national population study utilizing the short form of the Present State Examination, audiotapes of interviews were used to demonstrate the reliability of ratings. The classification of ‘cases’ was found to be related to self-reports of nervous trouble and help–seeking for such problems. Associations between the rate of psychiatric disorder and demographic factors were similar to those found in previous community surveys. In general, the method of psychiatric assessment was considered to be satisfactory. Recommendations are made for the monitoring of interviews in similar large-scale investigations.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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