Acceptability of the culturally adapted ASQ‐TRAK developmental screening tool to caregivers of Aboriginal children

Abstract

Aim: The Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Talking about Raising Aboriginal Kids (ASQ-TRAK) culturally adapted developmental screening tool is widely used in Australian Aboriginal communities. However, there has been limited exploration of the tool's acceptability to caregivers. The aim of the study is to determine the acceptability of the ASQ-TRAK developmental screening tool to caregivers of Aboriginal children in urban, regional and remote South Australia. Methods: Caregivers of Aboriginal children completed a survey regarding acceptability of the ASQ-TRAK. Convenience samples of caregivers were invited to a telephone interview. Results: Ninety-two caregivers completed the survey (96% response). Acceptability (92%) and caregiver satisfaction (73%) were high. Families perceived the screen as easy to use and understand, strengths-based and providing valuable information about their child's development. Conclusions: The ASQ-TRAK tool was highly acceptable to caregivers in Aboriginal communities in South Australia. The study highlights the importance of culturally safe practice and supports ASQ-TRAK implementation. Broader use and further evaluation of the ASQ-TRAK in Aboriginal communities needs consideration.

Developmental Screening Tools Used with First Nations Populations: A Systematic Review

“…Table 3 presents an overview of studies included in this review. Of the 13 studies, nine were undertaken in Australia [ 13 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 27 ], two in the United States of America (USA; [ 21 , 24 ]), one in Canada [ 26 ], and one in Peru [ 11 ]. Eight studies were cross-sectional, two were qualitative, and three were mixed methods.…”

“…Five studies evaluated the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Talking About Raising Aboriginal Kids (ASQ-TRAK; [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 25 , 27 ]), three evaluated the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Third Edition (ASQ-3; [ 11 , 24 , 25 ]), one evaluated the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Second Edition (ASQ-2; [ 26 ]), one evaluated the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status [ 22 ], one evaluated the Brigance Screens [ 13 ], one evaluated the Parents’ Evaluation of Listening and Understanding Measure (PLUM; [ 23 ]), one evaluated the Hearing and Talking Scale (HATS; [ 17 ]), and one evaluated the Survey of Well-being of Young Children (SWYC; [ 21 ]). The majority of identified screening tools were universal developmental screening tools, with the two exceptions being PLUM and HATS which are specific domain screeners.…”

“…Of the five studies exploring the knowledge, acceptability and/or feasibility of administering developmental screeners, three studies were undertaken in Australia and evaluated the ASQ-TRAK [ 20 , 25 , 27 ], one study was conducted in Canada and evaluated the ASQ [ 26 ], and one was undertaken in the USA and evaluated the SWYC [ 21 ].…”

“…ASQ-TRAK. In the three studies that evaluated the ASQ-TRAK, participants were recruited from the Northern Territory, Australia [ 20 , 25 ] and urban, regional and remote communities in South Australia [ 27 ], and included parents and caregivers [ 20 , 27 ], Aboriginal health workers [ 20 ], child development specialists [ 20 ], health practitioners [ 25 ], and key community informants [ 20 ]. Results from all three studies reported that participants found the measure acceptable for use in their communities.…”

“…Results from all three studies reported that participants found the measure acceptable for use in their communities. Furthermore, families indicated that they believed the ASQ-TRAK was easy to use [ 20 , 27 ], and health professionals rated the ASQ-TRAK as more acceptable and easier to understand for parents compared to ASQ-3 [ 25 ].…”