ĐỘ NHẠY VÀ ĐỘ ĐẶC HIỆU CỦA THANG ĐIỂM M-CHAT DO GIÁO VIÊN MẦM NON CẦN THƠ THỰC HIỆN Ở TRẺ 18-36 THÁNG TẠI NHÀ TRẺ

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a complex brain disorder that can be detected early through the M-CHAT screening tool by preschool teachers. Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of this tool when used by preschool teachers is essential. Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the M-CHAT screening tool administered by preschool teachers for children aged 18-36 months in preschool settings. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 5827 preschool children aged 24-36 months attending preschools in Can Tho city. Preschool teachers were trained to administer the M-CHAT tool to children aged 18-36 months in preschool settings. All children were re-evaluated by a child psychiatrist and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder based on DSM-5 criteria. Results: A total of 5827 children were assessed, and 408 (7.00%) children tested positive on the M-CHAT tool. Of these, 93 children (1.59%) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The sensitivity and specificity of the M-CHAT tool were 97.85% and 94.47%, respectively. The questions in the M-CHAT tool had varying rates of positive results, with question 12 having the highest rate at 19.65% and question 13 having the lowest rate at 0.79%. The remaining questions had rates ranging from 1.59% to 5.89%. Conclusions: The M-CHAT tool is a highly sensitive and specific tool that can be effectively used by trained preschool teachers to assess the risk of autism spectrum disorder in preschool settings.