The Saudi Pediatric Occupational Therapy Test (SPOTT):  Preliminary Development and Validation of a Saudi Test for Preschool-Age Children

 

Lamya AlAbdulkarim¹*, Kanika Wadhani² and Aseel AlOmair³

¹Dr., King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, laalabdulkarim@ksu.edu.sa

² Ms., King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, kwadhani@ksu.edu.sa  

³Ms., King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, asalomair@ksu.edu.sa

*Corresponding author

Abstract

Background: There are no validated occupational therapy clinical assessments for Saudi Arabic children which could present clinical challenges for occupational therapists to provide evidence based practice. Researchers also need a valid tool for evidence based research. Aim: the study aims to develop and validate a methodologically accurate clinical evaluation instrument for occupational therapy that is fit for Saudi Arabic children. Methods:  A review of literature and internationally validated clinical tests in occupational therapy was conducted by experts. Constructs and items that are best fit for the local needs of Saudi preschoolers were developed. A tool was designed with two constructs of sensorimotor integration and visual perception and visual motor integration, ten themes and a total of 52 items. One hundred and ten 3 to 6 years old typical children were tested by the tool at their preschools. Face, content and construct validity and internal consistency were calculated. Results: Excellent Cronbach’s ɑ, CVI and good face validity were obtained. Factor analysis revealed 13 factors. Conclusions: the tool was a valid and reliable fit for this cultural group that could be useful for identifying children at risk for occupational disorders and related conditions, in a mainstream non-clinical population.

Keywords: occupational therapy, clinical assessment, Saudi Arabia, gross-motor, fine-motor, visual-motor integration, pediatric