Retest effects in a diverse sample: sociodemographic predictors and possible correction approaches

• Autor(a) principal: Bertola,Laiss
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Benseñor,Isabela Judith Martins, Brunoni,Andre Russowsky, Caramelli,Paulo, Barreto,Sandhi Maria, Moreno,Arlinda Barbosa, Griep,Rosane Harter, Viana,Maria Carmen, Lotufo,Paulo Andrade, Suemoto,Claudia Kimie
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Dementia & Neuropsychologia
• Texto Completo: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-57642022000200171
• topic: Reproducibility of Results; Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Psychometrics

ABSTRACT. Repeated cognitive assessment in longitudinal studies favors the occurrence of retest effects, usually increasing the scores obtained at the follow-up assessments when compared to baseline. Therefore, retest effects can compromise the evaluation of cognitive decline in older adults. Objectives: We aimed to verify the occurrence of the retest effect and the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on the follow-up scores in a sample of 5,592 participants with a diverse sociodemographic profile, who were assessed twice during 4 years of follow-up. Methods: We tested two possible approaches to correct the retest effect and calculated the Reliable Change Index. Results: We observed increased scores at the follow-up assessment after 4 years, but the results indicate a modest occurrence of retest effects. The regression difference correction successfully generated follow-up corrected scores, while the mean difference did not provide effective corrections. Sociodemographic characteristics had a minor impact on the retest. Conclusions: We recommend the regression difference correction for retest effects. The absence of this methodological approach might lead to biased results using longitudinal cognitive scores.