Development and Validation of a Questionnaire Comparing the Role of Conventional Versus Digital Technologies as an Innovating Tool in Prosthodontics

Digital health technology use among people aged 55years and over: Findings from the 45 and up study.

BackgroundDigital technologies have become increasingly integrated into orthodontic practice for diagnosis, treatment planning, and appliance manufacturing. This study aimed to assess undergraduate dental students’ awareness and attitudes toward the use of digital technologies in orthodontics and to explore the potential influence of academic year and intended specialization on these perceptions.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among third-, fourth-, and fifth-year undergraduate students at Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Dentistry, during the 2023–2024 academic year. A structured online questionnaire was developed to evaluate students’ awareness and attitudes regarding the use of digital technologies in orthodontics. The questionnaire comprised three sections: demographic information, binary (yes/no) questions assessing awareness, and seven attitude statements evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. Group comparisons were performed using the Pearson Chi-square test or the Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test for categorical variables, and the Kruskal–Wallis test for ordinal data. Explanatory factor analysis using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was applied to assess the construct validity of the attitude scale. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 278 dental students participated in the study, including 179 females (64.4%) and 99 males (35.6%), with representation from the third (37.4%), fourth (34.9%), and fifth (27.7%) academic years. The most commonly recognized digital orthodontic applications were the fabrication of clear aligners using three-dimensional (3D) printing (91.7%) and the use of intraoral scanners for digital impressions (87.1%). Awareness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) increased significantly with academic year (third: 36.5%, fifth: 71.4%, p < 0.05), while awareness of digital treatment planning tools declined (third: 43.3%, fifth: 24.7%, p = 0.025). Similarly, knowledge of 3D-printed appliances (third: 43.3%, fourth: 15.5%, p < 0.05) and in-office aligner production (third: 36.5%, fourth: 67%, p < 0.05) varied significantly across years. Attitudinal responses indicated generally positive views toward the integration of digital technologies into orthodontic practice and education. Significant differences were also observed in selected attitude items according to academic year and intended specialization (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that dental students were more familiar with commonly used technologies such as intraoral scanners and 3D-printed clear aligners, whereas their awareness of other digital applications in orthodontics remained limited. Overall, attitudes toward digital integration were positive across all academic years. Interestingly, despite having more clinical experience, final-year students reported lower awareness in certain areas, underscoring the importance of complementing early theoretical education with consistent and structured clinical exposure in later years.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-025-08017-6.

The relevance of the research topic is due to the need to obtain comprehensive information on the use of digital management technologies in social organizations, existing trends, and potential effects of digitalization. The purpose of the study is to form methodological approaches to assessing the use of digital management technologies in the social sphere and to test these approaches using the example of education and healthcare in Russia. A threevector approach to collecting and analytical processing of information was used as a research method, including obtaining insights about consumer activity in terms of receiving services from social organizations in digital format, infrastructural and competence readiness of social organizations to implement digital technologies, and assessing digital maturity. The results obtained allow concluding that consumers are developing a sustained interest in using the services of social organizations in digital format, high infrastructural and competence readiness of social organizations to implement digital technologies, and the fragmented use of digital technologies in social sectors, primarily related to data collection, processing, and accumulation. Reducing the use of digital technologies aimed at developing inter-organizational interaction is relevant for all the surveyed industries. Based on the presented study results, it can be concluded that there is a low uniformity of the use of certain types of digital technologies in the spheres of education, healthcare and social services and cultural and sports services provision, which indicates the low digital maturity of these industries.

Understanding patient satisfaction with pharmacy services can help to enhance the quality and monitoring of pharmacy services. Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist Services Questionnaire 2.0 (PSPSQ 2.0) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring patient satisfaction with services from the pharmacist. The availability of the PSPSQ 2.0 in Nepalese version would facilitate patient satisfaction and enhance pharmacy services in Nepal. This study aims to translate the PSPSQ 2.0 into the Nepalese version, culturally adapt it and verify its reliability and validity in the Nepalese population. The methodological and cross-sectional study design was used to translate, culturally adapt it, and validate PSPSQ 2.0 in Nepalese. The Nepalese version of PSPSQ 2.0 went through the full linguistic validation process and was evaluated in 300 patients visiting different community pharmacies in Kathmandu district, Nepal. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, and Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the reliability. Three-hundred patients were recruited in this study. Participants ranged in age from 21 to 83 years; mean age was 53.93 years (SD: 15.21). 62% were females, and 34% educational level was above 12 and university level. Only 7% of the participants were illiterate. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkinwas found to be 0.696, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant with a chi-square test value of 3695.415. A principal axis factor analysis conducted on the 20 items with orthogonal rotation (varimax). PSPSQ 2.0 Nepalese version (20 items) had a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.758). Item-total correlations were reviewed for the items in each of the three domains of PSPSQ 2.0. The PSPSQ 2.0 Nepalese version demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, which can be used in the Nepalese population for evaluating the satisfaction of patients with pharmacist services in both community pharmacy and research.

BackgroundUnderstanding patient satisfaction with pharmacy services can help to enhance the quality and monitoring of pharmacy services. Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist Services Questionnaire 2.0 (PSPSQ 2.0) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring patient satisfaction with services from the pharmacist. The availability of the PSPSQ 2.0 in Nepalese version would facilitate patient satisfaction and enhance pharmacy services in Nepal. This study aims to translate the PSPSQ 2.0 into the Nepalese version, culturally adapt it and verify its reliability and validity in the Nepalese population.MethodsThe methodological and cross-sectional study design was used to translate, culturally adapt it, and validate PSPSQ 2.0 in Nepalese. The Nepalese version of PSPSQ 2.0 went through the full linguistic validation process and was evaluated in 300 patients visiting different community pharmacies in Kathmandu district, Nepal. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, and Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the reliability.ResultsThree-hundred patients were recruited in this study. Participants ranged in age from 21 to 83 years; mean age was 53.93 years (SD: 15.21). 62% were females, and 34% educational level was above 12 and university level. Only 7% of the participants were illiterate. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkinwas found to be 0.696, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant with a chi-square test value of 3695.415. A principal axis factor analysis conducted on the 20 items with orthogonal rotation (varimax). PSPSQ 2.0 Nepalese version (20 items) had a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.758). Item-total correlations were reviewed for the items in each of the three domains of PSPSQ 2.0.ConclusionThe PSPSQ 2.0 Nepalese version demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, which can be used in the Nepalese population for evaluating the satisfaction of patients with pharmacist services in both community pharmacy and research.

Digital Technology Use in US Community-Dwelling Seniors With and Without Homebound Status

Rapid digitisation of health occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. In October 2020, we conducted a survey on digital health technology use in Germany. This study aimed to conduct a second survey to investigate in more detail the internet use in health context and digital technology use for health promotion and disease prevention in Germany. A cross-sectional, nationwide telephone survey was conducted in November 2022. Anonymous data on internet and digital technology use, digital health literacy, and sociodemographic characteristics were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions. The 1020 participants were aged 18-92 years, 53% were male, 62% completed primary or secondary education, 71% resided in large cities, and 45% reported a country-average net household income. Overall, 61% reported internet use in health context via 1-4 devices. Among those, more than 50% used the internet and apps to obtain general health information and less than 50% used digital technologies for physical activity promotion or cancer prevention. Overall, 34% were confident in using the internet for health decisions and 71% preferred to receive health information non-digitally (e.g. on paper). Internet, app, and digital technology use were associated with higher digital health literacy and income, and residence in larger cities. Digital technologies were used for physical activity promotion by younger and for cancer prevention by older participants. The internet and digital technologies were predominantly used to obtain health information, but less often for health promotion and disease prevention in 2022 in Germany. While health app and digital technology use for physical activity promotion increased, the confidence in using online information for health decisions decreased in 2022 relative to 2020. Factors that promote confidence in online health information and digital technology use for health promotion and disease prevention need to be investigated in future studies.

The effective use of digital technologies in the organization of distance education plays an important role in the rapid assimilation of new information introduced into science. It will also be possible to quickly enter additional information within the virtual subject being studied. Therefore, the study of methods for introducing digital technologies and their effective use in distance learning processes, the creation of distance learning courses belongs to the group of topical scientific and technical problems. At present, the importance of using digital technologies in improving the quality of education is very high. The purpose of the research work is the effective use of digital technologies in distance education and the theoretical basis for testing its effectiveness. The article mentions the possibilities of the Moodle system, the advantages of course elements, effective methods of teaching science. The use of modern digital technologies and means of communication in distance education will also be discussed. The article outlines the stages of development of digital technologies, defines the meaning and content of the concepts “Digital technologies”, “Digital educational technologies”. Description of information about the Kahoot and Quizizz software platforms for an interesting organization of the educational process. The advantages of this platform in developing the intellectual and creative abilities of students and increasing their enthusiasm for learning are emphasized. Regardless of whether the educational process is traditional or distance learning, it is necessary to increase students’ interest in the lesson, encourage them to work on themselves, and form independent learning skills. Organization of the educational process on gaming platforms, creation of a set of electronic tests and its use in teaching, increasing the effectiveness of the lesson and increasing the independence of thinking of students, interest in the lesson, and a high level of mastery of the subject being taught. It is advisable to use digital technologies in the educational process to develop students’ interest, to develop the skills and abilities to use additional literature outside the textbook, to direct students to scientific research, as well as to constantly transfer knowledge to students.

The article attempts to identify the difficulties associated with the use of digital learning technology at a technical university in the context of a pandemic. The research is based on the use of such methods as content analysis of modern publications on the problem under study, their logical analysis, generalization and systematization of published information, as well as understanding the experience of using digital technology at the technical university. A survey of polytechnic students was conducted regarding the timely identification of problems related to the use of digital learning technology. The findings revealed that awareness of the thoughtful use of digital learning technology, as well as thoughtful regulations in the access of students to digital equipment can open up new opportunities for their application. The relevance of digitalization for the technical university is shown. Prospects for further research of problems related to the use of digital technology of education at a technical university are outlined in order to identify its further directions and features of their development in domestic and foreign educational institutions. The novelty of the study consists in substantiating the relevance of analyzing the experience of using digital learning technology at the technical university, identifying problematic aspects of its use. The limitation of the study is that all the responses are from just one educational institution and, in future studies, it is necessary to take into account the experience of using digital learning technologies on a more global scale.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an indigenous Urdu Glossophobia Scale tailored for Pakistani university students. An initial pool of 18 items was constructed based on literature review and expert input. Data were collected from 58 university students, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure (.805) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (χ² = 500.57, p &lt; .001) confirmed sampling adequacy. EFA revealed a two-factor structure—Cognitive-Affective Concerns and Performance/Interaction Anxiety—explaining 48.52% of the total variance. After the removal of five poorly performing items, the final 13-item scale showed strong internal consistency (α = .934). The findings provide initial support for the scale’s construct validity and reliability. This culturally contextualized tool holds substantial promise for educational, clinical, and psychological assessment in Pakistan.

Introduction: The Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) is a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing quality of life in adults suffering from psoriasis. The English version contains 15 items measuring five components – activities, work/school performance, personal, leisure, and treatment. Purpose: We aimed to translate the PDI into Bengali and examine its psychometric properties. Methods: The PDI-Bengali version (PDI-B) was produced by standardized forward-backward translations. A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather responses by consecutive sampling. Reliability was tested using internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses, concurrent validity by comparing with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatological Life Quality Index scores, while construct validity by exploratory factor analysis (n= 83) using principal component analysis (varimax rotation). Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 85) was performed to verify the a priori scales by the goodness of fit model. Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and the intra-class correlation coefficients were 0.877 and 0.882, respectively. Acceptable values of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity were found. All the items loaded above the pre-specified value of 0.4. Factor analyses using Varimax identified three components (social activities, concern, and personal activities) explaining 56.8% of the variation. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was 0.836 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was P

Background: The Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life (UFSQOL) is a validated questionnaire assessing symptom severity and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in patients with uterine fibroids. The English version contains 37 items measuring 7 components—symptom severity, concern, activities, energy/mood, control, self-consciousness, and sexual function. To date, no validated Bengali version of the questionnaire is available. We aimed to translate the UFSQOL into Bengali and validate the same.Methods: The UFSQOL-Bengali version (UFSQOL-B) was produced by standardized forward-backward translations. A cross-sectional, multi-center, observational study was conducted to gather responses by convenience sampling. Reliability was tested using internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses, while construct validity by exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 120) using principal component analysis (PCA; varimax rotation). Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 120) was performed to verify the a priori scales by the goodness-of-fit model.Results: Both the internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and the intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient were 0.92. All the items loaded above the pre-specified value of 0.4. The factor analyses using varimax identified 10 components (activities, energy and control, concern about clothing, mood, sexual function, self-consciousness, associated symptoms, heavy bleeding, cycle disturbance, and concern about flooding); explaining 70.2% of the variation. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) was 0.801 and Bartlett's test of sphericity was P < 0.001. The goodness-of-fit of CFA model was mediocre. Therefore, the final version consisted of 37 items, framed within 10 components.Conclusion: The UFSQOL-B was a valid and reliable questionnaire but measured different dimensions from the English version.

This research intended to develop a valid and reliable instrument of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to measure satisfaction with life (SWL) constructs among public and private university students in Sabah, Malaysia, through the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) procedure. The pilot study obtained a sample of 108 students from public and private education institutions in Sabah, Malaysia, through an online survey using a self-administered questionnaire. The researchers performed the EFA procedure on SWL construct using IBM SPSS 25. The Bartletts' Test of Sphericity is highly significant (Sig. = .000). Furthermore, the sampling adequacy by Kaiser‒Meyer‒Olkin (KMO = 0.839) is excellent. Using the extraction method of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax Rotation, a component of the SWL construct is extracted with an eigenvalue of 3.101. The variance explained for this component is 62.030%. The construct of SWL has Cronbach's alpha value of .817. The development scale and validation confirmed that the instrument is consistent and stable with both private and public college and university student samples. It adds a remarkable contribution to the measurement of SWLS, mainly in the context of higher education institution students. The EFA outcomes formed a configuration that extracts a component of SWL, which can be measured by the original five items established in this research. This research reveals that the SWL construct is applicable in this study.

The article reveals the specifics of the use of digital technologies in political campaigns. In particular, based on a comparative analysis, the experience of using these technologies in the political process of the USA, the EU and the Russian Federation is compared. It is noted that artificial intelligence technologies are most often used in political campaigns, namely targeted advertising, Big Data and the use of cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology to finance political campaigns. It is in this direction that the development of regulatory legal acts regulating the use of digital technologies is also underway. Insufficient elaboration of the issues of the use of digital technologies in the political sphere provides significant opportunities for research. The purpose of the article is to identify the main directions of using digital technologies in political campaigns. The following general scientific methods were used to analyze the results obtained: description, analysis, synthesis. An important role was played by the method of comparative analysis, which allows comparing the use of digital technologies in the USA, EU countries and Russia, as well as obtaining the most representative indicators. The authors have developed criteria and indicators for comparing the use of basic digital technologies by different countries and evaluated them on a 5-point scale. The article also used SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the introduction of digital technologies in political campaigns, as well as to demonstrate the opportunities and threats of their use. The results of comparative and SWOT analysis showed that the use of digital technologies in the Russian Federation and the European Union are approximately at the same level, with the exception of the introduction of Big Data - it is much higher in the EU. The highest degree of implementation of digital technologies is typical for the United States. The article reveals a direct relationship between the degree of regulatory regulation of end-to-end technologies and the level of their dissemination, which indicates the need to maintain a reasonable balance in the legislative regulation of innovative technologies. There is also a tendency to increase the use of digital technologies in Russian political practice, which increases the responsibility of political actors for ensuring the security of personal data of citizens. The article concludes that the development and implementation of digital technologies in modern Russian political life requires the development of a regulatory framework to protect the privacy of citizens and ensure the ethics and transparency of their application. The state should act as a coordinating intermediary between political actors and IT campaigns in order to develop and integrate digital technologies into political campaigns at various levels.

Objective:To present and validate psychometric properties of Urdu version CLDQ, yet another objective was to do exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) of CLDQ Urdu version.Methods:This Cross-sectional Analytical Study was conducted at Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi during the period Nov. 15, 2021 to Jan. 30, 2022. CLDQ Urdu questionnaire was self-administered by the patients. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items and responses were recorded on 7-point Likert type scale. Reliability testing was done by Cronbach’s α, test value of >0.7 is taken as reliable. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Adequacies for conduction of EFA depended on Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of ≥0.5 and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (BTS) of ≤0.05. Mean CLDQ Urdu scores were also compared with Child Class using ANOVA and post-hoc analysis was done.Results:A total of 320 patients were selected after informed consent. All conditions for adequate EFA were met (Cronbach’s α =.949; KMO = .846; BTS ≤.001). Mean CLDQ Urdu score was 156.74 in male and 133.27 in female (p<.001). Child Class-A had best quality of life with score of 186.63 ±6.91 and Child Class-C had the worst with scores of 109.78 ±21.33. EFA resulted in reduction of domains to 4 (Muscular Symptoms, Emotional Symptoms, Abdominal Symptoms & Somnolence) & reduced the number of items from 29 to 11.Conclusion:Urdu CLDQ version is validated in our settings. EFA resulted in reductions in number of domains and items. CLDQ Urdu showed that quality of life decreases significantly with Child Class.