Psychometric parameters of the Work Context Assessment Scale in emergency situations for Brazil

ObjectiveThe main aim was to perform a systematic literature review of studies investigating the factor structure of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), a widely used measure of eating pathology. Secondary aims were to summarize the quality of reporting of latent variable (factor) analyses in these studies and review support for different factor solutions.MethodLiterature was identified through Scopus, Medline, PsycInfo, and ProQuest databases published up to February 23, 2022 and outreach via an international listserv. All studies published in English reporting factor analysis of the EDE‐Q were included with few restrictions. Sixty studies including 63,389 participants met inclusion criteria.ResultsThe originally proposed four‐factor solution received little empirical support, although few alternative models have been robustly evaluated. Items assessing shape and weight concerns frequently coalesce in factor solutions, suggesting that these constructs are closely related. Investigations of brief versions of the EDE‐Q have produced more consistent findings, suggesting that these measures, particularly a seven‐item version, might be useful alternatives to the full version. Quality of studies was reasonable, with important methodological elements of factor analysis often reported.DiscussionThe findings are of relevance to practitioners and researchers, suggesting that the “original” factor structure of the EDE‐Q should be reconsidered and that use of a seven‐item version is to be encouraged.Public SignificanceSelf‐report questionnaires are widely used in the assessment of disordered eating. The current study found that there is little consensus about the structure of a common measure of eating psychopathology. There is more consistent support for a brief, seven‐item, version assessing dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and overvaluation of weight and shape.

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to use exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate the factorial structure of the 9-item Utrecht work engagement scale (UWES-9) in a multi-occupational female sample.MethodsA total of 702 women, originally recruited as a general population of 7–15-year-old girls in 1995 for a longitudinal study, completed the UWES-9. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on half the sample, and CFA on the other half.ResultsExploratory factor analysis showed that a one-factor structure best fit the data. CFA with three different models (one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor) was then conducted. Goodness-of-fit statistics showed poor fit for all three models, with RMSEA never going lower than 0.166.ConclusionDespite indication from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) that a one-factor structure seemed to fit the data, we were unable to find good model fit for a one-, two-, or three-factor model using CFA. As previous studies have also failed to reach conclusive results on the optimal factor structure for the UWES-9, further research is needed in order to disentangle the possible effects of gender, nationality and occupation on work engagement.

Identifying the factor structure of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale for post-partum women and examining its consistency during pregnancy.

BackgroundThe Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), developed by Derogatis in 1975, represents an important standardized screening instrument that enables one to quantitatively assess psychological distress and psychiatric disorders. The BSI is a 53-item self-report scale, measuring nine dimensions that can be summed up to reflect three global indices, including the General Severity Index (GSI). In the era of new information and communication technologies, nomophobia (“no mobile phobia”) is an emerging disorder, characterized by the fear of being out of mobile phone contact. Nothing is known, however, about the factor structure and reliability of the BSI in a population of nomophobic subjects. This study aimed at addressing this gap in knowledge.MethodsA sample of 403 subjects aged 27.91±8.63 years (160 males, 39.7% of the entire sample, and 243 females, 60.3%), recruited via snowball sampling, volunteered to take part in the study. The Italian versions of the Nomophobia questionnaire and the BSI were administered. Exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and clustering analysis were carried out together with correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsFor each BSI subscale, scores were significantly higher than the norms. The nine subscales exhibited acceptable-to-good Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, varying from 0.733 for psychoticism to 0.875 for depression. Overall, the reliability of the entire instrument proved to be excellent (alpha coefficient=0.972). Furthermore, all BSI subscales as well as BSI synthetic indexes correlated with nomophobia in a significant way. Stratifying the population according to the severity of nomophobia (mild, 206 individuals, 51.1% of the sample; moderate, 167 subjects, 41.4%; and severe, 30 individuals, 7.4%), the GSI score could distinguish (P<0.001) between mild and moderate (0.99±0.71 vs 1.32±0.81) and between mild and severe (0.99±0.71 vs 1.54±0.79) nomophobia, although not between moderate and severe nomophobia (P>0.05). Similar patterns could be found for the other subscales of the BSI. Finally, looking at the fit indexes, the second-order 9-factor model best fit the data compared with the Derogatis 1-factor model.ConclusionThe findings of our study show that the BSI is a reliable and valid instrument with acceptable psychometric properties, and can be administered to populations of nomophobic subjects.

Core Competence in Fundamental Nursing Practicum Scale: A validity and reliability analysis

Is there a Gulf War syndrome?

The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is well known and commonly used to assess young, active patients with ACL injuries. However, this application of the outcome measure has been called into question. There is currently no evidence supporting the structural validity of the KOOS for this patient population. Structural validity refers to whether a questionnaire meant to provide scores on different subscales behaves as intended in the populations of interest. Structural validity should be assessed for all questionnaire measures with multiple items or subscales. Does the KOOS demonstrate adequate structural validity in young, active patients with ACL tears, when evaluated using (1) exploratory and (2) confirmatory factor analyses? Between January 2014 and March 2017, 1033 patients were screened for eligibility in the Stability 1 randomized controlled trial from nine centers in Canada and Europe. Patients were eligible if they had an ACL deficient knee, were between 14 and 25 years old, and were thought to be at higher risk of reinjury based on the presence of two or more of the following factors: participation in pivoting sports, presence of a Grade 2 pivot shift or greater, generalized ligamentous laxity (Beighton score of 4 or greater), or genu recurvatum greater than 10°. Based on this criteria, 367 patients were ineligible and another 48 declined to participate. In total, 618 patients were randomized into the trial. Of the trial participants, 98% (605 of 618) of patients had complete baseline KOOS questionnaire data available for this analysis. Based on study inclusion criteria, the baseline KOOS data from the Stability 1 trial represents an appropriate sample to investigate the structural validity of the KOOS, specifically for the young, active ACL deficient population.A cross sectional retrospective secondary data analysis of the Stability 1 baseline KOOS data was completed to assess the structural validity of the KOOS using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Exploratory factor analysis investigates how all questionnaire items group together based on their conceptual similarity in a specific sample. Confirmatory factor analysis is similar but used often in a second stage to test and confirm a proposed structure of the subscales. These methods were used to assess the established five-factor structure of the KOOS (symptoms [seven items], pain [nine items], activities of daily living [17 items], sport and recreation [five items], and quality of life [four items]) in young active patients with ACL tears. Incremental posthoc modifications, such as correlating questionnaire items or moving items to different subscales, were made to the model structure until adequate fit was achieved. Model fit was assessed using chi-square, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and an associated 90% confidence interval, comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), as well as standardized root mean square residual (SRMR). Adequate fit was defined as a CFI and TLI > 0.9, and RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08. Structural validity of the KOOS was not confirmed when evaluated using (1) exploratory or (2) confirmatory factor analyses. The exploratory factor analysis, where the 42 KOOS items were allowed to group naturally, did not reflect adequate fit for a five-factor model (TLI = 0.828). Similarly, the confirmatory factor analysis used to investigate the KOOS structure as it was originally developed, revealed inadequate fit in our sample (RMSEA = 0.088 [90% CI 0.086 to 0.091]). Our analysis suggested a modified four-factor structure may be more appropriate in young, active ACL deficient patients; however, the final version presented here is not appropriate for clinical use because of the number and nature of post-hoc modifications required to reach adequate fit indices. The established five-factor structure of the KOOS did not hold true in our sample of young, active patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, indicating poor structural validity. We question the utility and interpretability of KOOS subscale scores for young, active patients with ACL tears with the current form of the KOOS. A modified version of the KOOS, adjusted for this patient population, is needed to better reflect and interpret the outcomes and recovery trajectory in this high-functioning group. A separate analysis with a defined a priori development plan would be needed to create a valid alternative.

Validacija skale kozmopolitizma: empirijska verifikacija konceptualnog okvira kulturnoga kozmopolitizma

PurposeThe quantitative assessment of mindful eating has been challenging, even with the latest additions to the field of multifactorial mindful eating psychometric tools. This manuscript presents the development, validity and reliability assessment of a trait and state Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale across four studies driven by recent theory (Mantzios in Nutr Health 27: 1–5, 2021).MethodsStudy 1 assessed the content validity of the scale through ratings of clinical and research experts in the field. Study 2 inspected the scale through exploratory and confirmatory factor, parallel, correlation, and reliability analyses. Study 3 assessed the temporal stability through a test–retest in a 2-week interval. Study 4 assessed the scale in a randomized control experimental design, where a mindful eating (vs. control group) received the trait scale before consuming chocolate, and an equivalent state scale was modified to assess state changes during the 10-min eating session.ResultsStudy 1 yielded items to be reflective and concise of the definition of mindful eating behaviour. Study 2 indicated 2 potential factors through exploratory factor analyses, which were further verified through a parallel analysis, while subscales correlation indicated one-dimensionality, which was further verified through confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the internal consistency of the scale and subscales was good. Study 3 certified the reliability of the scale over time, while Study 4 indicated that both the trait and state scales were significant indicators of eating mindfully.ConclusionsTogether, all studies signal the utility of theoretically sound and empirically validated measurements for the replicable assessment of mindful eating behaviour.Level of evidence: No level of evidence: basic science.

IntroductionThe use of generic medicines is a cost-effective policy, often dictated by fiscal restraints. To our knowledge, no fully validated tool exploring the students’ knowledge and attitudes towards generic medicines exists. The aim of our study was to develop and validate a questionnaire exploring the knowledge and attitudes of M.Sc. in Health Care Management students and recent alumni’s towards generic drugs in Greece.Materials and methodsThe development of the questionnaire was a result of literature review and pilot-testing of its preliminary versions to researchers and students. The final version of the questionnaire contains 18 items measuring the respondents’ knowledge and attitude towards generic medicines on a 5-point Likert scale. Given the ordinal nature of the data, ordinal alpha and polychoric correlations were computed. The sample was randomly split into two halves. Exploratory factor analysis, performed in the first sample, was used for the creation of multi-item scales. Confirmatory factor analysis and Generalized Linear Latent and Mixed Model analysis (GLLAMM) with the use of the rating scale model were used in the second sample to assess goodness of fit. An assessment of internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity was also performed.ResultsAmong 1402 persons contacted, 986 persons completed our questionnaire (response rate = 70.3%). Overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.871. The conjoint use of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a six-scale model, which seemed to fit the data well. Five of the six scales, namely trust, drug quality, state audit, fiscal impact and drug substitution were found to be valid and reliable, while the knowledge scale suffered only from low inter-scale correlations and a ceiling effect. However, the subsequent confirmatory factor and GLLAMM analyses indicated a good fit of the model to the data.ConclusionsThe ATTOGEN instrument proved to be a reliable and valid tool, suitable for assessing students’ knowledge and attitudes towards generic medicines.

BackgroundLoneliness has a significant impact on mental and physical health across different stages of development, with particularly evident effects during adolescence. During this period, young individuals undergo substantial social and emotional transformations, making loneliness a global concern.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the UCLA-R Loneliness Scale in Ecuadorian adolescents through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, assess its internal consistency, and examine factorial invariance across genders.MethodThe sample consisted of 718 school-aged adolescents (288 males and 430 females) aged 14–17 years (M = 15.72, SD = 0.747), selected through probabilistic sampling. A sociodemographic ad hoc questionnaire and the Spanish version of the 20-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale were administered. The sample was randomly divided into two equivalent subsamples (n = 359) to separately perform an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The EFA was conducted using principal axis factoring, oblique rotation, and polychoric correlations. The CFA evaluated one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor models, employing fit indices such as CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR. Internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. Additionally, factorial invariance analyses by gender were performed, along with a univariate ANOVA to examine potential gender differences.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results indicated the presence of two factors, whose structure explains 40.8% of the total variance, with 19 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed that the bifactor model with 19 items exhibited a superior fit compared to the unidimensional and three-factor models with 20 items, with fit indices falling within acceptable to excellent ranges (CFI = .936, TLI = .927, RMSEA = .050, SRMR = .048). Additionally, the bifactor model demonstrated measurement invariance across genders. Regarding internal consistency, the scale demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of.876 and an omega coefficient of.83, confirming its reliability.ConclusionIt is concluded that the 19-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived loneliness in Ecuadorian adolescents, regardless of gender. Future research could replicate these findings in other regions and cultural contexts to validate its use on a larger scale.

Loneliness has a significant impact on mental and physical health across different stages of development, with particularly evident effects during adolescence. During this period, young individuals undergo substantial social and emotional transformations, making loneliness a global concern. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the UCLA-R Loneliness Scale in Ecuadorian adolescents through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, assess its internal consistency, and examine factorial invariance across genders. The sample consisted of 718 school-aged adolescents (288 males and 430 females) aged 14-17 years (M = 15.72, SD = 0.747), selected through probabilistic sampling. A sociodemographic ad hoc questionnaire and the Spanish version of the 20-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale were administered. The sample was randomly divided into two equivalent subsamples (n = 359) to separately perform an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The EFA was conducted using principal axis factoring, oblique rotation, and polychoric correlations. The CFA evaluated one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor models, employing fit indices such as CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR. Internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. Additionally, factorial invariance analyses by gender were performed, along with a univariate ANOVA to examine potential gender differences. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results indicated the presence of two factors, whose structure explains 40.8% of the total variance, with 19 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed that the bifactor model with 19 items exhibited a superior fit compared to the unidimensional and three-factor models with 20 items, with fit indices falling within acceptable to excellent ranges (CFI = .936, TLI = .927, RMSEA = .050, SRMR = .048). Additionally, the bifactor model demonstrated measurement invariance across genders. Regarding internal consistency, the scale demonstrated a Cronbach's alpha of.876 and an omega coefficient of.83, confirming its reliability. It is concluded that the 19-item UCLA-R Loneliness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived loneliness in Ecuadorian adolescents, regardless of gender. Future research could replicate these findings in other regions and cultural contexts to validate its use on a larger scale.

This study is a report of an investigation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire. Cultural, social and family environments influence women's beliefs about and attitudes towards menstruation. Awareness of these beliefs and/or attitudes and their cultural origins is necessary to understand women and their reactions to menstruation when offering health care. Although the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire has been used in several studies, the psychometric properties of the Turkish version have not been investigated. Confirmatory factor analyses were carried out with two different samples - high school (n = 650) and undergraduate university students (n = 569) - in Turkey in the spring semester of 2006. Exploratory factor analyses were then used to modify the factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the factor model reported in the United States of America. However, compared with British and Indian samples, Turkish attitudes showed better fit than both British and Indian samples with comparative fit index values of 0.776 and 0.797 for the high school and university samples respectively. Finally, exploratory factor analysis yielded a 28-item measure for the high school sample and 31-item measure for the university sample, with a 5-factor solution. Reliability estimates of both scales were satisfactory, being 0.73 for the high school and 0.79 for the university sample. The modified 5-factor Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire could be a useful tool for assessing menstrual attitudes among Turkish high school and university students. The overall score permits comparison with results from earlier studies using the original instrument.

In differentiated learning, the teacher needs to be aware of the learning styles of students in the classroom to accommodate specific learning preferences, e.g., the Felder–Silverman learning style model. The corresponding instrument, i.e., the Felder–Silverman Index of Learning Style (ILS), was designed to assess learning styles, specifically for engineering students. The ILS has been tested at the middle school level to identify the learning styles; however, validity/reliability had not been established in earlier studies with large samples. The focus of this study was to identify the validity and reliability of an ILS instrument for middle school students (N=450) by investigating the factor structure through factor analysis. This includes internal consistency reliability and constructing validity report of the ILS. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to investigate the factor structure to establish validity. As a result of the study, the reliability of the instrument was established. Five-factors emerged through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The outcome provided five-factors (i.e., Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR), and Goodness of Fit (GFI)), out of which four factors were related to the four dimensions of the Felder–Silverman model, and the fifth factor was related to the association of sensing/intuitive and sequential/global dimensions of the model, which is in agreement with the theoretical construct of ILS. As a result of CFA, ILS entailing 24 items indicates a good fit with five-factor structure. CFI=0.922;TLI=0.927; RMSEA=0.026; SRMR=0.585;GFI=0.911;X2=277;df=42;p=0.60. This study suggests that the ILS for the secondary-grade students needs to be revised with fewer items to improve the reliability, as supported by empirical evidence through the EFA and CFA.

Developing an attitude scale for cursive handwriting: Validity and reliability study