Adapting a Widely Used Children's Disability Attitudes Measure: Validation of the Maryland East‐African Children's Attitudes Towards Disabilities (MEACAD) Scale

Apathy in Dementia: An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Apathy Evaluation Scale

The 26-item Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and its short 12-item version (SCS-SF) were reported to have acceptable psychometric properties, and both scales are widely used to assess self-compassion in individuals. However, recent investigations were inconsistent regarding factor structure of the SCS, and psychometric properties of the scale were not tested for consistency with principles of fundamental measurement using appropriate methodology such as Rasch analysis. A partial credit Rasch model was used to evaluate psychometric properties of the SCS and SCS-SF with the sample of 743 respondents randomly divided into two equal subsamples (A and B) to replicate the results for the purpose of robustness. Initially, there were no misfitting items but the local dependency between various items affected Rasch model fit. This issue was resolved by combining locally dependent items into four super-items resulting in the best fit to the Rasch model of both SCS and SCS-SF, with evidence of unidimensionality and an excellent sample targeting. Although both scale versions had strong reliability satisfactory for individual and group assessment, the original SCS demonstrated superior psychometric properties reflected by higher reliability indicated by Person Separation Index (PSI) of 0.90 compared to the SCS-SF (PSI = 0.85). These analyses were replicated with the sample B for both scale versions, resulting in equally good fit. This permitted generating ordinal-to-interval conversion tables based on Rasch model estimates. The current study supported the reliability and internal validity of both the SCS and SCS-SF. Accuracy of these assessment instruments can be further improved by using the ordinal-to-interval conversion tables published here.

This study aimed to identify instruments for measuring children's attitudes towards their peers with disabilities that are suitable for use in epidemiological studies and to report on their psychometric properties. A literature review was conducted to identify instruments measuring at least one of the three components of children's attitudes (affective, behavioural, or cognitive measures) towards peers with disabilities and which are intended for self-completion by children. Criteria used to appraise these instruments were appropriateness, acceptability, validity, reliability, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Of the 19 instruments matching the inclusion criteria, 16 measured only one attitude component (affective, n=4; behavioural, n=5; cognitive, n=7); one measured cognitive and behavioural components; and two (Acceptance Scale and Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes Towards Children with Handicaps Scale [CATCH]) measured all three components. The majority of instruments, and those most widely used, were developed in the 1970s and 80s and so do not cover some aspects relevant to current culture, although they are still being used in research. Acceptable levels of validity and reliability were reported. Detailed descriptions of the initial validation process were available for the Acceptance Scale, Adjective Checklist, CATCH, and Peer Attitudes Towards the Handicapped Scale. The Acceptance Scale and CATCH seem to be the most complete instruments among those identified as they include all three attitude components and have appropriate psychometric properties.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Functional Ability Scale in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Purpose: This study, it was aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool by evaluating the psychometric properties of the Mathematics Learning Disabilities Screening Scale (MLDSS) for elementary and secondary school students. In this context, a measurement tool that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the Turkish context and overcomes the limitations of translated scales was developed. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted as a scale development study within a survey research design. The scale's items were developed based on DSM-5 criteria and an extensive literature review. The sample consisted of 644 students, identified by their teachers, from 120 schools across Türkiye's seven geographical regions. The psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), along with internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and test-retest reliability analyses. Findings: The EFA results revealed a three-factor structure (Number Sense, Calculation, and Mathematical Reasoning) that explained 68.5% of the total variance. The CFA confirmed this structure, with goodness-of-fit indices indicating an excellent model fit (e.g., CFI = .95, IFI = .95, RMSEA = .069, χ²/df = 2.41). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = .93) and strong test-retest reliability (r = .90). Highlights: The mathematics learning disability screening scale is a valid and reliable instrument developed for elementary and secondary school students. Its three-factor structure is consistent with modern theories of mathematics learning disabilities and its strong psychometric properties make it a valuable tool for educators and experts in early identification and intervention planning.

Psychometric properties of patient-related outcome measures used for patients surviving a pulmonary embolism: A systematic review.

BACKGROUNDHypertension (HTN) is a public concern and treatment adherence has a key role in its management. This study was conducted to develop and test the reliability and validity of the Hypertensive Treatment Adherence scale (HTA-scale).METHODSThis was a cross-sectional and methodological study. After item generation using a qualitative study and literature review, the scale was developed. The psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated using face, content, construct, and criterion validity and reliability.RESULTSData analysis showed that the HTA-scale had acceptable face and content validity. The scale had excellent stability [Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.74] and good acceptability and internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.76). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that the HTA-scale consisted of 6 meaningful subscales including medication adherence and monitoring, adherence to safe diets, avoiding unsafe diets, self-medication, activity, and smoking. Participants in the controlled blood pressure group had significantly higher HTA-scale scores than the uncontrolled blood pressure group. At the cut-off point of 86, the scale had significant sensitivity and specificity.CONCLUSIONAll of the psychometric properties of the HTA-scale achieved the standard level and were sufficient to recommend this scale for patients with HTN.

Objective To synthesize information on the psychometric properties of scales used to assess vision-related quality of life in people with low vision. Methods A systematic review was conducted. The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Bireme and Epistemonikos databases were consulted in July 2020. Eligibility assessment of abstracts and full texts was performed independently by two investigators. A standardized template was used for data extraction regarding study design, scale and version, clinical condition of participants, and psychometric properties measured, using database-specific controlled vocabulary terms for low vision and keywords for vision-related quality of life and validity. Data was synthesized considering two approaches for scales validations, Classical Test Theory and Rasch Analysis. Results A total of 53 articles were included in our analysis. In total, 40 studies evaluated the NEI VFQ scale, four evaluated the IVI scale, two evaluated the VA LV VFQ instrument and seven validated the LVQOL scale. This review found that the VRQoL NEI VFQ, IVI, LVQOL and VA LV VFQ-48 scales have adequate psychometric properties, with good internal consistency, when assessed using the CTT approach. The NEI VFQ scale also showed adequate test-retest reliability and adequate construct and content validity. The NEI VFQ and LVQOL scales showed inadequate items and multidimensionality when Rasch analysis was used. The IVI scale showed potential for assessing change in HRQoL after providing interventions to patients with low vision Conclusions Many questionnaires exist to measure vision-related quality of life in people with low vision, but the psychometric properties of the questionnaires are variable.

Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included four additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (six items), negative self-image (two items), and disclosure concerns (two items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV-related stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = -0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.

Abstract. The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents (LSAS-CA) is a valid and reliable clinician-administered measure of social anxiety symptoms in young people. It has been adapted for self-report completion, and although the psychometric properties of this version of the scale have been examined in Spanish, Hebrew, and French language versions, this has not yet been done for the English language version. In the present study, we examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the self-report version of the scale (LSAS-CA-SR) in a sample of UK adolescents recruited from schools. The factor structure of the scale was determined in our sample of N = 829; a four-factor structure, with interaction anxiety, interaction avoidance, performance anxiety, and performance-avoidance subscales, provided the best fit to the data. Measurement invariance of the scale was demonstrated across age and gender. Psychometric properties of the scale were sound, with good internal consistency (.88–.97), acceptable test-retest reliability (.45–.57), and evidence for convergent and divergent validity.

This study tests the Emotional Eating Scale (EES) psychometric properties and correlates, and the moderator effect of body image flexibility on the association between emotional eating and binge eating. The EES factorial structure was examined in female college students and women from the general population, through a principal component analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis. EES psychometric properties and moderation analyses were further conducted. The EES presented a three-factor structure-Depression, Anxiety and Anger-a good model fit, internal consistency, construct validity and temporal stability. EES was positively associated with general and eating psychopathology, binge eating, and negatively associated with mindfulness and body image flexibility. Body image flexibility moderated the association between emotional eating and binge eating. Findings showed that EES is a valid measure of emotional eating, and clarified the association between emotional eating and binge eating moderated by body image flexibility.

This study used the theory of reasoned action to investigate determinants of primary school children's attitudes and behavioural intentions towards peers with physical disabilities. The influence of children's own attitudes toward working with peers with physical disabilities in regular classes and subjective norms provided by their teachers, principals, and parents were used to predict behavioural intentions to befriend and interact with classmates with physical disabilities. The participants were 143 fourth and fifth grade primary school students, their mothers, teachers, and school principals. The students completed an attitude questionnaire and a behavioural intention scale. Their parents, teachers, and principals completed a similar disability attitude questionnaire. The results supported the predictions made by the theory of reasoned action. Children's own attitudes towards the inclusion of peers with disabilities was the strongest predictor of behavioural intentions to interact with a classmate with a physical disability. The attitudes of teachers, principals, and parents were also significant predictors of intentions. However, only the attitudes of parents and school principals accounted for any more variance than children's attitudes alone. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of developing whole class interventions to promote the social integration of children with physical disabilities.

Generativity is a quality that allows the person to do something for others. In teaching, caring for grandchildren, or volunteering, the generative person contributes to the people around him and at the same time must maintain self-care for good health and functionality. In this sense, an individual in good health has the potential to contribute to the well-being of others. Likewise, with adequate self-esteem, the generative person can love himself, take care of himself and others; in this affective representation, satisfaction can be perceived from the recognition that others make of his transmission of experiences. The most used scales that measure generativity in the gerontological field are the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS) and the Generative Behavior Control List (GBC). However, they do not recognize generative health-related behavior. The purpose of this study was to design a scale to assess generativity relative to health (GeReH) and analyze its psychometric properties in an aging population (45 years and over) in Mexico, considering its internal structure, reliability, and relationship with self-esteem. Method: A non-experimental cross-sectional study was carried out with a single group considering three stages: (i) design of the GeReH scale and (ii) psychometric properties of the GeReH scale, and (iii) the GeReH’s relationship with self-esteem. This type of instrument will allow identifying the profile of people willing to be independent and support their peers, considering the use of technological devices for community telecare, such as smartphones and personal computers, through the use of social networks such as “Facebook”, “WhatsApp”, and “Zoom” among others, is essential, especially since more and more older adults are users of these devices and virtual community social networks. The participants were 450 adults aged 45 years and over, of whom 296 women and 154 men; 235 people lived in rural areas and 215 people in urban areas. Inclusion criteria: independent in basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Exclusion criteria: cognitive alterations, no training or work history in health care. In the first stage, the GeReH design was carried out divided into three phases: i) elaboration of 258 items by a group of researchers in accordance with the proposed construct for the instrument, ii) focus group to know the meanings of adults regarding the items, iii) expert consultation for item analysis, which resulted in 90 items. In the second stage, the psychometric properties of the scale were analyzed, proceeding to the statistical analysis. Results: Bias, kurtosis, and total item correlation were analyzed, eliminating 17 items. KMO 0.904 values and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (X2 = 2717, gl = 190, p < 0.0001) were obtained. In the third stage, the correlation of the GeReH score with the Self-Esteem Inventory was determined. Orthogonal rotation (Oblimin) was used, obtaining a total explained variance of the generativity construct of 44.2% with a global Omega McDonald reliability coefficient of 0.887, which yielded five factors: F1 = Generative attitude; F2 = Satisfaction; F3 = Volunteering; F4 = Support Networks; F5 = Social support offered. In this sense, the design of a GeReH of 20 items with psychometric properties. Correspondingly, significant positive correlations were observed between the GeReH score and the Self-Esteem Inventory, especially in factor 2 relative to satisfaction. Conclusion: GeReH is an instrument with reliable psychometric properties that could be applied in populations with similar characteristics. In addition to considering the use of technological devices, for the optimal use of media and social networks, such as “Facebook”, “WhatsApp”, “E-mail”, and “Zoom”, among others.

The lack of a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate patient understanding of the benefits and risks of complementary therapies (CTs) in diabetes management may lead to the unsafe use of CTs alongside conventional treatments, increased risk of misinformed decision-making, potential adverse interactions, and compromised health outcomes. In this study, an instrument was developed to assess patient understanding of the benefits and risks of using CTs in diabetes management and its psychometric properties were evaluated. A two-phase design, including scale development and psychometric validation, was used. In Phase 1, the initial scale items were revised and confirmed by a panel of experts for content validity. In Phase 2, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the scale's psychometric properties, including reliability and validity analyses. A sample of 307 outpatients with diabetes who had used CTs all completed a sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and CT usage data sheet, as well as the Understanding the Benefits-Risks of CT Use in Diabetes Scale and the Diabetes Empowerment Scale. The developed scale was validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses that used structural equation modeling to confirm construct validity, Person correlation to confirm criterion-related validity, and Cronbach's α coefficient to confirm reliability. The initial 16-item Understanding the Benefits-Risks of CT Use in Diabetes Scale was assessed as having a content validity index of .88. Factor analyses reduced the scale to 15 items in four dimensions, including the patient's medical condition for CT use (four items), the benefit-risk assessment of CTs use (four items), the suitability of CT use (five items), and the support from health care professionals (two items). The model met all goodness-of-fit indices (GFI=.90, AGFI=.90, CFI=.94, NFI=.926, RMSEA=.08, and χ2/df=3.14). The reliability analysis indicated good internal consistency (α=.912) and correlation with the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (r=.425). The Understanding the Benefits-Risks of CT Use in Diabetes Scale offers valuable insights for both patients and health care professionals. By providing a comprehensive assessment of patient knowledge and awareness of their CT use, this tool helps health care professionals identify gaps in patient understanding, tailor patient education, and ensure safe and effective integration of CTs into diabetes management programs.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the loneliness scale for older adults