Evaluating construct and criterion validity of NeuroScreen in assessing neurocognition among hospitalized Ugandan first-episode psychosis patients.

Journal: Schizophrenia research. Cognition

Volume: 32

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  HIV Center for Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, Riverside Drive, New York, NY , United States of America. Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Upper Mulago Hill, Mulago Hospital Complex, Uganda. Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Plot Kirombe-Butabika Road, Kampala, Uganda. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa. Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, PO Box , Entebbe Plot - Nakiwogo Road, Uganda.

Abstract summary 

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) is commonly exhibited among patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis. However, there are few resources in many low-income countries, such as Uganda, that allow for the administration of extensive neurocognitive test batteries for the detection of NCI. is a brief tablet-based neurocognitive assessment battery that can be administered by all levels of healthcare staff. We examined the validity of to assess neurocognition and detect NCI in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients in Uganda.We enrolled 112 participants FEP patients and matched controls at Butabika Mental Referral Hospital. Each participant completed and a traditionally administered neurocognitive battery: the MATRIC Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). We examined correlations between participant performance on and the MCCB. A ROC curve determined sensitivity and specificity of to detect NCI as determined by MCCB criterion.There was a large, statistically significant correlation between overall performance on and the MCCB [(112) = 0.64,  < .001]. Small to large correlations were found between tests in the MCCB and batteries. The ROC curve of performance to detect MCCB-defined NCI had an area under curve of 0.80 and optimal sensitivity and specificity of 83 % and 60 %, respectively.There was a moderate positive correlation between overall performance on both batteries. shows promise as a valid assessment battery to assess neurocognition and detect NCI in FEP patients in Uganda. Further studies of in healthy individuals and in a range of mental disorders are recommended.

Authors & Co-authors:  Asiedu Nana N Mwesiga Emmanuel Kiiza EK Akena Dickens D Morrison Corey C Gumikiriza-Onoria Joy Louise JL Nanteza Angel A Nakku Juliet J Koen Nastassja N Nakasujja Noeline N Ssembajjwe Wilber W Ferraris Christopher M CM Santoro Anthony F AF Stein Dan J DJ Robbins Reuben N RN

Study Outcome 

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Citations :  Aas M., Dazzan P., Mondelli V., Melle I., Murray R., Pariante C. A systematic review of cognitive function in first-episode psychosis, including a discussion on childhood trauma, stress, and inflammation. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2014;4
Authors :  14
Identifiers
Doi : 100276
SSN : 2215-0013
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
First episode psychosis;Low-income country;MATRIC consensus cognitive battery;NeuroScreen;Neurocognitive impairment;Neuropsychological assessment;Uganda
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
United States