Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA) in a UK-Based East-Asian Sample.

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

This study aimed to validate a comprehensive and psychometrically sound instrument-the Propensity to Cheat Scale (PCS)-designed to measure undergraduate students' propensity toward academic dishonesty in Ethiopian universities. Based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior, the PCS was validated to assess students' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control related to various forms of cheating, including cheating on tests and examinations, cheating on assignments, cheating on research work (plagiarism), and theft and mutilation of library materials. The present study employed an explanatory research design using a questionnaire based on the Propensity to Cheat Scale (PCS). The questionnaire was administered to 500 university students (male = 367 [73.4%]; female = 133 [26.6%]) selected from three Ethiopian public universities between November and January 2022. In order to measure the underlying variables of propensity towards cheating, a factor model is developed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the students' perceived PTC. The internal consistency of the PTC scale was assessed using reliability analysis, and validity evaluations were conducted to confirm the scale's discriminant and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results revealed a good fit to the data, and the internal consistency of the PCS was found to be strong, providing a reliable measure of students' propensity for cheating. Validity evaluations, including discriminant validity and convergent validity, confirmed the validity of the scale. The average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability values also supported the scale's convergent validity. The multidimensional concept of the PTC was supported by a four-factor solution consisting of 26 reliable and valid items. The findings of the study demonstrate that the scale has also provided sufficient evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. By establishing discriminant and convergent validity, as well as reliability, through different validation procedures, the study has provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of the PCS as an instrument for determining whether university students are likely to engage in cheating behavior.

Background/Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy, often impairing daily function and quality of life. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and assess the validity of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) in a Romanian cohort. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Romanian version of the BCTQ. A total of 190 participants were recruited, representing 380 wrists, including 130 patients with suspected or confirmed CTS and 60 healthy controls. The adaptation process followed international standards, with forward and backward translation, expert committee review, and pilot testing. Participants completed the Romanian BCTQ and performed standardized nerve conduction studies. The internal consistency and validity, including convergent and discriminant validity, exploratory factor analysis, and test-retest assessments, were performed. Results: The Romanian BCTQ exhibited exceptional internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.96), significant inter-item correlations, and robust factor loadings confirming a one-factor structure. Convergent validity was evidenced by strong correlations with electrodiagnostic measurements. The test-retest reliability was high, with intraclass correlation coefficients above 0,99. Conclusions: The Romanian adaptation of the BCTQ is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate patient-reported instrument to assess symptom severity and functional status in CTS, improving clinical decision-making and cross-cultural research.

Background This study was primarily intended to validate a comprehensive and psychometrically acceptable measure of students’ propensity to cheat (PTC) behavior among undergraduate students in Ethiopian universities by assessing their engagement in different types of cheating behavior. Methods The present study employed an explanatory research design using a questionnaire based on the Propensity to Cheat Scale (PCS). The questionnaire was administered to 500 university students (male = 367 [73.4%]; female = 133 [26.6%]) selected from three Ethiopian public universities between November and January 2022. In order to measure the underlying variables of propensity towards cheating, a factor model is developed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the students’ perceived PTC. The internal consistency of the PTC scale was assessed using reliability analysis, and validity evaluations were conducted to confirm the scale’s discriminant and convergent validity. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results revealed a good fit to the data, and the internal consistency of the PCS was found to be strong, providing a reliable measure of students’ propensity for cheating. Validity evaluations, including discriminant validity and convergent validity, confirmed the validity of the scale. The average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability values also supported the scale’s convergent validity. The multidimensional concept of the PTC was supported by a four-factor solution consisting of 26 reliable and valid items. Conclusion The findings of the study demonstrate that the scale has also provided sufficient evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. By establishing discriminant and convergent validity, as well as reliability, through different validation procedures, the study has provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of the PCS as an instrument for determining whether university students are likely to engage in cheating behavior.

Background This study was primarily intended to develop and validate a comprehensive and psychometrically acceptable measure of students’ propensity to cheat (PTC) behavior among undergraduate students in Ethiopian universities by assessing their engagement in different types of cheating behavior. Methods The present study employed an explanatory research design using a questionnaire based on the Propensity to Cheat Scale (PCS). The questionnaire was administered to 500 university students (male = 367 [73.4%]; female = 133 [26.6%]) selected from three Ethiopian public universities between November and January 2022. In order to measure the underlying variables of propensity towards cheating, a factor model is developed using exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the students’ perceived PTC. The internal consistency of the PTC scale was assessed using reliability analysis, and validity evaluations were conducted to confirm the scale’s discriminant and convergent validity. Results Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results revealed a good fit to the data, and the internal consistency of the PCS was found to be strong, providing a reliable measure of students’ propensity for cheating. Validity evaluations, including discriminant validity and convergent validity, confirmed the validity of the scale. The average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability values also supported the scale’s convergent validity. The multidimensional concept of the PTC was supported by a four-factor solution consisting of 26 reliable and valid items. Conclusion The findings of the study demonstrate that the scale has also provided sufficient evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. By establishing discriminant and convergent validity, as well as reliability, through different validation procedures, the study has provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of the PCS as an instrument for determining whether university students are likely to engage in cheating behavior.

BackgroundThe Pictorial Fear of Activity Scale-Cervical (PFActS-C) is a reliable and valid instrument to assess fear of movement in people with whiplash associated disorders. It is not available in Dutch and has not been evaluated in other neck pain populations. This study aimed to systematically translate the PFActS-C into Dutch and evaluate the psychometric properties of this Dutch Language Version (DLV) in people with non-specific neck pain.MethodsThe PFActS-C was translated according to international guidelines. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, face validity and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity by hypotheses testing and structural validity by confirmatory and exploratory factor-analyses) of the PFActS-C-DLV were tested in 125 people with non-specific neck pain.ResultsThe PFActS-C-DLV showed good to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.98) and stability over time (ICC: 0.90 [95%CI: 0.82–0.93). Four out of five a priori formulated hypotheses regarding related (convergent validity) and unrelated (discriminant validity) constructs were confirmed. However, the confirmatory factor analysis could not confirm the expected 1-factor solution. Furthermore, the exploratory factor analyses revealed that also a higher factor solution would not lead to a good fit of the model.ConclusionsThe PFActS-C-DLV is a reliable region-specific instrument for people with non-specific neck pain. The construct validity was supported, based on hypotheses testing. However, factor analyses could not confirm a 1-factor solution, so the underlying construct of the PFActS-C-DLV remains unclear. Given the PFActS-C’s photographic format, we believe these findings also have relevance for the original English version.

Context: To date, no questionnaire is available to measure the impact of piles on quality of life (QoL). Aims: We aimed to develop so and examine its cross-cultural adaptability considering linguistic equivalence. Study Design: A mixed method approach was taken. The Anorectal Symptom Severity and Quality of Life (ARSSQoL) Questionnaire English version was developed through Delphi technique initially. The questionnaire consisted of 16 items. Subsequently, the Hindi version was produced by standardized forward– backward translations. The psychometric properties were tested after gathering responses through a cross-sectional study at State National Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Patients and Methods: Data were obtained from 258 patients suffering from piles through consecutive sampling. Statistical Analysis: Psychometric analysis was run to examine its factor structure, validity, and reliability. Construct validity was examined by exploratory factor analysis (n = 129) using principal component analysis (varimax rotation). Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 129) was performed to verify model fit. Reliability was examined using internal consistency (n = 258). Results: The overall internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s a and intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.823; 95% confidence interval: 0.790–0.853). Concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity was acceptable. Test–retest reliability (P > 0.05) was satisfactory. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (0.790) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (Chi-square = 644.228, P < 0.001) suggested sample adequacy. In factor analysis, all the items loaded above the prespecified value of 0.4 and identified three components (psychological impact, symptom severity, and concern) and two isolated items (bleeding per rectum and itching in anus) explaining 63% of variation. The goodness of fit in CFA model was acceptable (Chi-square: 163.201, P < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.806, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.762, root mean square error of approximation = 0.097, standardized root mean square residual = 0.106). Conclusions: The ARSSQoL Hindi consisting of 16 items and framed within 3 components and 2 isolated items appeared as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the impact of piles on QoL. Translation into other languages, cross-cultural adaptation, and formal validation are warranted.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the short-version for clinical nurses on a communication competence scale developed to measure the communication competence of clinical nurses.Methods: Data were collected from 396 clinical nurses who work at general hospitals in Korea. The original version of the Communication Ability Scale was shorted and content, construct, item-convergent/discriminant, convergent validity and also internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, Pearsons's correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s ⍺.Results: As a result of item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, 5 subscales and a total of 20 items were derived. The confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate model fit indices (Normed <i>x</i><sup>2</sup>=1.88, RMR=.04, RMSEA=.07, GFI=.87, CFI=.90, TLI=.87, IFI=.89). The items convergence and discrimination validity were verified using the Average Variance Extracted (.50~.56), composite reliability (.76~.86) and <i>Φ</i>±2SE (.42~.99). Convergent validity was demonstrated using Korean Version of Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (r=.59, <i>p</i><.001). Internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were found to be acceptable, as indicated by a Cronbach’s ⍺ of .65~.79 and an intra-class correlation coefficient of .82~.90. The validity and reliability of the scale were verified.Conclusion: The NACCS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring communication competence for clinical nurses in Korea.

BackgroundThe psychometric properties of an instrument should be evaluated routinely when using different samples. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) when applied to a sample of Brazilian cancer patients.MethodsThe face, content, and construct (factorial, convergent, and discriminant) validities of the FACT-G were estimated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted the ratio chi-square by degrees of freedom (χ2/df), the comparative fit index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) as indices. The invariance of the best model was assessed with multi-group analysis using the difference of chi-squares method (Δχ2). Convergent validity was assessed using Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and discriminant validity was determined via correlational analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient, and the Composite Reliability (CR) was estimated.ResultsA total of 975 cancer patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 53.3 (SD = 13.0) years. Of these participants, 61.5 % were women. In CFA, five correlations between errors were included to fit the FACT-G to the sample (χ2/df = 8.611, CFI = .913, TLI = .902, RMSEA = .088). The model did not indicate invariant independent samples (Δχ2: μ: p < .001, i: p < .958, Cov: p < .001, Res: p < .001). While there was adequate convergent validity for the physical well-being (AVE = .54) and social and family Well-being factors (AVE = .55), there was low convergent validity for the other factors. Reliability was adequate (CR = .76–.89 and α = .71–.82). Functional well-being, emotional well-being, and physical well-being were the factors that demonstrated a strong contribution to patients’ health-related quality of life (β = −.99, .88, and .64, respectively).ConclusionThe FACT-G was found to be a valid and reliable assessment of health-related quality of life in a Brazilian sample of patients with cancer.

This study aimed to translate and validate The Resilience Scale for Kidney Transplantation (RS-KTPL) into Chinese and assess its reliability and validity among kidney transplant patients in China. With authorization from the original authors, the RS-KTPL was translated following Brislin's translation model, including forward translation, back translation, author review, cross-cultural adaptation, and a pilot study, resulting in a Chinese version of the RS-KTPL. A total of 358 kidney transplant recipients were recruited through convenience sampling and completed the questionnaire. Statistical analyses included item analysis, content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and reliability. Item analysis led to the removal of certain items that did not meet the criteria, resulting in a final version of the scale with 22 items across four dimensions. For content validity, the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.83 to 1.000, and the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.91, indicating good content fit. Structural validity was confirmed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, supporting a four-factor structure with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 64.913% and all factor loadings exceeding 0.5. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses showed that the composite reliability (CR) values ranged from 0.741 to 0.938, and the average variance extracted (AVE) values ranged from 0.5 to 0.704, with the square root of AVE being higher than the inter-factor correlation coefficients, indicating good internal consistency and discriminating ability. Reliability testing showed a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.944 for the overall scale, with subscale Cronbach's α coefficients all above 0.696, and a split-half reliability of 0.891, demonstrating high internal consistency and stability of the scale. The Chinese version of the RS-KTPL exhibits good reliability and validity among kidney transplant patients in China and can be effectively used to assess psychological resilience in this population.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to translate and validate The Resilience Scale for Kidney Transplantation (RS-KTPL) into Chinese and assess its reliability and validity among kidney transplant patients in China.MethodsWith authorization from the original authors, the RS-KTPL was translated following Brislin’s translation model, including forward translation, back translation, author review, cross-cultural adaptation, and a pilot study, resulting in a Chinese version of the RS-KTPL. A total of 358 kidney transplant recipients were recruited through convenience sampling and completed the questionnaire. Statistical analyses included item analysis, content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and reliability.ResultsItem analysis led to the removal of certain items that did not meet the criteria, resulting in a final version of the scale with 22 items across four dimensions. For content validity, the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.83 to 1.000, and the scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.91, indicating good content fit. Structural validity was confirmed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, supporting a four-factor structure with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 64.913% and all factor loadings exceeding 0.5. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses showed that the composite reliability (CR) values ranged from 0.741 to 0.938, and the average variance extracted (AVE) values ranged from 0.5 to 0.704, with the square root of AVE being higher than the inter-factor correlation coefficients, indicating good internal consistency and discriminating ability. Reliability testing showed a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.944 for the overall scale, with subscale Cronbach’s α coefficients all above 0.696, and a split-half reliability of 0.891, demonstrating high internal consistency and stability of the scale.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the RS-KTPL exhibits good reliability and validity among kidney transplant patients in China and can be effectively used to assess psychological resilience in this population.

Background:The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a widely used tool for measuring perceived stress. However, the Chinese version (CPSS-10) has not yet been validated among pregnant women in mainland China. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CPSS-10 in this population. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese hospital, using a convenience sample of pregnant women who were randomly categorized into two groups. The factor composition of the CPSS-10 was analyzed using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses. The scale underwent additional testing to verify its convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity and internal consistency. Results: A total of 428 pregnant Chinese women participated. EFA revealed two factors; negative feelings and positive feelings, accounting for 59.869% of the variance. Item loadings ranged from 0.658 to 0.833. CFA confirmed that the two-factor model fit for the two-factor solution. Convergent validity was supported by average variance extracted (0.434–0.558), and composite reliability indicated convergent validity (0.754–0.883). Discriminant validity was established, and internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.804), while the values of both subscales varied from 0.749 to 0.881. Concurrent validity was supported by a significant negative correlation with perceived social support. Conclusion: The CPSS-10 demonstrates strong psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool for assessing perceived stress among pregnant women in mainland China. Its use may aid in identifying stress-related risk during pregnancy and guide timely psychological support.

To cross-culturally adapt into the Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument for assessing the satisfaction of parents/guardians regarding their sons'/daughters' orthodontic treatment. Translations of the instrument from English, pre-test and evaluation of validity and reliability of the Brazilian Portuguese version were performed. The questionnaire has 25 items distributed across 3 subscales (process, psychosocial effect and outcome). Eighty-three parents/guardians of children/adolescents who had completed orthodontic treatment participated. Descriptive statistics and floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Internal consistency, stability (interval of three weeks), convergent construct validity and discriminant construct validity were determined. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed dimensionality. Among the 83 parents/guardians, 58 (69.9%) were mothers and 25 (30.1%) were fathers of children/adolescents. In the questionnaire's total score and the three subscales scores, an acceptable percentage (≤15%) of participants achieved the maximum score (ceiling effect). In the total questionnaire score and in the three subscales scores, no participant achieved the minimum score (floor effect). Cronbach's α coefficient for the total score was 0.72 (internal consistency). Intra-class correlation coefficient for the total score was 0.71 (stability). The questionnaire's total score presented large Pearson correlation coefficient (>0.50) with the three subscales too (construct validity). Female parents/guardians had significantly higher scores in the psychosocial effect (p=0.013) and in the treatment outcome (p=0.037) subscales, compared to male parents/guardians (discriminant validity). EFA and CFA confirmed dimensionality in a three-factor solution. The final obtained version is valid and reliable to be used in Brazilian populations.

ABSTRACTBackgroundImpairment of voice and swallowing after thyroidectomy can negatively affect communication, eating and overall quality of life. The Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire was developed to facilitate the early identification and monitoring of voice and swallowing outcomes in patients who have undergone thyroidectomy. While it has been translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, there is currently no evidence supporting its construct validity.AimTo examine the construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire (BR‐PT‐TVSQ).Methods and ProceduresThis cross‐sectional study included 395 Brazilian individuals undergoing thyroidectomy, mainly female (95.2%), with a mean age of 41.38 ± 11.12 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the structural validity of the 20‐item BR‐PT‐TVSQ. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity were analysed through internal correlations.Outcomes and ResultsThe EFA suggested a three‐factor model with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.947. The CFA confirmed the three‐factor model with acceptable goodness‐of‐fit indices: Factor 1 = voice symptoms; Factor 2 = oropharyngolaryngeal symptoms and Factor 3 = cervical and thoracic discomfort. All three factors presented significant convergent validity. The discriminatory power between Factors 2 and 3 was smaller than in other comparisons.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe BR‐PT‐TVSQ provided evidence of construct validity for a three‐factor model with acceptable structure, convergent and discriminant validity. These sources of validity evidence are crucial to clinically ensure that the TVSQ‐PT‐BR structure accurately represents the investigated outcomes.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDSWhat is already known on this subjectThe Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice and Symptom Questionnaire (TVSQ) was developed to identify and monitor symptoms related to voice, swallowing and neck discomfort in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. The TVSQ has already been translated and culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese (BR‐PT‐TVSQ). However, the BR‐PT‐TVSQ still lacks validation for other measurement properties, including construct validity.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis study demonstrates that the BR‐PT‐TVSQ has construct validity, featuring three dimensions and acceptable levels of internal consistency, convergent validity and discriminant validity. These forms of validity evidence ensure that the structure of the instrument accurately represents the outcomes and dimensions being investigated, making it suitable for clinical use.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?The BR‐PT‐TVSQ is the only tool available in Brazilian Portuguese that has verified construct validity for the early assessment of symptoms related to voice, swallowing and neck discomfort in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. This questionnaire aids in decision‐making and the rehabilitation process.

PurposeThis study aimed to adapt and assess the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Exercise in Eating Disorders Questionnaire (EED-Q) in order to diversify and offer a more comprehensive, effective, and standardized assessment of maladaptive exercise (ME) in ED. MethodsThe EED-Q is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses eating disorders (ED) patients' attitudes towards exercise. Based on the four-factor model of the original version, the EED-Q was adapted through forward and back-translation and inconsistencies were addressed through a committee of experts. Then, the EED-Q Spanish version (S-EED-Q) was administered to 172 patients with eating disorders (age = 15.28 ± 1.64 years). An exploratory factor analysis was computed to assess the construct validity. Inter-item correlations, item-factor correlations, McDonald's Omega, and Cronbach's Alpha were estimated to test the internal consistency (reliability). In addition, convergent validity was tested by relating EED-Q and the Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI-2) scores, discriminant validity was assessed comparing EED-Q item-factor correlations, and divergent validity was conducted by analyzing EED-Q factor correlations. ResultsThe S-EED-Q revealed significant generalized correlations among the scale items and showed good reliability scores (McDonald's Omega and Cronbach's alpha >0.7) except for Factor 2 (McDonald's Omega = 0.63 and Cronbach's alpha = 0.58). After eliminating items 8 and 15 due to their low factor loadings, the EFA revealed a robust empirical factor structure, adequate to the theoretical model, with good levels of total explained variance (65%). Convergent, discriminant and divergent validity showed good performance: results showed expected correlations between EED-Q and EDI-2, all items achieved higher item-factor correlations in their theoretical factor than in the others, and all factor-factor correlations were as expected. ConclusionThis study is the first to adapt and validate the S-EED-Q. The psychometric properties of the S-EED-Q compared to the original version were supported with some limitations. Although the psychometric properties of the scale are adequate and the construct, convergent, discriminant and divergent validity are endorsed, some of the original items are questionable. Likewise, the items of the positive and healthy exercise factor require an in-depth revision.