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Gazeta Médica
Print version ISSN 2183-8135On-line version ISSN 2184-0628
Abstract
COMPLETO, Sara et al. HEADS-ED: Translation and Adaptation of a Mental Health Pathology Screening Scale in Portuguese Adolescents. Gaz Med [online]. 2023, vol.10, n.4, pp.272-281. Epub Dec 29, 2023. ISSN 2183-8135. https://doi.org/10.29315/gm.v1i1.678.
Introduction:
HEADS-ED (Home; Education; Activities and Peers; Drugs and Alcohol; Suicidality; Emotions, Behaviors and Thought Disturbance; Discharge Resource) scale was created in Canada, to detect mental pathology in the pediatric emergency department. In Portugal, a validated scale with this intention still does not exist.
The objective was to create a Portuguese instrument to triage psychological, behavioral and social problems in adolescents hospitalized.
Methods:
Prospective, transversal, non-randomized study developed in the pediatric ward of a level II hospital. It comprised 4 phases: 1) Translation and adaptation of HEADS-ED scale to Portuguese; 2) Pilot study to validate the scale to Portuguese population; 3) Systematic interview to adolescents and their specialized referral according to their needs; 4) Statistical analysis.
Results:
Ninety-six interviews were realized, 55% feminine sex, average age of 15 years old, 45% with a chronical illness. Thirteen patients had punctuation ≥5. Referral was established in 19.8% of the adolescents: 6.3% to psychology/ psychiatry appointment, 8.3% to NHACJR, in 5.2% previous follow-up was improved. There was statistically significant relation between higher age and higher total points (p-value=0.004) and between feminine gender and higher total points (p-value=0.005).
Conclusion:
HEADS-ED scale adapted to Portuguese intends to screen mental pathology in adolescent, having potential to improve their follow-up and future life quality.
Keywords : Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Mass Screening; Mental Disorders/diagnosis; Mental Health.