Background: With the object to obtain a screening scale of suicidality, assesses the reliability and validity of the suicidality scale of Okasha et al and determine the cutoff point to identify a suicide attempt. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in high school students (n = 763, N = 13.825). The reliability was evaluated with analysis of internal consistency and homogeneity of the items. For the validity logistic regression and Pearson coefficient of correlation were used. The cutoff point was determined with Characteristic of Operation of the Receiver (ROC) curve and the area under the curve for the level of discriminatory exactitude. Results: The scale obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0,89 and adecuate homogeneity (item-total correlations corrected: r = 0.76 items 1 and 3; r = 0.82 ítem 2); discriminate between adolescents who have attempted suicide and tose who did not (Wald de χ 2 (1) = 1.53, p < 0.001; coefficient b = 0.66; odds ratio = 1.94 (IC 95%: 1.75-2.16)). The area under ROC curve was of 0.89. The cutoff point corresponded to 5 point, sensitivity = 90% and specificity = 79%. The scores of the scale correlated significantly with low self-esteem (r (761)=-0,52, p < 0.001), lower perceived social support (r (761) =-0,37, p < 0.001) and higher impulsivity (r (761) = 0,29, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The evaluated scale presents high internal consistency and homogeneity, with statistical of validity strongly significant and cutoff point adecuate sensitivity and specificity.

Background: The Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) is one of the most commonly used scales for the assessment of impulsiveness. This report describes the reliability and validity of the BIS-11. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in high school students (n = 763). The reliability was evaluated with analysis of internal consistency and homogeneity of the items. For the validity Pearson coefficient of correlation and the student t-test for independent sample were used. Results: The scale obtained a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0,77, and the total scores of the scale correlated significantly with impulsivity according to DSM IV, impulsivity according to the teacher, suicide attempt and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: The BIS-11 is a valid and reliable measure of impulsivity in this population.

artículos de investigación rev Med chile 2013; 141: 428-434 Soledad, impulsividad, consumo de alcohol y su relación con suicidalidad en adolescentes LILIAN SALVO G., ANDREA CASTRO S. (Rev Med Chile 2013; 141: 428-434).