Construction of a biological rhythm assessment scale for children

<div><p>Abstract Introduction Biological rhythm is associated with the level of alertness, cognitive performance and mood of the individuals. Its regularity is essential to preserve good health and quality of life. Objective To present the steps for the construction of the scale entitled Biological Rhythm Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry – Kids (BRIAN-K), designed to measure biological rhythm disruptions in Brazilian children and adolescents. Methods Items were developed following the adult version of the scale. Analysis of the psychometric characteristics of the scale was based on the responses of 373 parents/caregivers of school age children (7 and 8 years old). Results A theoretical model of 17 items with the purpose of evaluating four domains (sleep, activities, social rhythm and eating pattern) was determined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and via identification of a general factor. The psychometric properties of the BRIAN-K showed favorable properties. Conclusion Only two items needed to be rewritten. Further studies are needed to investigate the instrument's adequacy to different age groups and additional evidence of validity and reliability.</p></div

Primary component analysis (PCA) of psychological and biological factors in infants neurobiological-motor development according with Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).

<p>Panel A: Psychological factor including history of affective disorders (AD), postpartum affective disorders (PPAD), and anxiety influence in AIMS score. Panel B: Biological factor including maternal NGF levels and infant cortisol levels influence in AIMS score. The box shows the weight for each variable in psychological and biological component.</p

Sample characteristics according to infant motor development (AIMS Score).

<p>*ANOVA, Bonferroni.</p

Linear regression of infant neurobiological - motor development (AIMS Score) and: history of affective disorders, postpartum affective disorder (PPAD), maternal anxiety disorder, maternal NGF levels and infant cortisol levels.

<p>*Variables adjusted for each other and for history of affective disorder.</p

Correlation analysis of biomarkers and infant motor development (AIMS Score).

<p>*Spearman Correlation.</p

Linear regression of extract factor from Primary Component Analysis (PCA).

<p>Linear regression of extract factor from Primary Component Analysis (PCA).</p