Psychometric properties of the concise health risk tracking (CHRT) in adolescents with suicidality

Background: Several self-report rating scales have been developed to assess suicidal ideation, yet few examine other factors related to increased suicidal risk, and even fewer have been validated in both adolescents and adults. We evaluate the 14-item Concise Health Risk Tracking – Self Report (CHRT-SR), a measure previously validated in adults, in a sample of adolescents at risk for suicide. Method: Data are from a retrospective chart review of adolescents treated in an intensive outpatient program for youth with severe suicidality. Teens completed the CHRT-SR and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Adolescents (QIDS-A) at baseline and discharge. The CHRT-SR was evaluated to determine the factor validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and sensitivity to change. Results: Adolescents (n = 271) completed the CHRT-SR prior to treatment, and 231 completed the CHRT-SR at discharge. Three factors were identified with excellent model fit: Propensity, Impulsivity, and Suicidal Thoughts. Internal consistency reliability coefficients were good-to-excellent for the total score and all three factors at baseline (a = 0.774–0.915) and exit (a = 0.849–0.941). The total score and all three factors significantly correlated with overall depression severity and suicidal ideation as rated by teens and parent (p =.704–0.756, all p <.001). The CHRT-SR was sensitive to change, with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.599–1.062). Limitations: Study limitations include generalizability, lack of a control group, and retrospective data from a sample of opportunity. Conclusions: The CHRT-SR is a reliable and valid measure for examining severity of suicidal thoughts and associated risk factors, and is sensitive to change following an intervention in adolescents.