Familien mit psychosozialen Belastungen identifizieren: psychometrische Eigenschaften und Nutzerakzeptanz eines neuen Screeninginstruments (PFAM-Screen) für die pädiatrische Praxis

The identification and referral of psychosocially burdened families represents a central aspect of pediatric preventive medicine. A brief screening questionnaire that assesses psychosocial burden across the span of childhood and adolescence promises to fill an existing gap in family care. The aim of the study was to psychometrically test the screening questionnaire for the identification of psychosocial burden in families (PFAM-Screen) and to investigate its applicability in practice.

In three outpatient clinics at Heidelberg University Hospital and the Center for Psychological Psychotherapy Heidelberg, N = 61 familes were assessed. In addition, the applicability of the PFAM-Screen was examined in N = 16 pediatricians.

A single-factor factorial structure and the interrater reliability (κ = 0.72) of the PFAM-Screen were confirmed. Exploratory analyses revealed nonsignificant positive correlations between the PFAM-Screen and questionnaires on child behavior problems (r_(SFS) = 0.27; p = 0,145; r_(CBCL) = 0.28; p = 0.117). The applicability of the questionnaire in pediatric practice was rated largely positively.

The PFAM-Screen is a manageable and reliable screening questionnaire for the early detection of increased psychosocial burden across the age range of childhood and adolescence. Its integration into pediatric preventive medicine appears desirable. This study lays the groundwork for future research in larger samples on the predictive validity, reliability, and usefulness with respect to successful referrals.