The Concise Health Risk Tracking - Self-Report (CHRT-SR)—A measure of suicidal risk: Performance in adolescent outpatients

Objectives

The Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR) assesses the risk of suicidal behavior. We report its psychometric properties in a representative sample of adolescent outpatients.

Methods

A sample (n = 657) of adolescents (<18 years of age) in primary or psychiatric care completed the 14-item version of CHRT-SR at both baseline and within 3 months. To identify an optimal brief solution for the scale, we evaluated the factor structure of CHRT-SR using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, and testing measurement invariance across age and gender. The item response theory and classical test theory characteristics of the optimal solution were evaluated. Concurrent validity (both cross-sectional and as a change measure over time) of the optimal solution was assessed by comparing it to another suicide measure.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis identified the 9-item CHRT-SR (CHRT-SR₉) as the optimal solution. Classical test theory and item response theory indicated excellent fit. Concurrent validity analyses revealed that it can measure both improvement/worsening of suicidality over time.

Conclusion

The CHRT-SR₉ is a brief self-report with excellent psychometric properties in a sample of adolescents that is sensitive to changes in suicidality over time. Its performance in other populations and ability to predict future suicidal events deserves study.