The ability to measure neuropsychological outcomes in a comparable
manner in different cultural groups is important if studies conducted
in geographically diverse regions are to advance knowledge of disease
effects and moderating influences. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate the application of neuropsychological test procedures
developed for use in North America and Europe to children in a rural
region of Kenya. Our specific aim was to determine if these methods
could be adapted to a non-Western culture in a manner that would
preserve test reliability and validity. Procedural modifications
yielded reliable tests that were sensitive to both the sequelae of
cerebral malaria and to children's social and school backgrounds.
Results suggest that adaptations of existing tests can be made in such
a way as to preserve their utility in measuring the cross-cultural
sequelae of childhood neurological diseases. (JINS, 2004,
10, 246–260.)