Spanish version of the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS)

Abstract

Introduction. The use of the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS), has made it possible to advance in the performance of family studies for research in genetic psychiatry. This study aimed to adapt this interview into Spanish and develop a validation process of the FIGS in a sample of Cuban families with a family background of schizophrenia.

Methods. The English version of the FIGS was translated into Spanish and was used in this study. The content was validated through the consensus score of several referees. The questionnaire was administered to at least two informants of 146 families of patients diagnosed of schizophrenia. Internal consistency of the items was analyzed, calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s alpha of the FIGS and reliability.

Results. In general the Spanish version of the FIGS interview was found to be useful. Internal consistency of the FIGS as measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient has been found to be 0.92 for depression, 0.99 for mania, 0.94 for psychosis, 0.94 for alcohol and drugs and 0.97 for personality disorders, which indicates values having satisfactory reliability. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient varied from the 0.41 to 0.99 for the different lists of symptoms mentioned above and all were statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions. This questionnaire is reliable and valid for gathering diagnostic information about relatives of probands and thus suitable for use in genetic studies of Cuban families with a history of schizophrenia.