Psychometric properties and normative data of the Italian version of the Cognitive Function at Work Questionnaire: a screening tool for detecting subjective cognitive complaints at work

INTRODUCTION

Considering the extension of working life due to socioeconomic and political factors, many people may experience cognitive complaints (CC) at their workplace, with severe consequences on their quality of life. The identification of workers reporting significative SCC is crucial to eventually address them to an objective neuropsychological evaluation and implement cognitive interventions to guarantee workers' well-being. Since no Italian questionnaires for detecting CC were designed for occupational settings, the aim of the study was to validate the Italian version of the Cognitive Function at Work Questionnaire (CFWQ) and to provide its normative data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and factorial structure of the CFWQ were evaluated. A regression-based procedure served to compute percentiles of CFWQ and its subscales.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-one participants without psychiatric and/or neurological disorders completed the survey. We found that the Italian CFWQ included 26 items, with a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.897) and a six-factor structure (memory, language, processing speed, abstract thinking/behavioral control, behavioral inertia, planning ability). CFWQ score did not correlate with empathy but correlated strongly with memory scores and moderately with anxiety and depression scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The Italian CFWQ showed good psychometric properties, in analogy with the original English scale. Therefore, it can be successfully employed in organizational contexts to possibly identify workers with CC and therefore with possible co-occurrent psychological, behavioral, and cognitive consequences.

Reliability and validity of the modified shuttle test-paeds to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in children

BACKGROUND

The Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (Paeds), a recently developed 10-meter Shuttle run test for aerobic capacity in children. This study aims to investigate the construct validity (known-group and convergent validity) and test-retest reliability of the recently developed test for cardiorespiratory fitness, the Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (Paeds).

METHODS

A total of 144 participants (6-12 y) were tested on the Paeds test, and 84 children were tested on the 20-meter Shuttle Run test (20 m-SRT) to assess construct validity. To evaluate test-retest reliability, 46 children were tested twice on the Paeds.

RESULTS

No sex differences were found, but there was an age effect. A strong correlation was found between Paeds and the 20 m-SRT (rs=0.78, p < 0.001). The test-retest reliability was good (ICC 0.84; 95% CI 0.74-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Paeds appears to be a reliable and valid tool for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in typically developing children aged 6-12 years and has the advantages of being shorter, needing less space, not requiring pacing and being self-motivational. More studies are needed to assess whether children reach an aerobic steady state in three minutes and how much of the results of the Paeds test can be explained by the agility component of the task (turning and grasping or aiming a bean bag). For clinical use, psychometric properties should be studied in various patient groups (e.g., ADHD, DCD, and children with intellectual disabilities).

Exploring the psychometric properties of the premonitory urge for tics scale (PUTS) and its association with psychiatric symptoms in Chinese children with tic disorders

BACKGROUND

The Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS) is a common self-report measure of premonitory urges for patients with tic disorders. This study aims to evaluate the Chinese version of the PUTS (PUTS-C) and to explore its association with psychiatric symptoms in Chinese children diagnosed with tic disorders.

METHODS

The psychometric evaluation involved 204 outpatients with tic disorders, aged 7-16 years, who were divided into two age groups: (7-10 years, n = 103; 11-16 years, n = 95).

RESULTS

The PUTS-C demonstrated good internal consistency (McDonald'sω = 0.84) and two-week test-retest reliability (0.76). We observed a statistically significant correlation between the total PUTS-C score and various Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) subscales and total tic severity scores. The PUTS-C score also showed significant correlations with the Children Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), Screening Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Notably, premonitory urges independently predicted tic severity, beyond the influence of comorbid symptoms. A two-factor structure of the PUTS-C was identified in the total sample through factor analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The PUTS-C possesses acceptable validity and good reliability. It appears that premonitory urges in Chinese patients with tic disorders are associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, and depression, but can independently predict tic severity. Specific PUTS-C factors possibly related to motor and vocal tics. Future research should continue to investigate age-related differences and the association with tics and other sensory symptoms.

Validation and assessment of psychometric properties of the Greek Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (GR-EBA-O)

INTRODUCTION

With increasing morbidity and risk of death, obesity has become a serious health problem largely attributable to difficulties in finding proper treatments for related diseases. Many studies show how detecting abnormal eating behaviors could be useful in developing effective clinical treatments. This study aims at validating the Greek version of the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O).

METHOD

After a double English/Greek forward/backward translation of the EBA-O, 294 participants completed the Greek version (GR-EBA-O), the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, the Binge Eating Scale, and the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and construct validity were calculated, and Two-way MANOVA was computed with the factors of GR-EBA-O controlling for sex and BMI categories.

RESULTS

CFA confirmed the second-order five factors (i.e., food addiction, night eating, binge eating, sweet eating, and prandial hyperphagia) structure of the original EBA-O with excellent fit indices. GR-EBA-O factors were highly correlated. The GR-EBA-O subscales were also significantly correlated with the remaining measures, demonstrating good concurrent validity.

CONCLUSION

The Greek version of the EBA-O has demonstrated sound psychometric properties and appears a reliable and user-friendly tool to identify pathological eating behaviors in obesity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V, descriptive research.

Development and validation of the osteoporosis scale among the system of quality of life instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-OS (V2.0)

BACKGROUND

Quality of life of osteoporosis patients had caused widespread concern, due to high incidence and difficulty to cure. Scale specifics for osteoporosis and suitable for Chinese cultural background lacked. This study aimed to develop an osteoporosis scale in Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases system, namely QLICD-OS (V2.0).

METHODS

Procedural decision-making approach of nominal group, focus group and modular approach were adopted. Our scale was developed based on experience of establishing scales at home and abroad. In this study, Quality of life measurements were performed on 127 osteoporosis patients before and after treatment to evaluate the psychometric properties. Validity was evaluated by qualitative analysis, item-domain correlation analysis, multi-scaling analysis and factor analysis; the SF-36 scale was used as criterion to carry out correlation analysis for criterion-related validity. The reliability was evaluated by the internal consistency coefficients Cronbach's α, test-retest reliability Pearson correlation r. Paired t-tests were performed on data of ​​the scale before and after treatment, with Standardized Response Mean (SRM) being calculated to evaluate the responsiveness.

RESULTS

The QLICD-OS, composed of a general module (28 items) and an osteoporosis-specific module (14 items), had good content validity. Correlation analysis and factor analysis confirmed the construct, with the item having a strong correlation (most > 0.40) with its own domains/principle components, and a weak correlation (< 0.40) with other domains/principle components. Correlation coefficient between the similar domains of QLICD-OS and SF-36 showed reasonable criterion-related validity, with all coefficients r being greater than 0.40 exception of physical function of SF-36 and physical domain of QLICD-OS (0.24). Internal consistency reliability of QLICD-OS in all domains was greater than 0.7 except the specific module. The test-retest reliability coefficients (Pearson r) in all domains and overall score are higher than 0.80. Score changes after treatment were statistically significant, with SRM ranging from 0.35 to 0.79, indicating that QLICD-OS could be rated as medium responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

As the first osteoporosis-specific quality of life scale developed by the modular approach in China, the QLICD-OS showed good reliability, validity and medium responsiveness, and could be used to measure quality of life in osteoporosis patients.

Adapting the athlete sleep behavior questionnaire (ASBQ) for Arabic-speaking populations: Translation, reliability testing, and validation using classical theory and item response theory

Sleep is essential for athletes' physical performance as well as their general health, well-being, and quality of life. To assess athletes' sleep behaviors, the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) was developed in the English language. However, a validated Arabic-version of the ASBQ is lacking. This study aimed to translate the ASBQ into Arabic (ASBQ-AR) and evaluate its reliability and validity among Arabic-speaking athletes. A total of 458 participants (254 athletes, 202 non-athletes) from four Arabic countries completed the ASBQ-AR and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires. The psychometric properties of the ASBQ-AR were examined using unidimensional reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Item Response Theory (IRT), and convergent validity. The ASBQ-AR had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.723, McDonald's ω = 0.725) and a factorial structure, confirming its construct validity. CFA demonstrated improved model fit indices after the removal of two potentially misfitting items (items 4 and 13); however, the model's fit to the data remains suboptimal. IRT results indicated that the majority of items demonstrated a good model fit, suggesting effective measurement of the intended construct without significant interference, except for ASBQ-AR 4. Additionally, ASBQ-AR 4 appears to present the highest level of difficulty for respondents. In terms of convergent validity, the mean ASBQ-AR global score was correlated with the mean ISI global score (r = 0.5, p < 0.0001). The ASBQ-AR is a reliable and valid tool for assessing maladaptive sleep practices among Arabic-speaking athletes. Additional refinements to the ASBQ-AR are warranted to optimize its psychometric properties.

Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version

INTRODUCTION

The Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale was developed with the aim of measuring individual resilience in the context of earthquake disasters. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties.

METHODS

A total of 419 adult individuals (65.2% females, median age = 43.35) participated in the study. The psychometric properties of the scale were examined in terms of content validity, face validity, construct validity, criterion-related validity, and reliability. Translation and back-translation processes were conducted.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the scale has a 4-factor structure. In terms of criterion-related validity, a positive relationship was found between Individual Earthquake Resilience and the Short Psychological Resilience Scale. The reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The total scale had a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.892. The Individual Earthquake Resilience Questionnaire subscales had Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.620, 0.817, 0.776, and 0.692, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The study confirmed that the 4-factor structure of the Individual Earthquake Resilience Scale met the required standards for validity and reliability at an acceptable level. This validates its use in assessing individual resilience within the context of earthquakes in a Turkish-speaking population.

A Chinese adaptation of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A): factor structure and psychometric properties

BACKGROUND

To examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) in Chinese children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

A total of 248 MDD patients aged between 12 and 18 years were recruited and evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D), the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ), and the improved Clinical Global Impression Scale, Severity item (iCGI-S). Thirty-one patients were selected randomly to complete the PHQ-A again one week later. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the construct validity of the scale. Reliability was evaluated by Macdonald Omega coefficient. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the item-total correlation and the correlation of PHQ-A with CES-D and MFQ respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess test-retest reliability. The optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity of the PHQ-A were achieved by estimating the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

CFA reported adequate loadings for all items, except for item 3. Macdonald Omega coefficient of the PHQ-A was 0.87. The Spearman correlation coefficient of the test-retest reliability was 0.70. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the PHQ-A with CES-D and MFQ were 0.87 and 0.85, respectively (p < 0.01). By taking the iCGI-S as the remission criteria for MDD, the optimal cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity of the PHQ-A were 7, 98.7%, 94.7% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The PHQ-A presented as a unidimensional construct and demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity among the Chinese children and adolescents with MDD. A cut-off value of 7 was suggested for remission.

Reliability, Validity and Acceptability of the PEDI-CAT with ASD Scales for Australian Children and Youth on the Autism Spectrum

PURPOSE

The PEDI-CAT (ASD) is used to assess functioning of children and youth on the autism spectrum; however, current psychometric evidence is limited. This study aimed to explore the reliability, validity and acceptability of the PEDI-CAT (ASD) using a large Australian sample.

METHODS

Caregivers of 134 children and youth on the spectrum participated in clinical assessments involving the administration of the PEDI-CAT (ASD), Vineland-3, PEDI-CAT (Original) and a feedback instrument. The PEDI-CAT (ASD) content was compared to the ICF Core Sets for ASD to summarize areas of functioning assessed and relevance to autism.

RESULTS

The PEDI-CAT (ASD) demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency and test-re-test reliability. Parallel forms reliability with the PEDI-CAT (Original) included significant correlations (good to excellent), however, t-tests showed significantly higher Social/Cognitive scores for the ASD version. Convergent validity results demonstrated that most PEDI-CAT (ASD) and Vineland-3 core domains were significantly correlated (poor to good). Content analysis revealed that the PEDI-CAT (ASD) covered less than half of the ICF Core Sets for ASD (mostly Activities and Participation codes). Just over half the codes assigned to the PEDI-CAT (ASD) were represented in the ICF Core Sets for ASD. Feedback on the acceptability of the measure was mixed, but overall was it was considered user-friendly and efficient.

CONCLUSION

The PEDI-CAT (ASD) had adequate psychometric properties and acceptability as a measure of Activities and Participation codes. However, it lacks comprehensiveness and relevance when compared to the ICF Core Sets for ASD and has the potential to overestimate functioning.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the meaning in life scale in a sample of young adults

BACKGROUND

Young adults are in a constant phase of realizing their meaning in life while being in a constant pursuit of meaning. Meaning in life is a subjective, personal construct related to the perception of one's own life. Considering that there are no measures that study this construct within the Arab context, this study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) in the Lebanese context with a sample of young adults.

METHODS

A sample of 684 Lebanese young adults was recruited for this study, having a mean age of 21.74 years, 65.6% of which were females. Through an online questionnaire, participants were requested to complete the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-8) and the Oviedo Grit Scale (EGO).

RESULTS

CFA indicated that fit of the original bi-dimensional model of MLQ scores was inadequate. Items 9 and 10 cross-loaded to both MLQ factors. After removal of those 2 items, the final model displayed good fit indices. Reliability was good for the Search (ω = 0.89 / α = 0.89) and Presence (ω = 0.88 / α = 0.87) subscales. Additionally, across three levels of gender invariance (Configural, Metric and Scalar), no significant gender-based distinctions were observed in the MLQ scores. The Search subscale was significantly and positively associated with higher GRIT but not psychological distress, whereas the Presence subscale was significantly associated with higher GRIT and lower psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study contribute to the psychometric reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the MLQ and makes it available for dissemination among young adults within the Arab context. This allows for the implementation of new research that target construct of meaning in life, allowing for the accessibility of interventions that aim to foster the presence of and search for meaning in the lives of young adults within the Arab nations.

Applicability and clinical utility of the German rivermead post-concussion symptoms questionnaire in proxies of children after traumatic brain injury: an instrument validation study

BACKGROUND

The German Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) can be used to assess post-concussion symptoms (PCS) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults, adolescents, and children.

METHODS

In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the German RPQ proxy version (N = 146) for children (8-12 years) after TBI at the item, total and scale score level. Construct validity was analyzed using rank correlations with the proxy-assessed Post-Concussion Symptoms Inventory (PCSI-P), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7). Furthermore, sensitivity testing was performed concerning subjects' sociodemographic and injury-related characteristics. Differential item functioning (DIF) was analyzed to assess the comparability of RPQ proxy ratings for children with those for adolescents.

RESULTS

Good internal consistency was demonstrated regarding Cronbach's α (0.81-0.90) and McDonald's ω (0.84-0.92). The factorial validity of a three-factor model was superior to the original one-factor model. Proxy ratings of the RPQ total and scale scores were strongly correlated with the PCSI-P (ϱ = 0.50-0.69), as well as moderately to strongly correlated with the PHQ-9 (ϱ = 0.49-0.65) and the GAD-7 (ϱ = 0.44-0.64). The DIF analysis revealed no relevant differences between the child and adolescent proxy versions.

CONCLUSIONS

The German RPQ proxy is a psychometrically reliable and valid instrument for assessing PCS in children after TBI. Therefore, RPQ self- and proxy-ratings can be used to assess PCS in childhood as well as along the lifespan of an individual after TBI.

Psychometric properties and domains covered by patient-reported outcome measures used in trials assessing interventions for chronic pain

OBJECTIVES

To identify the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in clinical trials assessing interventions for chronic pain, describe their psychometric properties, and the clinical domains they cover.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We identified phase 3 or 4 interventional trials: on adult participants (aged >18 years), registered in clinicaltrials.gov between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022, and which provided "chronic pain" as a keyword condition. We excluded diagnostic studies and phase 1 or 2 trials. In each trial, one reviewer extracted all outcomes registered and identified those captured using PROMs. For each PROM used in more than 1% of identified trials, two reviewers assessed whether it covered the six important clinical domains from the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT): pain, emotional functioning, physical functioning, participant ratings of global improvement and satisfaction with treatment, symptoms and adverse events, and participant disposition (eg, adherence to medication). Second, reviewers searched PubMed for both the initial publication and latest review reporting the psychometric properties of each PROM and assessed their content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, hypotheses testing, criterion validity, and responsiveness using published criteria from the literature.

RESULTS

In total, 596 trials assessing 4843 outcomes were included in the study (median sample size 60, interquartile range 40-100). Trials evaluated behavioral (22%), device-based (21%), and drug-based (10%) interventions. Of 495 unique PROMs, 55 were used in more than 1% trials (16 were generic pain measures; 8 were pain measures for specific diseases; and 30 were measures of other symptoms or consequences of pain). About 50% PROMs had more than 50% of psychometric properties rated as sufficient. Scales often focused on a single clinical domain. Only 25% trials measured at least three clinical domains from IMMPACT.

CONCLUSION

Half of PROMs used in trials assessing interventions for chronic pain had sufficient psychometric properties for more than 50% of criteria assessed. Few PROMs assessed more than one important clinical domain. Only 25% of trials measured more than 3/6 clinical domains considered important by IMMPACT.

The development and validation of the Palestinian children's traumatic events checklist in a war-torn environment

Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to trauma symptoms and impaired mental health, especially when children are exposed to war and political violence. Despite significant attention to child's exposure to traumas, few instruments to detect potentially traumatic events have been validated psychometrically. Our study aimed to develop, adapt and validate a user-friendly traumatic events checklist in Palestinian children living in three areas affected by low-intensity war and ongoing political and military violence. 965 Palestinian children (494 males and 471 females) living in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem were administered with a tailor-made Traumatic Events checklist, Children Impact of Events scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Scale. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis was run to detect the factorial structure of the checklist. Furthermore, ANOVA was performed to identify statistically significant demographic differences among participants. A three factors structure emerged with Political violence-related traumatic experiences (PVTE), military violence against individuals (MVI), and military violence against individuals and families (MVF). Gaza children and adolescents resulted in being the most exposed to potentially traumatic events. The instrument can clearly portray potentially traumatic experiences in children exposed to violent events and adverse childhood experiences.

Psychometric properties of the Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-39 and its short form Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-8: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects Quality of Life (QoL), since it is responsible for cognitive impairment, non-motor, and motor symptoms. Outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating treatment's effect on QoL over time. This systematic review aimed to identify the psychometric properties of PDQ-39 and PDQ-8 in the different populations in which they were validated. The electronic databases systematically searched are MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science; the research was conducted in July 2023. The psychometric properties considered were those of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. The search identified 1306 articles. 398 duplicates were eliminated; 908 articles were analyzed reading title and abstract; 799 were finally excluded because used PDQ-39 and PDQ-8 as outcome measures or were not dealing with psychometric properties; 66 articles were excluded after reading the full text. 43 articles were included in the review; meta-analysis showed all the Cronbach's alpha values were statistically significant for all the subscales of PDQ-39 and PDQ-8. PDQ-39 demonstrated to be a specific HRQoL questionnaire that is correlated with generic HRQoL questionnaires, in fact in many studies included in the review, correlations with SF-36 were found. In the last studies about psychometric properties of PDQ-8 emerged that it is a practical and informative instrument that can be easily used in clinical settings, especially in busy ones, but also in large-scale studies in which a brief instrument would be preferred.

What's in Your Dataset? Measuring Engagement in HIV Care Using Routinely Administered Items with a Population Disproportionately Burdened by HIV

We evaluated the psychometric properties of a measure consisting of items that assess current HIV care continuum engagement based on established definitions in the United States. At baseline, participants in this longitudinal study, which included three time points from 2015 to 2020, were 331 young Black sexual minority men ages 18-29 living with HIV in the southern United States residing in two large southern cities. Self-report items reflected four aspects of HIV care continuum engagement as binary variables: seeing a healthcare provider for HIV care, being on antiretroviral treatment, being retained in HIV care, and being virally suppressed. Of these, the following three variables loaded onto a single factor in exploratory factor analysis: being on antiretroviral treatment, being retained in HIV care, and being virally suppressed. A one-dimensional factor structure was confirmed using confirmatory factor analyses at separate time points. Additionally, the three items collectively showed measurement invariance by age, education level, employment status, and income level. The three-item measure also showed reliability based on coefficient omega and convergent validity in its associations with indicators of socioeconomic distress, depression, resilience, and healthcare empowerment. In sum, the items performed well as a single scale. The study demonstrated the potential psychometric strength of simple, feasible, commonly administered items assessing engagement in the HIV care continuum.

Integral leadership in nursing: Development and psychometric validation of a Korean version of the Integral Nursing Leadership Scale

BACKGROUND

With the importance of nursing leadership roles, there is a need for a more integrated approach to nursing leadership that can adapt quickly to many challenges in today's healthcare environments. In recent years, integral leadership that can apply a more holistic and inclusive approach to leadership has gained growing attention in other disciplines. However, research on integral leadership in nursing is sparse since no instrument specifically measuring integral leadership in nursing contexts is available.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to develop an integral nursing leadership scale and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

The scale was developed in two phases. In the first phase, items were generated to reflect the attributes of integral leadership in the nursing context. These attributes were identified through a conceptualization process using a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The process was based on the four dimensions of the integral leadership framework, adopting Wilber's four quadrants of integral theory. Then, the psychometric properties of the scale, including content validity, structural validity, and internal consistency reliability, were evaluated. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 806 Korean nurses and were analyzed using both exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis, using two separate random halves of the sample.

RESULTS

The newly developed scale consisted of 30 items across four dimensions: individual leadership qualities, individual performance, influencing organizational culture, and organizational excellence. Content validity for the 30 items was calculated to be 0.84 for item-level content validity and 0.96 for the scale's content validity averaging method, indicating adequate content validity. The four-factor structure of integral nursing leadership was cross-validated by exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency reliability was also found to be acceptable, as indicated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.97 and a McDonald's ω estimate of 0.98.

CONCLUSION

Findings demonstrate that the Integral Nursing Leadership Scale has acceptable content validity, structural validity, and reliability in measuring integral leadership, specifically in the context of nursing. More research is needed to further refine and establish strong validity of the scale.

Measurement invariance of the Revised-Green Paranoid Thought Scale across Black and White Americans

Given the culturally diverse landscape of mental healthcare and research, ensuring that our psychological constructs are measured equivalently across diverse populations is critical. One construct for which there is significant potential for inequitable assessment is paranoia, a prominent feature in psychotic disorders that can also be driven by culture and racial marginalization. This study examined measurement invariance-an analytic technique to rigorously investigate whether a given construct is being measured similarly across groups-of the Revised-Green Paranoid Thought Scale (R-GPTS; Freeman et al., 2021) across Black and White Americans in the general population. Racial group differences in self-reported paranoia were also examined. The analytic sample consisted of 480 non-Hispanic White and 459 non-Hispanic Black Americans. Analyses demonstrated full invariance (i.e., configural, metric, and scalar invariance) of the R-GPTS across groups, indicating that the R-GPTS appropriately captures self-reported paranoia between Black and White Americans. Accordingly, it is reasonable to compare group endorsement: Black participants endorsed significantly higher scores on both the ideas of reference and ideas of persecution subscales of the R-GPTS (Mean ± SD = 10.91 ± 7.12 versus 8.21 ± 7.17 and Mean ± SD = 10.18 ± 10.03 versus 6.35 ± 8.35, for these subscales respectively). Generalized linear modeling revealed that race remained a large and statistically significant predictor of R-GPTS total score (β = -0.38756, p < 0.001) after controlling for relevant demographic factors (e.g., sex, age). This study addresses a critical gap within the existing literature as it establishes that elevations in paranoia exhibited by Black Americans in the R-GPTS reflect actual differences between groups rather than measurement artifacts.

Evaluating the cross-cultural competence instrument for healthcare professionals (CCCHP) among nurses in Okinawa, Japan

BACKGROUND

To provide better quality healthcare services to patients with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, the cross-cultural competence of medical professionals is important. However, assessing and improving the cross-cultural competence of healthcare professionals is difficult in Japan, as there is no standardized scale to measure the competence. This study's purpose was to translate the Cross-Cultural Competence instrument for Healthcare Professionals (CCCHP), which was developed and used in Europe, and to examine its reliability and validity among Japanese nurses.

METHODS

During June and July 2021, nursing staff were invited to take web- and paper-based surveys in Okinawa Japan. The CCCHP (five-factor model with 27 items across motivation, attitude, skills, emotion, and knowledge) was translated using a combination translation method, and a five-point Likert scale was used for responses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and known-group method were used to examine structural validity, while Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to test reliability.

RESULTS

A total of 294 responses were analyzed; 77.2% had more than five years of experience. Since the fit index indicated that the five-factor model was not a good fit, it was modified to a four-factor model (J-CCCHP24) by moving three variables, removing the knowledge factor, and using the error covariance of the variables. The fit index after the modification was improved to comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.06, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.85. The mean scores of J-CCCHP24 were significantly higher in the group with a history of overseas travel, higher foreign language skill, training in intercultural care, experience of foreign patient care, and intercultural interactions outside the workplace than in the group without these characteristics.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the validity and reliability of the modified Japanese version of the CCCHP (four-factor model with 24 items). The results suggest that the exposure to different cultures on a personal level may help improve nurses' cross-cultural competence. Further refinement of this scale for practical use would encourage the implementation of necessary countermeasures to improve the cross-cultural competence of Japanese healthcare professionals.

Validity and reliability of the Greek version of Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (Version A) among low-risk pregnant women

BACKGROUND

Fear of childbirth is a frequent health issue for pregnant women. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) is a widely used instrument to measure the fear of childbirth during the antenatal period. The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the W-DEQ (version A) in a sample of Greek pregnant women.

METHODS

Low-risk pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (N = 201) were invited to participate in the study and to complete a booklet of questionnaires including the Greek versions of W-DEQ-A, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 34.2 years (SD = 4.3 years). EFA yielded six factors ("Lack of self-efficacy", "Lack of positive anticipation", "Lack of feeling lonely", "Concerns about delivery and losing control", "Calmness", and "Concern for the child") of 33 items of W-DEQ-A. CFA confirmed the multidimensionality of the instrument. All Cronbach's alpha were over 0.7, indicating acceptable reliability of the factors. All factors were significantly correlated with each other, and convergent validity was demonstrated by a significant association with stress, anxiety, and depression among low-risk pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

The Greek version of W-DEQ-A proved to be a valid and reliable instrument of fear of childbirth among Greek low-risk pregnant women.

Reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scale and its subscales of depression and anxiety among US adults based on nativity

BACKGROUND

The burdens of anxiety and depression symptoms have significantly increased in the general US population, especially during this COVID-19 epidemiological crisis. The first step in an effective treatment for anxiety and depression disorders is screening. The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4, a 4-item measure of anxiety/depression) and its subscales (PHQ-2 [a 2-item measure of depression] and Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-2, a 2-item measure of anxiety]) are brief but effective mass screening instruments for anxiety and depression symptoms in general populations. However, little to no study examined the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and validity) of the PHQ-4 and its subscales (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) in the general US adult population or based on US nativity (i.e., foreign-born vs. the US-born). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHQ-4 and its subscales in US adults, as well as the psychometric equivalence of the PHQ-4 scale based on nativity.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 5,140 adults aged ≥ 18 years. We examined the factorial validity and dimensionality of the PHQ-4 with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) was used to evaluate the comparability of the PHQ-4 across nativity groups. Reliability indices were assessed. Also, the scales' construct validities were assessed by examining the associations of both the PHQ-4 and its subscales' scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness scale.

RESULTS

The internal consistencies were high for the PHQ-4 scale (α = 0.92) and its subscales of PHQ-2 (α = 0.86) and GAD-2 (α = 0.90). The CFA fit indices showed evidence for the two-factor structure of the PHQ-4. The two factors (i.e., anxiety and depression) were significantly correlated (r = 0.92). The MCFA demonstrated measurement invariance of the PHQ-4 across the nativity groups, but the model fits the data better in the foreign-born group. There were significant associations of the PHQ-4 scale and its subscales' scores with the sociodemographic characteristics and the UCLA Loneliness scale (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The PHQ-4 and its subscales are reliable and valid measures to screen anxiety and depression symptoms in the general US adult population, especially in foreign-born individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persian version of brief infant sleep questionnaire (BISQ): a psychometric evaluation

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of sleep problems and their negative consequences on children and parents highlight the need to design early screening instruments to evaluate sleep problems in early childhood. We aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) among the Iranian population.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study included 646 one-year-old infants by random sampling from the PERSIAN birth cohort study. Following the forward-backward translation of the BISQ, its psychometric properties, including construct validity in terms of concurrent and convergent validities as well as reliability, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The CVIs and CVR ranged between 0.8 and 1.00 for all items. Therefore, we keep all the items of the original version of the BISQ in the Persian BISQ. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing items of the Persian BISQ among different maternal views regarding their infant's sleep. All BISQ items were significantly different among the two levels of maternal view about the infant's sleep problem except daytime sleep duration. The convergent validity of the BISQ was evaluated by calculating the correlation between BISQ items and the ISQ (infant sleep questionnaire) total score as a similar tool. ISQ score was adequately correlated with nocturnal sleep latency and the number of waking at night (rs ranged from 0.59 to 0.72). In addition, the associations of mothers' and infants' demographic variables and nutritional and gestational variables with BISQ items were presented to confirm construct validity. Strong correlations were found between the repeated sleep measures for sleep arrangement, sleep position, and sleep situation (kappa ranged from 0.65 to 0.84), nocturnal sleep duration, daytime sleep duration number of wakings at night, night waking duration, nocturnal sleep latency and sleep-onset time (ICC ranged 0.91 to 0.99).

CONCLUSION

The Persian version of the BISQ is a reliable and valid measure for assessing sleep problems in infants. It would be helpful to be utilized for the early diagnosis of infants' sleep problems.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the intolerance of uncertainty scale: a multinational study

INTRODUCTION

It is common for people to experience anxiety when contemplating their unknown future. Studies have shown that those who tend to worry more about their future are more likely to be intolerant of uncertainty. In order to study the way people from the Middle East tackle uncertainty, a valid and reliable scale is needed. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the 12-item Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12) in a community sample of native Arabic-speaking participants from Lebanon, Egypt, and Kuwait.

METHODS

A sample of 2038 university students answered the survey, with a mean age of 22.30 ± 4.15 years and 77.5% females. A Google Form link was dissipated among participants that included some demographic questions, the IUS-12 and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-8).

RESULTS

Following the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a bi-dimensional model of the Arabic version of the IUS-12 was found. The scale showed an excellent internal reliability for the prospective anxiety (ω = 0.85 / α = 0.85) and inhibitory anxiety (ω = 0.87 / α = 0.87). Additionally, the results illustrated configural, metric, and scalar invariance across genders and countries. Furthermore, Egypt and Lebanon were seen to have statistically significant higher levels of inhibitory anxiety compared to Kuwait, while only Egypt showed statistically significant higher prospective anxiety compared to Kuwait. Finally, higher psychological distress was significantly and positively associated with higher prospective and inhibitory anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide support for the psychometric reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the IUS-12, allowing for its generalizability and suitability for use among individuals from different Arabic-speaking nations.

Psychometric properties of the exercise addiction inventory (EAI) questionnaire among physically active young adults

BACKGROUND

Exercise addiction (EA) is a pathological behavior pattern in which a person loses control over his exercise habits and exercises excessively and suffers negative consequences for his health and even his social life. One of the best tools to measure EA is EAI. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the EAI among Iranian physically active young adults.

METHODS

Participants were randomly selected from sports clubs in Tabriz, Iran. A total of 200 questionnaires were completed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted along with tests of convergent validity. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest methods.

RESULTS

EFA indicated a one-factor structure explaining 40.43% of variance. CFA confirmed the one-factor model with good fit (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.076; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.968). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.71) and convergent validity was adequate. Test-retest reliability was also adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.71).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study show that the Persian EAI has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used as a valid tool to assess EA.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish Version Scalegeneral self-efficacy scale in children and adolescents with cancer

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in children and adolescents aged 8-18 undergoing cancer treatment.

METHODS

The sample of this methodological and descriptive study consisted of 128 children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18 in the pediatric hematology-oncology wards and outpatient units of a university hospital. The study was implemented in a university hospital in Turkey between March 2023 and November 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with children and adolescents attending the clinic or outpatient clinic. Data were collected using the information form and General Self-Efficacy Scale psychometric tests, Cronbach's alpha, Test-retest, validity and reliability analysis). Item-total score correlation was used.

RESULTS

In the exploratory factor analysis, Kaiser Meyer Olkin was p 0.77, for which Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a ten-item unidimensional structure with satisfactory representation. Item-total score correlations of the scale ranged between 0.32 and 0.52. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the model fit indices of this scale were obtained as follows: χ2/sd = 1.36, Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.94, Comparative Fit Index = 0.92, Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.90, and Cronbach alpha value, indicating the internal consistency of the entire scale, was 0.76.

CONCLUSIONS

The scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing self-efficacy in children and adolescents between the ages of eight and eighteen undergoing cancer treatment.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The study will provide precious information for experimental interventions and follow-up studies to assess the self-efficacy of children and adolescents with cancer.

Psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) in silica-exposed workers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

BACKGROUND

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) has been used in a range of occupational cohorts, but only recently in stone benchtop workers undergoing screening for silicosis. The aim of this study was to compare psychometric properties of the PSS-10 in stone benchtop workers amongst those born overseas or who used an interpreter.

METHODS

Stone benchtop workers in Melbourne, Australia completed the PSS-10 as part of their occupational screening for silicosis. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α for the total score and the positive and negative subscales. Validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Analysis was performed for the total group and for subgroups according to sex, interpreter use, overseas-born, and language spoken at home.

RESULTS

The results of 682 workers with complete PSS-10 scores were included in analysis. Most participants were male (93%), with mean age 36.9 years (SD 11.4), with just over half (51.6%) born in Australia, 10.1% using an interpreter, and 17.5% using a language other than English at home. Cronbach's α for the overall group (α = 0.878) suggested good internal consistency.

DISCUSSION

CFA analysis for validity testing suggested PSS-10 performance was good for both sexes, moderate for country of birth and language spoken at home categories, but poorer for those who used an interpreter. Whilst professional interpreters provide a range of benefits in the clinical setting, the use of translated and validated instruments are important, particularly in cohorts with large numbers of migrant workers.

CONCLUSION

This study describes the psychometric properties of the PSS-10 in a population of stone benchtop workers, with good internal consistency, and mixed performance from validity testing across various subgroups.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Thai version of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system short form- depression 8a in individuals with chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0 - Depression 8a (PROMIS SF v1.0 - Depression 8a) into Thai and evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

METHODS

The PROMIS SF v1.0- Depression 8a was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Thai using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation methodology. Two hundred and sixty-nine individuals with CLBP completed the Thai version of PROMIS SF v1.0- Depression 8a (T-PROMIS-D-8a) scale and a set of measures assessing validity criterion domains. Structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability at a 7-day interval of the T-PROMIS-D-8a scale were computed and its construct validity was evaluated by computing correlations with the Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (T-PHQ-9), Numeric Rating Scale of pain intensity (T-NRS), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (T-FABQ).

RESULTS

Data from 269 participants were analyzed. Most participants were women (70%), and the sample had a mean age of 42.5 (SD 16.6) years. The findings supported the unidimensionality, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94), and test-retest reliability (ICC [2,1] = 0.86) of the T-PROMIS-D-8a. A floor effect was observed for 16% of the sample. Associations with the T-PHQ-9, T-NRS, and T-FABQ supported the construct validity of the T-PROMIS-D-8a.

CONCLUSIONS

The T-PROMIS-D-8a was successfully translated and culturally adapted. The findings indicated that the scale is reliable and valid for assessing depression in Thai individuals with CLBP.

Construct validity, responsiveness, minimal detectable change, and minimal clinically important difference of the stroke self-efficacy questionnaire in individuals receiving stroke rehabilitation

PURPOSE

To assess the clinimetric properties of the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) and estimate the minimal detectable change (MDC) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) from the database of our randomized controlled trials (RCT) of individuals receiving stroke rehabilitation.

METHODS

We retrieved the pre- and post-intervention scores of the SSEQ and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) from 80 stroke survivors. The analysis of clinimetric properties was performed using: (1) confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory modeling (IRT) for construct validity; (2) standardized response mean and Glass's delta for responsiveness; (3) MDC based on the standard deviation (SD) or standard error of measurement (SEM) of the SSEQ change scores; (4) MCID determined by the external anchor-SIS; (5) conditional MDC (cMDC) derived from the IRT analysis.

RESULTS

There was a bi-factorial construct with excellent model-data fit and marked responsiveness. The MDC determined by the SD and SEM were 1.5 and 3.0, respectively, and the MCIDs were 3.3 and 3.7.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that SSEQ is a valid and reliable assessment tool for patients receiving stroke rehabilitation. We also provided practical threshold values, especially demonstrating the benefit of using individualized cMDC, to help clinicians better interpret the change in the SSEQ scores.

Translation, reliability, and validity of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE)

PURPOSE

Translate, investigate reliability, and construct validity of the Brazilian Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Translation followed the international guidelines. Test-retest reliability was tested by 100 parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP): 18 months-5 years and 6-11 years. To determine construct validity, 94 parents of typically children completed the EASE. Statistical analysis included Bland-Altman, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Internal Consistency, and Floor and Ceiling Effect.

RESULTS

The majority of the sample consisted of children with CP in GMFCS (IV-V). EASE showed good test-retest reliability for younger (ICC = 0.8) and excellent test-retest reliability for older children with CP (ICC = 0.9), and good internal consistency of 0.7 and 0.8 for the young and older group, respectively. Bland-Altman showed the bias close to zero, with no ceiling or floor effect. Regarding construct validity, younger children showed lower scores when compared to the older children. Endurance differed significantly between children with CP who were walking and those who were not walking and also for age groups. Children with CP showed lower endurance compared to typically participants in the same age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilian EASE is reliable and valid to estimate endurance in children with CP. Results provide evidence of construct validity.

Psychometric evidence of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II): an item response theory analysis in university students from Chile

BACKGROUND

Experiential avoidance (EA) is a psychological mechanism associated with several mental health disorders and is regarded as a relevant target by third-generation cognitive behavioral therapies. It has been mainly assessed through self-report questionnaires, and the AAQ-II is the most used tool. Its psychometric evidence has been mostly tested through the classical test theory (CTT) and very scarcely assessed through Item Response Theory (IRT).

METHODS

We used the Graded Response Model to examine its psychometric properties in Spanish-speaking university students (n = 1503; women = 995 (66.2%), mean age = 19.29, SD = 2.45). We tested whether the empirical data fit the model's predictions and estimated the dispersion of persons and items along the experiential avoidance continuum. Moreover, we examined category probability curves to identify the response probability of each answer. Likewise, an item-person map was made where the measurement of persons and items, both on the same scale and along the experiential avoidance continuum, could be observed jointly. Finally, we tested the gender invariance of the scale.

RESULTS

We found that the values of the individuals and the items were in the established range to be considered an adequate measure of EA. Additionally, we observed high discrimination indices for all items. The current version with seven answer options could not be optimal and should be tested in future studies. Finally, we found evidence of differential functioning by gender in one of the seven items of the instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the AAQ-II is a suitable tool for measuring EA and accurately classifying and differentiating EA levels in university students.

Measures of Subjective Memory for People with Epilepsy: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties

People with epilepsy frequently express concern about the burden of memory problems in their everyday lives. Self-report memory questionnaires may provide valuable insight into individuals' perceptions of their everyday memory performance and changes over time. Yet, despite their potential utility, the measurement properties of self-report memory questionnaires have not been evaluated in epilepsy. This systematic review aimed to provide a critical appraisal of the measurement properties of self-report memory questionnaires for adults with epilepsy. Following protocol registration (PROSPERO CRD42020210967), a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychInfo from database inception until 27 May 2021 was conducted. Eligible studies were published in English-language peer-reviewed journals, recruited adults with epilepsy, and reported on the development or evaluation of the measurement properties of a self-report memory questionnaire. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology was used to evaluate each study of a measurement property, and results were qualitatively synthesised. In total, 80 articles and one test manual were located containing 153 studies of measurement properties pertinent to 23 self-report memory questionnaires. Overall, no scale could be recommended outright for the evaluation of subjective memory symptoms in adults with epilepsy. This was due to the near absence of dedicated content validation studies relevant to this population and shortcomings in the methodology and scientific reporting of available studies of structural validity. Recommendations to support the advancement and psychometric validation of self-report memory questionnaires for people with epilepsy are provided.

Translation and validation of a Chinese version of the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised in Chinese adults

The current study translated the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R) into Chinese (Mandarin) and examined its psychometric properties in Chinese adult women and men. Sample 1 included 400 women and 400 men to examine the factor structure of the ASI-R with exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Sample 2 involved 300 women and 300 men, and the EFA-derived factor structures in Sample 1 of the ASI-R were examined with exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), bifactor ESEM (B-ESEM), and bifactor ESEM with correlated uniqueness for negatively worded items (B-ESEM-CU) for both women and men. Results of the EFA identified a 4-factor model in women and a 2-factor model in men. The B-ESEM-CU consistently showed the best model fit. In the B-ESEM-CU, the general factor was well-defined, but the specific factors were not, supporting the use of the global factor to conceptualize the ASI-R for Chinese women and men. Evidence of adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the global factor of the ASI-R was suggested in both women and men. Findings suggest the ASI-R is a useful instrument to measure body image investment in Chinese women and men, specifically using the B-ESEM-CU to understand the dimensionality of the ASI-R.

Psychometric validation of the Arabic multiple sclerosis resiliency scale: Uncovering resilience factors in Lebanese MS patients for clinical and research advancements

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that involves the central nervous system (CNS). Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may experience difficulty adapting to their diagnosis as the unpredictable nature of the disease can be challenging to cope with.

Methods

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, we have culturally adapted and analyzed the Arabic version of the Multiple Sclerosis Resiliency Scale (MSRS) psychometric properties. Second, we aimed to explore resilience in a sample of Lebanese patients with MS in the face of the chronic disease and financial hardship that Lebanon is going through to evaluate their strengths and struggles. The sample consisted of 306 participants aged between 18 and 79 diagnosed with MS for at least one year.

Results

After examining criterion validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, the Arabic version of the MSRS exhibited good psychometric properties. The study also revealed that resilience increases with age and lower disability scores. Additionally, individuals with higher resilience levels displayed lower levels of depression. The research revealed that MS patients have high resilience, mainly relying on cognitive and emotional strategies, social support from family and friends, MS peer support, and spirituality.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of emotional coping strategies and social support in building resilience among MS patients.

Virtual Reality and Serious Videogame-Based Instruments for Assessing Spatial Navigation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties

Over the past decade, research using virtual reality and serious game-based instruments for assessing spatial navigation and spatial memory in at-risk and AD populations has risen. We systematically reviewed the literature since 2012 to identify and evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias in the analyses of the psychometric properties of VRSG-based instruments. The search was conducted primarily in July-December 2022 and updated in November 2023 in eight major databases. The quality of instrument development and study design were analyzed in all studies. Measurement properties were defined and analyzed according to COSMIN guidelines. A total of 1078 unique records were screened, and following selection criteria, thirty-seven studies were analyzed. From these studies, 30 instruments were identified. Construct and criterion validity were the most reported measurement properties, while structural validity and internal consistency evidence were the least reported. Nineteen studies were deemed very good in construct validity, whereas 11 studies reporting diagnostic accuracy were deemed very good in quality. Limitations regarding theoretical framework and research design requirements were found in most of the studies. VRSG-based instruments are valuable additions to the current diagnostic toolkit for AD. Further research is required to establish the psychometric performance and clinical utility of VRSG-based instruments, particularly the instrument development, content validity, and diagnostic accuracy for preclinical AD screening scenarios. This review provides a straightforward synthesis of the state of the art of VRSG-based instruments and suggests future directions for research.

The Short Version of the Italian Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire (MVEQ): Psychometric Properties and Relationships with Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in a Community Sample of Older Adults

Vital Exhaustion (VE) refers to a physical and mental state of excessive fatigue, feelings of demoralization, hopelessness, and increased irritability. The short form of the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire (MVEQ) is a widely used measure to assess VE. Despite its utility is broadly recognized, the validity and reliability of the scale have yet to be examined in the Italian context. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the shortened MVEQ in a community sample of Italian older adults. A total of 722 older adults (Mage = 72.97, SD = 7.71; 60.4% females) completed the MVEQ, as well as other self-report questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression and stress in order to evaluate the criterion-related validity of the scale. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the original MVEQ latent structure. Internal consistency was assessed through model-based omega coefficient. Test-retest reliability was examined by re-administering the MVEQ after three months to a subsample of 568 participants. Factorial invariance tests across gender were conducted by means of multi-group CFAs. The one-factor model showed an acceptable fit to the data. The MVEQ yielded a reliable total score (ω = 0.822) and showed moderate-to-large correlations with measures of anxiety, depression, and stress (r range 0.30 to 0.75, ps < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was supported by an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.661. Lastly, the scale was factorially invariant across gender. Overall, the MVEQ provided evidence of reliability and criterion-related validity in a sample of Italian older adults and may be useful for both clinical and research practices.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour and research of its influencing factors

BACKGROUND

Social media has become an indispensable part of contemporary young people's lives, and the influence of social media on college students' eating and other health-related behaviors has become increasingly prominent. However, there is no assessment tool to determine the effects of social media on Chinese college students' eating behavior. This study aims to translate the Scale of Effects of Social Media on Eating Behaviour (SESMEB) into Chinese. Its applicability to Chinese college students was examined through reliability and validity indexes, and the influencing factors of SESMEB were explored.

METHODS

The questionnaire survey included 2374 Chinese college students. The Brislin translation model was used to translate the original scale into Chinese. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the construct validity of the scale, and the content validity of the scale was assessed through the content validity index. The internal consistency of the scale was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's Omega coefficient, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify potential influences on the effects of social media on eating behavior.

RESULTS

EFA supported the one-factor structure, and the factor loadings of each item on this dimension were higher than 0.40. CFA showed good model fitness indexes. The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's Omega coefficient for the scale were 0.964, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.953, and the test-retest reliability was 0.849. Gender, education, major, frequency of social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism explained 73.8% of the variance in the effects of social media on eating behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the SESMEB has good psychometric properties and is a valid measurement tool for assessing the effects of social media on college students' eating behavior. Subjects who were female, highly educated, non-medical, had frequent social media use, online sexual objectification experiences, fear of negative evaluations, and physical appearance perfectionism used social media to have a higher impact on eating behavior.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Gudjonsson compliance scale: scale validation and associations with mental health

BACKGROUND

Trait compliance involves people reacting favorably to demands made by others across different situations. This may lead to susceptibility to external pressures, exploitation, and manipulation. Moreover, trait compliance was found to correlate with various mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. The Gudjonsson Compliance Scale (GCS) is an efficient tool for assessing trait compliance in Western contexts. To date, no study has validated the psychometric properties of the GCS in Chinese populations.

METHODS

Two college student samples from China were recruited. The first sample (N = 4,276) was used to conduct exploratory factor analysis. The second (N = 4,356) was used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability, measurement invariance, and correlational tests were conducted on the two combined samples.

RESULTS

The Chinese GCS showed a 3-factor structure, with two items deleted. Reliability was supported by moderate-to-good internal consistency of the three-factor scales and good internal consistency on the full scale. Strong measurement invariance across sex, ethnicity, and group recruitment was supported. Scores of the total scale and factor scales were found to significantly associated with several mental health problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the GCS appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring trait compliance and could promote both the assessment and research on compliance in Chinese population.

Intra-limb joint coordination measures of upper limb and hand movements: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

People with central nervous system disorders typically have difficulties in coordination of the upper limb and hand movements, which significantly impairs their activities of daily living. Laboratory-based measures can provide quantitative and objective information about intra-limb coordination to aid the rehabilitation process of this population. However, there is currently no comprehensive review of laboratory-based measures.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The aim of this review was to identify and summarize laboratory-based intra-limb coordination measures for different upper limb and hand movements.

METHODS

Searches were performed in the CINAHL, Embase, IEEE Xplore, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify studies published between 2013 and 2022. Two authors independently performed paper selection, data extraction and quality assessment.

RESULTS

21 papers were identified, and six types of coordination measures were classified. These included principal component analysis, continuous relative phase analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, uncontrolled manifold analysis, and uncorrelated surrogate data analysis, in descending order of occurrence. Regarding psychometric properties, all measures demonstrated good discriminative validity. However, only the principal component analysis approach and the continuous relative phase analysis approach were found to have good convergent validity and responsiveness, respectively. In terms of their practicality, these measures were primarily utilized for quantifying coordination in individuals with neurological disorders, with a greater emphasis on the coordination of upper limb movements rather than hand movements.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review summarized and critiqued the characteristics of six types of joint coordination measures. Researchers and clinicians should therefore select appropriate measures based on individual needs. Future research should continue on analysing coordination in individuals with pathological conditions and exploring the application of these measures in quantifying hand movement coordination, to advance current knowledge and inform rehabilitation practices.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Translation and Validation of Kannada Version of the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (KSWAL-QOL)

The swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire is a commonly used tool to assess the impact of dysphagia on quality of life. SWAL-QOL has been translated and validated in many languages. There is no valid dysphagia-specific quality of life tool in Indian languages. Hence, the current study aimed at cultural adaptation, translation, and validation of SWAL-QOL in Kannada (KSWAL-QOL), a south Indian Dravidian language. The original SWAL-QOL was translated into Kannada using the standard translation procedure. A group of 55 participants with oro-pharyngeal dysphagia (clinical group) and 55 participants with normal swallowing abilities (control group) were recruited for the current study to assess the validity and reliability of KSWAL-QOL. Dysphagia Handicap Index- Kannada version (DHI-K) and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LISAT) were used to check for the convergent validity of the KSWAL-QOL. The KSWAL-QOL demonstrated excellent discriminant validity and distinguished clinical from the control group across all domains (p = 0.00). Internal consistency for all the nine domains of KSWAL-QOL measured using Cronbach's α ranged from 0.89 to 0.92, demonstrating excellent reliability. Test-retest measures were exceptional, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranging between 0.92 and 0.98 and Spearman's rho values between 0.91 and 0.97. A very strong negative correlation was obtained between KSWAL-QOL and DHI-K, and a strong positive correlation was seen between KSWAL-QOL and LISAT. The KSWAL-QOL is a reliable and valid tool with excellent psychometric properties to evaluate the quality of life associated with swallowing in individuals with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04162-w.

Adapting a measure of gross motor skills for individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder: A psychometric study

PURPOSE

Validated measures capable of demonstrating meaningful interventional change in the CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) are lacking. The study objective was to modify the Rett Syndrome Gross Motor Scale (RSGMS) and evaluate its psychometric properties for individuals with CDD.

METHODS

Item and scoring categories of the RSGMS were modified. Caregivers registered with the International CDKL5 Clinical Research Network uploaded motor videos filmed at home to a protected server and completed a feedback questionnaire (n = 70). Rasch (n = 137), known groups (n = 109), and intra- and inter-rater reliability analyses (n = 50) were conducted.

RESULTS

The age of individuals with CDD ranged from 1.5 to 34.1 years. The modified scale, Gross Motor-Complex Disability (GM-CD), comprised 17 items. There were no floor or ceiling effects and inter- and intra-rater reliability were good. Rasch analysis demonstrated that the items encompassed a large range of performance difficulty, although there was some item redundancy and some disordered categories. One item, Prone Head Position, was a poor fit. Caregiver-reported acceptability was positive. Scores differed by age and functional abilities.

SUMMARY

GM-CD appears to be a suitable remotely administered measure and psychometrically sound for individuals with CDD. This study provides the foundation to propose the use of GM-CD in CDD clinical trials. Longitudinal evaluation is planned.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Sleep Regularity Questionnaire (SRQ) and analysis of influencing factors

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no instrument to measure sleep regularity in China. In this study, the Sleep Regularity Questionnaire（SRQ） was translated into Chinese, tested for reliability and validity, and analyzed for factors affecting sleep regularity.

METHODS

The English version of the SRQ was translated into Chinese, and a total of 3642 individuals were included in this research. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the underlying factor structure of the Chinese version of the SRQ and to measure its reliability and validity. In addition, the correlations between sleep regularity and general information, personal habits, self-control, stress, anxiety, and depression were explored.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's α of the Chinese SRQ was 0.858, supporting the two-factor structure. Sleep regularity was statistically different between gender and ethnicity (p < 0.05), and personal habits (exercise, continued eating after dinner, smoking and drinking) had an effect on sleep regularity. Sleep regularity was positively associated with individual self-control and negatively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of the SRQ has excellent reliability and validity. There are two dimensions, namely circadian regularity and sleep continuity regularity, which can be used to assess the sleep regularity of Chinese adults. The results of this study showed that males and Han Chinese having better sleep regularity. And people with good lifestyle habits and greater self-control sleep more regularly, while stress, anxiety and depression can affect individuals' sleep regularity.

The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, version 2 (MAIA-2): psychometric properties in a Dutch non-clinical sample

BACKGROUND

Interoceptive awareness is a multidimensional construct that refers to the sensation, interpretation, and integration of signals within the body. There is increasing evidence that problems with interoceptive awareness form an important component of mental health problems. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness 2 (MAIA-2) is presently the most used self-report questionnaire to measure interoceptive awareness. The aim of the present study is to psychometrically evaluate the Dutch version of the MAIA-2.

METHOD

The psychometric properties of the MAIA-2-NL were examined in a non-clinical sample of 1054 participants aged between 18 and 83. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were investigated. Factor structure was examined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

RESULTS

Internal consistency was good, with McDonald's omega (ω) ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. Test-retest reliability was moderate to good, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.67 to 0.79. Factor analyses suggested a six-factor structure, combining the original subscales Noticing with Emotional awareness and Self-regulation with Body listening. However, a CFA based on the original eight factors showed a somewhat better fit than the CFA based on six factors.

CONCLUSION

The MAIA-2-NL is a reliable and valid instrument to measure interoceptive awareness in healthy Dutch adults. We recommend to maintain the original 37 items.

Sexual function index adaptation for breast cancer patients (FSFI-BC)- translation and psychometric properties of Persian version

BACKGROUND

Effective interventions to improve sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors need screening of these dysfunctions with a suitable instrument. The aim of present study was translation and identifying psychometric properties of Female Sexual Function Index - Adapted for Breast Cancer (FSFI-BC) which has been specifically developed for breast cancer survivors.

METHOD

This methodological study was performed between February 2017 and October 2018. 200 breast cancer survivors in stage 1 or 2 who were selected through convenience sampling method, completed the questionnaire. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alfa and test re-test analysis and construct validity was performed through confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis( EFA).

RESULTS

Six factors were extracted in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). These factors explained 74.6% of the total variance in in NSA group and 0.821 in SA group. Reliability evaluation indicated high internal consistency and good test re-test reliability. Cronbach's alpha coefficient in all areas of the tool was above 0.7 (the lowest and the highest measures were 0.885 and 0.945, respectively), which is a good indicator for reliability of an instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fitness for seven factors of FSFI-BC questionnaire (Normed Fit Index or NFI = 0.9 for both groups, Comparative of Fit Index or CFI = 0.93 and 0.92, χ 2/df = 1.68 and 1.71 for SA(Sexually Active) and NSA(No Sexually Active) individuals, respectively) .

CONCLUSION

Study findings suggest that Persian version of FSFI-BC is a suitable instrument for sexual dysfunction screening in breast cancer survivors.

A contribution to the French validation of the clinical anxiety scale amongst health care workers in Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders are frequent but remain often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hence, valid screening instruments are needed to enhance the diagnostic process. The Clinical Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a 25-item anxiety screening tool derived from the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). However, this scale is not available in French. The General anxiety disorder - 7 (GAD-7) scale, which has been validated in French, is a 7-item instrument with good psychometric properties. This study contributes to the validation of an adapted French version of the CAS, using the GAD-7 as the reference.

METHODS

A forward-backward English-French-English translation of the CAS was performed according to standard practice. The French versions of the CAS and GAD-7 were completed by 127 French speaking healthcare professionals. CAS internal consistency was assessed using Crohnbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was tested after 15 days in a subsample of 30 subjects. Convergent validity with GAD-7 was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability was explored using one-way random effects model to calculate the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

French CAS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), high convergent validity with GAD-7 (Pearson's R 0.81, p < 0.001), and very good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-0.98).

CONCLUSION

The proposed French version of the CAS showed high reliability and validity that need to be further investigated in different populations.

Development of a Revised Version of Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire in Taiwan: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVES

Research has suggested that subjective memory complaints (SMC) are predictive of cognitive decline in cases of Alzheimer's disease; however, multidimensional characteristics of SMC make it difficult to formulate causal links. The Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ) has proven effective in capturing the nature of SMC. In this study, we developed a revised version of SMCQ (SMCQ-R) with corresponding normative data for application in Taiwan.

METHODS

This study recruited 100 cognitively normal participants (> 45 years) stratified according to demographic characteristics. Assessments were performed to evaluate test-retest reliability, criterion-related validity, and construct validity of SMCQ-R. SMCQ-R scores of 20 matched patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were also compared with those of normal participants to test construct validity.

RESULTS

Reliability of SMCQ-R was satisfactory (0.81-0.95). Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure: everyday memory problems (EMP), recent severe memory problems (RSMP), and long-term memory problems (LTMP). EMP and RSMP scores were negatively associated with objective cognitive function (r = -.20 to .39). Depressive symptoms were positively associated with all factors (r = .23-.33). Age was positively associated with total (b = 0.09, p < .05) and EMP scores (b = 0.06, p < .01). MCI patients obtained higher scores (p < .05) on all subscales. SMCQ-R scores discriminated between normal and MCI individuals (area under the curve = 0.77). This study established a norm based on scores adjusted to control for effects of age.

CONCLUSIONS

SMCQ-R has sound psychometric properties and could potentially be used as a tool to assess SMC in clinical settings.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the short entrapment scale in a non-clinical sample of young adults

BACKGROUND

Entrapment is the feeling of wanting to leave an unbearable situation but believing that there are no options to do so. An Arabic entrapment Scale will assist healthcare professionals in the region in the prevention of suicide as the tool is tailored to the specific sociocultural context, which would enhance entrapment detection.

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, we aim to evaluate the psychometric properties of a translated Arabic version of the Entrapment Scale Short Form (E-SF).

METHODS

Three hundred eighty-nine Lebanese citizens were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 23.03 years (SD = 2.93), 69.4% being women. To examine the factor structure of the entrapment scale, we used an exploratory-to-confirmatory factor analysis (EFA-to-CFA) strategy. EFA and CFA results indicated that the fit of the unidimensional model of the Arabic Entrapment Scale (A-ES) was generally acceptable. Composite reliability of scores was adequate in the total sample (ω = .87). All indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across genders. Entrapment was positively and significantly correlated with suicidal ideation, alcohol use disorder, psychological distress, and orthorexia nervosa, suggesting convergent and divergent validity.

CONCLUSION

The A-ES was found to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the degree of entrapment in Lebanese young adults. The A-ES will assist healthcare professionals in the region in the prevention of suicide as the tool is tailored to the specific sociocultural context, which would enhance entrapment detection.

Is irritability multidimensional: Psychometrics of The Irritability and Dysregulation of Emotion Scale (TIDES-13)

Irritability is a common, impairing, and potentially multifaceted manifestation of psychopathology. We designed The Irritability and Dysregulation of Emotion Scale (TIDES-13) to determine whether various expressions of irritability in children and youth form multiple subdimensions with distinct correlates. We administered parent-report (n = 3875, mean age = 8.9) and youth self-report (n = 579, mean age = 15.1) versions of TIDES-13 in a population and community-based sample. We conducted exploratory/confirmatory factor analyses and regression analyses to examine the dimensionality of TIDES-13 and the associations of the scale with age, gender, anxiety, depression, ODD, ADHD traits, and the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI). A higher-order model with a global irritability dimension and four subdimensions, including proneness to anger (PA), internalized negative emotional reactivity (iNER), externalized negative emotional reactivity (eNER), and reactive aggression (RA), showed good to excellent fit in both parent-report and self-report. The global irritability dimension showed excellent internal reliability (⍵Total; parent-report = 0.97, ⍵Total; self-report = 0.95), explained a majority of the item variance (⍵Hierarchical; parent-report = 0.94, ⍵Hierarchical; self-report = 0.90), and was moderately correlated with the ARI (rparent = 0.68, rself = 0.77). Subdimensions PA, eNER, and RA were negatively associated with age in males, whereas iNER was positively associated with age in females. Traits of ODD and ADHD were associated primarily with the global irritability dimension, whereas iNER was strongly associated with anxiety and depression traits over and above the global irritability dimension. Our results support a unidimensional interpretation of irritability in a population sample. However, limited evidence of specific behavioral, age, and sex correlates with particular irritability subdimensions may warrant further investigation.

Item distribution, internal consistency and structural validity of the German language person-centred climate questionnaire - staff version (PCQ-G-S): a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Person-centredness is considered as best practice for people living with dementia. A frequently used instrument to assess person-centredness of a care environment is the Person-centred Climate Questionnaire (PCQ). The questionnaire comprises of 14 items with the three subscales a climate of safety, a climate of everydayness and a climate of community.

AIM

The aim of the study is to describe the translation process of the English language Person-centred Climate Questionnaire (Staff version, Patient version, Family version) into German language (PCQ-G) and to evaluate the first psychometric properties of the German language Person-centred Climate Questionnaire- Staff version (PCQ-G-S).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study. The three versions of the 14-item English PCQ were translated into German language (PCQ-G) based on the recommendations for cross-cultural adaption of measures. Item distribution, internal consistency and structural validity of the questionnaire were assessed among nursing home staff (PCQ-G-S). Item distribution was calculated using descriptive statistics. Structural validity was tested using principal component analysis (PCA), and internal consistency was assessed for the resulting subscales using Cronbach's alpha. Data collection took place from May to September 2021.

RESULTS

A total sample of 120 nurses was included in the data analysis. Nine out of 14 items of the PCQ-G-S demonstrated acceptable item difficulty, while five times showed a ceiling effect. The PCA analysis demonstrated a strong structural validity for a three-factor solution explaining 68.6% of the total variance. The three subscales demonstrated a good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.8 for each of the subscales.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the 14-item German version (PCQ-G-S) showed first evidence for a strong internal consistency and structural validity for evaluating staff perceptions of the person-centredness in German nursing homes. Based on this, further investigations for scale validity of the PCQ-G versions should be carried out.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the long (12 items) and short (7 items) forms of the Violent Ideations Scale (VIS) in a non-clinical sample of adolescents

BACKGROUND

Accurately measuring violent ideations would be of particular high relevance in Arab countries, which are witnessing an unprecedented increase in violence rates among adolescents because of the widespread social, economic and political unrest in the region. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 12-item and the 7-item forms of the Violent Ideations Scale (VIS and VIS-SF) in a sample on non-clinical Arabic-speaking adolescents.

METHODS

Five hundred seventy-seven community adolescents (mean age of 15.90 ± 1.73 years, 56.5% females) answered an anonymous online survey comprising an Arabic translation of the Violent Ideations Scale (VIS) and a measure of physical aggression.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) offered support for the single-factor structure of the Arabic VIS and the VIS-SF. Both the long and short forms of the scale yielded excellent internal consistency, with McDonald's ω coefficients of 0.96 and 0.94 and Cronbach's α coefficients of 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. Multi-group CFA established measurement invariance across gender groups. Finally, results revealed significant and positive correlations between the two forms of the VIS and physical aggression scores, thus supporting concurrent validity.

CONCLUSION

Both the VIS and VIS-SF have demonstrated good psychometric properties in their Arabic versions, and suitability for sound assessment of violent ideations. We therefore expect that these measures assist clinicians in risk assessment and management of violence, and help foster research in this area in Arab countries.

Measures of quality of life of people with neurogenic overactive bladder: A systematic review of psychometric properties

OBJECTIVE

To identify psychometrically robust quality-of-life (QOL) outcome measures for evaluating QOL among people with neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB).

STUDY DESIGN

Electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception to January 2023. Two independent reviewers participated in study screening, data extraction and quality appraisal. Studies were included if they validated at least one psychometric property of a QOL outcome measure among adults (age ≥ 18 years) with neurogenic OAB. The COnsensus-based Standards for selecting health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool were used to evaluate the methodological quality and quality of evidence, respectively, for each included study.

RESULTS

Database searches identified 47 studies that tested the psychometric properties of 15 QOL measures in a total of 19,994 participants with stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. The Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), King's Health Questionnaire, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire and Qualiveen were the best validated measures, with strong reliability, validity and responsiveness. I-QOL was the most robust, cross-culturally administered and psychometrically strong measure. The COSMIN checklist indicated sufficient methodological quality for 70% of measures, and the modified GRADE tool indicated quality of evidence ranging from moderate (67%) to high (33%).

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified the I-QOL as a culturally diverse measure with robust reliability, validity and responsiveness for assessing QOL among people with neurogenic OAB. These findings are supported by studies with good methodological quality (COSMIN) and high-quality evidence (GRADE).

Quality of patient-reported outcome measures for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To conduct a systematic review of the quality of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for primary dysmenorrhea (PDys) using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology, and to derive recommendations for use of the PROMs.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies reporting on the development and/or validation of any PROMs for women with PDys. Applying the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist, we assessed the methodological quality of each included study. We further evaluated the quality of measurement properties per PROM and study according to the criteria for good measurement properties, and graded the evidence. Based on the overall evidence, we derived recommendations for the use of the included PROMs.

RESULTS

Data from seven studies reporting on four PROMs addressing different outcomes were included. Among those, the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self-Care Scale (ADSCS) and the on-menses version of the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference Scale (DSI) can be recommended for use. The Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCAS) and the Dysmenorrhea Daily Diary (DysDD) have the potential to be recommended for use, but require further validation. The off-menses version of the DSI cannot be recommended for use.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADSCS can be recommended for the assessment of self-care behavior in PDys. Regarding measures of impact, the on-menses version of the DSI is a suitable tool. Covering the broadest spectrum of outcomes, the DysDD is promising for use in medical care and research, encouraging further investigations. Further validation studies are indicated for all included PROMs.