Evidências de validade de um instrumento intersetorial para detecção de risco para o desenvolvimento infantil

Abstract

Child development (CD) constitutes a period characterized by significant gains and changes in a child's abilities, learning, behavior, and socialization. In this regard, studies aimed at mapping risk and protective factors during this period are essential for the development of monitoring and protective actions. In view of the importance of using tools to assist professionals in the CD surveillance process, as well as the policies and studies in the field advocating for intersectionality to promote comprehensive and integrated childhood care, the objective of this study was to initiate the validation process of an intersectoral instrument for detecting risk in child development. To achieve this purpose, a quantitative methodological research was conducted, consisting of three main stages: analysis of the pilot instrument by a group of experts in the field, allowing for corrections and finalization of the pilot instrument; cognitive unfolding, involving professionals and family members, in which the instrument was evaluated for clarity and language, subsequently corrected based on participants' suggestions; and the pre- test, involving professionals working with the child population, who applied and used the instrument in their practice. Additionally, a prototype of a digital version of the instrument was developed to enhance its practicality and application efficiency. The research results showed that the instrument achieved the necessary values in the statistical evaluations to which it was subjected, including Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and Content Validity Coefficient, demonstrating stability and reliability and providing evidence of the instrument's validity. Despite the research fulfilling its objective and emphasizing the importance of such instruments, as well as the professionals' interest in using it, further evaluation stages and subsequent research are necessary for the instrument to be widely disseminated and used.