A methodological study to assess the measurement properties (reliability and validity) of a caries risk assessment tool for children

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the CAMBRA caries risk assessment tool (CRAT) in terms of its measurement properties: reliability, validity and responsiveness to change in caries estimates over time. METHODS: Secondary data from the VicGeneration (VicGen) birth cohort study were used. Caries risk status at child age18 months was compared against caries development at 36 and 48 months. Questionnaire data for the 18-month-old children, were used to generate the CRAT item responses. Five examiners assessed the caries risk profile for each 18-month-old child and assigned a risk status. The analytic method was informed by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Che..