10-item Scale Research Articles

Assessing the structural relationships between the CIPP model components in teacher education program

PurposeThe objective of this study is to explore the structural relationships among context (C), input (I) and process (P) and product (P) (CIPP) components of teacher preparation programs based on students' perceptions.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, data were collected using a 17-item scale. The study sample consisted of 213 pre-service teachers enrolled in the Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Teaching (PPDT). Quantitative research methodology with multivariate structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the two suggested models.FindingsThe results of this study show that the CIPP model can be projected into preservice teachers' perceptions of the CIPP components. These preservice teachers' perceptions of preparation programs from the three components (CIP) can predict preservice teachers' perceptions of teachers’ preparation program products or outcomes (i.e. the fourth CIPP component). This result indicates that the relationships between the CIPP components and the pre-service teachers' perceptions of the Diploma in Teaching program are direct.Originality/valueTwo suggested models were tested to explore the structural relationships between CIPP components. The first model represents the original CIPP model with indirect relationships between the four components: CIPP. The second model suggests direct relationships between the first three components (CIP) and the objectives or products (P).

Mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between family functioning and self-management behaviors in patients with coronary heart disease: A cross-sectional study in Jiangsu, China.

Self-management behaviors can prevent the negative consequences among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The reality of patients followed the self-management behaviors rate are unoptimistic. This study aimed to examine whether self-efficacy serves as a mediating role between family functioning and self-management behaviors among coronary heart disease patients. A cross-sectional approach was applied, and 140 patients with CHD were included using a cluster sampling strategy. Family functioning was assessed utilizing the Family APGAR Index, self-efficacy was evaluated using the Self-efficacy for Chronic Disease 6-item Scale, and self-management behaviors was examined utilizing the Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Scale. Data were collected from July to October 2022 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses to evaluate the mediating influence. The degree of self-management behaviors among patients with CHD was at a low level (Mean = 82.23, SD = 11.863). Self-efficacy had a direct and positive impact on self-management behaviors (β = 0.39, p <0.001). Moreover, self-efficacy had a partially intermediary function in the relationship between family functioning and self-management behaviors (indirect effect = 0.14, 95% CI [0.04, 0.27]; direct effect = 0.39, p <0.001). Self-efficacy demonstrated an association with self-management behaviors and served as a mediation function in the relationship between self-management behaviors and family functioning. Therefore, the significance of family functioning and self-efficacy should be highlighted in nursing practice when developing methods to encourage patients with CHD to improve their self-management behaviors.

Testing a Multidimensional Factor Structure of the Self-Control Scale.

The Self-Control Scale (SCS) is one of the most widely used measures in the clinical, personality, and social psychology fields. It is often treated as unidimensional, even though no research supports such a unidimensional factor structure. We tested the factor structure in an undergraduate sample as well as a community sample used for additional confirmatory analyses. Factors from the best-fitting confirmatory models were correlated with putatively related and distinct constructs to assess their (dis)similarities. Consistent with hypotheses, the best-fitting factor structure consisted of multiple, correlated factors; however, none of the factor solutions met pre-specified fit criteria. Several additional analyses were conducted beyond the preregistered analyses to find a reasonably fitting factor solution. Ultimately, study findings support a two-factor solution using the items of the Brief Self-Control Scale. Results are discussed for the full 36-item scale as well as the brief, 13-item scale. We conclude with lessons learned from a Registered Report focused on factor analysis.

N42 The Interpretation of Illness Questionnaire: preliminary results from the Italian translation and validation in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease setting

Abstract Background Understanding how patients interpret their illness is essential for delivering comprehensive care, especially in chronic conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Interpretation of Illness Questionnaire (IIQ – Figure 1), an 8-item 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, helps assess patients' cognitive and emotional responses to their illness. Yet it has not been used among IBD patients. This study aimed to translate and validate the IIQ for the Italian IBD patient population. Methods The IIQ was translated into Italian and validated following a structured 6-step process (Figure 2) already adopted in previous studies [1]: forward and backward translation, expert panel review, and both face- and content-validation (quantitative validation). A panel of 10 experts, including specialists in nursing, psychology, gastroenterology, and patients conducted the quantitative validation. The Think Aloud (TOL) technique was then adopted to perform qualitative validation (currently in progress) to ensure the questionnaire was clear and relevant to IBD patients confirming both face- and content-validation asking 20 participants to verbalize their thoughts while completing the questionnaire, allowing to capture real-time insights into their understanding, interpretation, and potential challenges with questionnaire’s items. Results The face validation process showed that experts and patients rated the questionnaire items as clear and easily understandable with a rate between 0.9 and 1.0 in every single item and an overall rate of 0.92, excluding the need for items reformulation. The Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) was calculated at 0.94, while the Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) was in a range between 0.9 and 1.0 in every item, indicating excellent relevance and coverage of the interpretation of illness constructs. The qualitative validation, conducted so far with the participation of 4 out of 20 patients, confirmed the understanding and correct interpretation of the individual items and of the whole questionnaire, ruling out potential challenges in completing the questionnaire. Conclusion The Italian version of the IIQ is a valid instrument for assessing how IBD patients interprets their illness. This validated tool can assist healthcare professionals in tailoring interventions to support better coping and psychological adaptation in IBD care. A pilot study adopting the TOL technique is confirming the clarity and cultural relevance of the translated questionnaire. The finalized Italian version will be subsequently administered to IBD patients in a larger pilot study [2] to assess its reliability. Future studies are encouraged to explore the use of IIQ in other European languages and contexts to enhance holistic patient care.

Psychometric properties of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) in adolescent and young adult psychiatric outpatients in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN).

This study assessed the psychometric properties of the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), a self-report measure of resilience, in youth receiving treatment and/or screening positive for depression/suicidality in psychiatric outpatient settings. Data from 908 youth (age 12-20 years) were analyzed. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model was fit to the data, and goodness-of-fit was assessed using indices such as the comparative fit index (CFI). Psychometric analyses were performed through the lenses of classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Measurement invariance of the scale was assessed by classifying the sample by depression severity. Finally, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) from test-retest were used to assess the reliability of the scale using data collected at baseline and one-month post-baseline. The scale was unidimensional, representing a single latent trait. CFA demonstrated acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.94). CTT analyses showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.85) and good item discrimination (item-total correlations between 0.38 and 0.66). The scale demonstrated good test-retest reliability over a one-month period (ICC = 0.82). IRT analyses exhibited good item performance on all but the three items related to versatility, humor and persistence. These items were also deterrent to the scale having full scalar invariance. Limitations include questionable generalizability beyond the sample and biases inherent in self-report scales. CD-RISC-10 has acceptable reliability and validity. However, depressive symptom severity affected selected item performance. If these findings are confirmed in other independent samples, a seven-item version of the scale may be investigated for depressed samples.

Medication adherence and blood pressure control in treated hypertensive patients: first follow-up findings from the PREDIcT-HTN study in Northern Bangladesh

IntroductionAdherence to antihypertensive medication is crucial to control blood pressure (BP) and hypertension management outcomes. In Bangladesh, as in many other countries, poor adherence to medication represents a challenge to effective hypertension management. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and relationship between medication adherence and BP management among hypertensive patients in Bangladesh.MethodsThe PREDIcT-HTN study in Northern Bangladesh aims to evaluate major adverse clinical events in treated hypertensive patients. The study involves 2643 hypertensive patients from a medical center, with data collected through baseline information and yearly follow-ups until 2025. The first follow-up visit was conducted between January and March 2021. Following the 2020 ISH-global hypertension guideline, patients were classified as having controlled BP, grade-I, or grade-II uncontrolled BP. Patients were divided into three groups (good, moderate, and poor) based on their 9-item Hill-Bone medication adherence scale. A multinomial regression analysis was conducted to identify the association between medication adherence and BP control after adjusting potential confounders.ResultsAnalysis of 2276 hypertensive patients (mean age 51.31 ± 11.58 years) revealed that 36.1% had grade-I and 24.2% had grade-II uncontrolled hypertension. Most patients (78%) displayed moderate adherence, and 15% showed poor medication adherence. Certain patient subgroups had higher rates of poor adherence: females (17.1%) compared to males (12.2%), rural residents (22.4%) compared to city-dwellers (12.2%), and newly diagnosed patients (17.2%) compared to those diagnosed 2–5 years earlier (12.6%). Multivariable analysis found a strong association between medication adherence and BP control. Compared to poor adherence, moderate adherence (relative risk ratio (RRR):0.50, 95%CI:0.36–0.68) and good adherence (RRR:0.56, 95%CI:0.35–0.91) were associated with better control. Increasing age, rural living, and uncontrolled hypertension were also linked. Comorbidities worsened BP control, and managing multiple medications contributed to poor adherence and grade-II hypertension in patients.ConclusionThe high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in Bangladesh underscores the need for improved treatment strategies. Addressing medication adherence is essential for better BP control, with particular attention needed for women, rural residents, and newly diagnosed individuals. A comprehensive approach is warranted, including strategies to enhance adherence, early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and simplified medication regimens. These efforts align with the UN's 2030 SDGs, emphasizing targeted interventions for equitable healthcare access and outcomes.

Development and initial validation of the group exercise motivation scale and associated factors in an Asian population

ABSTRACT Backgrounds Physical activity is crucial in health promotion. Exercise in groups can strengthen the benefits of exercise itself. However, the scale measuring the motivation for group exercise is scare. Aim To develop and preliminarily validate the Group Exercise Motivation Scale (GEMS) in a global Asian population. Methods A total of 1021 participants from seven regions across the world were recruited. Based on the theory of planned behavior, we developed an initial 20-item scale for the measurement of group exercise motivation and conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Then, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to replicate the factor structure obtained through EFA with a refined 15-item scale, among 510 and 511 participants, respectively. Results Four dimensions have been derived including personal attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. The GEMS showed acceptable factorial validity, satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s α 0.779 and McDonald’s omega 0.745), and no floor/ceiling effect. The scale was developed in Chinese language. Conclusions The GEMS has utility as an assessment for group exercise motivation. This study provides evidence for future longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of group exercise in the field of public health.

Development and Preliminary Validation of a Novel Instrument to Assess Re-Injury Associated Anxiety Following Traumatic Orofacial and Dental Injury in Young Boxers.

An injury sustained during sports activity can lead to the development of reinjury anxiety and hamper performance. Although tools exist to assess re-injury anxiety, a domain of interest in the field of sports medicine, research in the psychological impact of an orofacial injury is rudimentary. The present study envisaged to develop an instrument to assess the presence of reinjury anxiety following orofacial and dental injury in boxers aged between 10 and 16 years. In Phase 1, items were generated following literature search and focus-group discussions (FGD). In Phase 2, a group discussion was conducted with three experienced boxing coaches to assess face validity, followed by two rounds of scrutiny by expert groups to assess the content validity through the content-validity-index (CVI), respectively. In Phase 3, the modified tool was pre-tested on an independent sample of young boxers. Finally, in Phase 4, to determine dimensionality, the modified tool was administered to 183 young boxers and their responses were subject to an exploratory factor analysis through Principal component analysis, followed by Promax rotation to determine the factor loading. Internal consistency reliability was measured through calculation of Cronbach's-alpha. From the 29-items devised initially, the tool was sequentially modified. Analysis of the responses by the second expert group, an average Scale-level-CVI of 0.9 and Universal agreement of 0.526 was obtained, which resulted in the inclusion of 20 items for the final phase of the study. From the factor analysis, the items were found to fit to a five-factor structure, which explained 56.4% of the variance in the constructs. Internal consistency of the tool was measured to be 0.74. A 10-item oral re-injury anxiety scale for young boxers (ORAS-YB) tool was developed. It was found to have high face and content validity, and acceptable reliability. Further research with a larger sample is required to confirm the factor structure and determine test-retest reliability of the developed tool.

Association between mothers' provision of vegetables and homemade meal strategies under time constraints in Japan.

Maternal time constraints lead to a lack of vegetable provision to children. Mothers use homemade meal strategies under time constraints; however, these strategies have not been well investigated. This study aimed to classify the homemade meal strategies used by mothers under time constraints and to examine their association with the provision of vegetable dishes. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of 400 mothers of preschool children in Japan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to classify homemade meal strategies. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the subscale scores by the demographic characteristics and provision of vegetable dishes, and logistic regression was used to predict the provision of vegetable dishes based on the subscales and adjusted for demographic characteristics. A 13-item scale comprising three subscales ("planning meals and shopping ahead," "use of convenience foods," and "batch cooking") was developed. Full-time employed mothers had higher scores for "use of convenience foods" and "batch cooking" than did unemployed mothers. "Batch cooking" was positively related to the provision of vegetable dishes more than seven times a week after adjusting for maternal demographic characteristics, whereas "use of convenience foods" was negatively related. "Planning meals and shopping ahead" was not associated with the provision of vegetable dishes. The results of this study suggest that batch cooking is a recommended strategy under time constraints and that education on nutritional considerations when using convenience foods is required.

Measuring the impacts of remote work in the Finnish defence forces – Development of the validated measurement scale

ABSTRACT In this paper, we developed a valid measurement scale to assess implications related to remote work. The initial scale was completed by 214 employees of the administrative units of the Finnish Army and the Finnish Navy and validated by 148 employees of the administrative unit of the Finnish Air Force. The 11-item five-factor scale was found to be reliable, valid and stable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in an organizational context to demonstrate a validated scale for measure implications related to remote work. This study contributes to the current literature on remote work and providing a valuable instrument for practitioners.

Palliative care needs and quality of life among adults with advanced chronic illnesses in low-income communities of Bangladesh

ObjectivesPalliative care (PC) is an interdisciplinary approach aimed at improving the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients and families affected by life-threatening diseases. This study aimed to investigate the need for PC among critically ill patients and their quality of life (QOL) in low-income groups in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at four healthcare facilities from March to April 2023, involving 553 registered patients with advanced chronic conditions. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 183 patients in the advanced stage of illness were included. We collected data on sociodemographic, comorbidities, disabilities, and the 10-item African Palliative Outcome Scale (APOS). The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) was used to identify individuals requiring PC. The study investigated patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 3–4, indicating significant functional impairment, and explored QOL across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors.ResultsThe mean age of the 183 patients was 53.8 (± 14.53) years, with 69.5% being female. We found that 10.3% of patients with chronic illness required PC, particularly cancer patients (87%) and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (53.3%). The APOS scores indicated that family anxiety (48.6%) was the most burdensome issue, followed by severe pain (15.5%), severe worry about illness (22.4%), and feelings of life being unworthy (9.4%). Patients with severe functional limitations (ECOG 3–4) were significantly more likely to need PC (58%) compared to those with moderate or no limitations (ECOG 0–2) (24%). Among those requiring PC, 70.1% rated their QOL as poor or very-poor, while only 23.8% of patients not needing PC reported similar ratings. Female patients had poorer QOL than males across all domains, and those facing financial hardships also experienced significantly lower QOL.ConclusionIn Bangladesh’s low-income communities, a significant proportion of patients with chronic illnesses require palliative care (PC) due to advanced conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating PC early in the treatment process for cancer and CKD patients, as it can greatly improve their QOL and provide essential support for both patients and families. The results advocate for a holistic approach to PC that addresses physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting patients’ QOL.

Development and psychometric testing of the school-life conflict scale (SLCS) among nursing students.

Nursing students often face a heavy academic burden compared to students in other programs, possibly affecting their personal lives. However, a standardized scale assessing how academic demands interfere with the personal well-being in student nurses is lacking. This study was conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the School-Life Conflict Scale (SLCS). Exploratory sequential research design. Three government nursing schools in the Philippines. A total of 1014 student nurses participated in the study. Both the inductive and deductive methods were employed to generate the scale items. The factor structure of the scale was established through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Five faculty experts examined the content validity of the scale. A 14-item scale with three-factor structure was identified through factor analyses. These factors were labeled 'Academic Demands and Well-being', 'Social Interactions and Relationships', and 'Engagement in Extracurricular Activities'. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the scale was 0.900, while the Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the 3 factors ranged from 0.808 to 0.859. The SLCS shows excellent psychometric properties and can be used to assess the extent to which academic responsibilities intersect and interfere with personal life in student nurses. This scale may be utilized by nurse faculty to identify students at risk of conflict and to implement approaches to support their health and well-being.

Relationship of negative life events with depression and anxiety in nursing students: a moderated mediation model of resilience and gender

BackgroundCompared to ordinary student in the same age group, nursing students experience notably higher rates of depression and anxiety. Negative life events (NLEs) and resilience were recognized as risk factors and protective factors, respectively. There is little literature on the complex interaction of these factors among nursing students.ObjectivesThe study aims to explore the potential relationship of NLEs, resilience, and gender with symptoms of depression and anxiety among nursing students.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used for this study. A total of 568 participants from three universities in East, South and North China were recruited. Data collection instruments included socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Adolescent Life Events Self-Rating Scale, and The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A moderated mediation model was used to analyze the data.ResultsNLEs and resilience significantly related to depression and anxiety (r = -0.289 ~ 0.454, all ps < 0.01). NLEs had a direct effect on depression (B = 0.251, p < 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.307, p < 0.001). Analysis of mediating effects revealed that NLEs influenced depression (B = 0.02, 95% CI : 0.004–0.041) and anxiety (B = 0.019, 95% CI : 0.004–0.040) through resilience pathways. Additionally, gender was found to have a moderating effect on the direct association of NLEs with anxiety (B = -0.031, p < 0.05), with males showing a greater association.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that improving resilience may help break the relationship of NLEs with depression and anxiety in nursing students. Additionally, the mental health of male nursing students needs more attention.

Association between mobility decline and health literacy in olderJapanese adults: Onjuku study.

Decline in mobility is a global issue that must be addressed in rapidly aging societies. We aimed to clarify the association between locomotive syndrome (LS), a condition of decreased mobility and health literacy (HL) in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged ≥ 40 years. A descriptive survey was conducted in Onjuku Town, Japan, between 2019 and 2023. The participants performed LS risk tests, including the two-step test, stand-up tests and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale, to assess mobility. They completed the 14-item health literacy scale to quantify the total HL and functional, communicative and critical HL subscales. Other participant characteristics, such as chronic diseases, bodily pain and physical activity, were also surveyed. The association between LS and HL was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for participant characteristics. We analyzed 492 participants with a median age of 71 years. The total HL score decreased as the LS stage increased, with 56, 54 and 51 points in stages 0, 1 and ≥ 2, respectively (p = 0.004). In the logistic regression analysis, a high total HL score was significantly associated with reduced odds of stage ≥ 2 LS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95; p < 0.001). Furthermore, functional HL score had an independent association with stage ≥ 2 LS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88; p = 0.009). Our results suggest that clinicians should provide HL education in addition to known preventive measures, such as promoting physical activity, as a holistic approach to decreased mobility.

Medical Mistrust and Willingness to Use Mental Health Services Among a Cohort of Black Adults.

Black adults experience depression that is more severe than that of their White counterparts, yet they are less likely to receive treatment from a mental health professional. This study aimed to examine the relationships between medical mistrust or trust and the willingness to seek mental health care. The authors conducted an online cross-sectional survey of 1,043 Black adults in the United States. The primary variables of interest were medical mistrust (measured via the 12-item Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale; GBMMS) and a single item, derived from the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire, that assessed willingness to seek mental health care. The authors hypothesized that mistrust would have a negative correlation with willingness to seek help from a mental health professional. To estimate the association between level of mistrust and willingness to seek care, gamma regression models were fitted with a log link, and the analyses were adjusted for age, ethnic identity or origin, education, insurance status, personal income, citizenship status, and length of time in the United States. At low levels of medical mistrust (GBMMS scores ≤3), an increase in mistrust was significantly associated with an increase in the probability of seeking mental health care (rate ratio [RR]=1.55, p<0.001). At high levels of medical mistrust (GBMMS scores >3), an increase in mistrust was associated with a decrease in care seeking (RR=0.74, p<0.001). Similar patterns were observed for medical trust. At low levels of medical mistrust among Black adults, each unit increase in mistrust was counterintuitively associated with an increase in willingness to seek care from a mental health professional.

Conceptualisation and Measurement of Resilience of Adults With Cancer: An Umbrella Review.

To (1) clarify the key components of resilience of adults with cancer; (2) summarise and analyse the resilience measures used in this population; and (3) discuss future evaluation directions. An umbrella review. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library and Epistemonikos were searched in December 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were followed for undertaking this umbrella review. Systematic and narrative reviews that defined resilience of adults with cancer and reported resilience measures, published in English, were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. Fourteen eligible reviews were included. Four key resilience components from various resilience conceptualisations were identified. Twenty resilience measures were used among cancer patients, with the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale providing a relatively comprehensive assessment of individual resilience. Recommended future research with cancer patients includes assessing these resilience components: (1) available individual resources-key psychological factors that enhance individual resilience; (2) access to social resources-close interpersonal relationships, family cohesion and social support; (3) adaptive coping ability-problem-solving skills, emotional management strategies and experiences in managing adversity; (4) ability to regain mental health and well-being-the capacity to recover a relatively stable psychological state and promote positive psychological functioning. The findings provide evidence for refining future resilience measurement in the adult cancer population. Examining the four key components of resilience with this population across cultures is warranted. Understanding the key components of resilience of cancer patients can help healthcare professionals identify individuals who may need further support and facilitate early intervention or referral to psychosocial support services. The 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale is recommended over other tools for use in the cancer population. Patient or public involvement is not applicable in this study.

Prosocial Intentions and Subsequent Cognitive Health: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Prosociality, defined as positive other-regarding intentions and behaviors, is a modifiable factor demonstrated to be associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults. Prior studies have largely focused on individual prosocial behaviors, especially volunteering. This study examines whether prosocial intentions are associated with maintaining cognitive health over time. Data are from 7,844 adults aged 50 or older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. A 9-item prosocial intentions scale was derived from self-reported items assessing altruism and collectivism. Cognitive health was assessed via biennial completion of tasks related to executive function and verbal memory and incident dementia diagnosis over 11 years. Linear mixed-effects models examined relationships between prosocial intentions and changes in executive function and verbal memory. Cox proportional hazards models assessed risk of developing dementia. A broad array of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates were also considered. Results from mixed-effects analyses suggest higher prosocial intentions are associated with better cognitive health maintenance after controlling for sociodemographics and baseline health characteristics including depressive symptoms. Participants with high versus low prosocial intentions had 24% slower decline in verbal memory and 55% slower decline in executive function. Similarly, higher prosocial intentions were associated with a 35% reduced hazard of dementia during this same period in fully adjusted models. These results suggest aspects of prosociality beyond formal volunteering facilitate maintaining cognitive health among older adults and may provide novel targets for future interventions to enhance healthy aging.

How did Turkish higher education respond to emergency distance education in the COVID-19 pandemic? Acceptance and use by Turkish academics

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to online education, presenting adaptation challenges for faculty members unfamiliar with distance education methodologies. Certain institutions have demonstrated greater efficacy owing to prior experience in this domain. This study investigates faculty acceptance and utilisation of mandatory distance education employing the UTAUT2 model, with age and gender as moderating variables, analysed through structural equation modelling. Data from 3631 participants were collected using a 25-item scale encompassing seven subdimensions: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, habit and price value. The research assessed the impact of these dimensions on behavioural intention and usage, with gender moderating several relationships, while age did not exhibit a significant moderating effect. The findings, consistent with the extant literature, suggest that training and experience in distance education could enhance acceptance and utilisation among faculty members.

Assessment of Day Care Centers under Public Mental Health Program in a District of Kerala: An Observational Study

Abstract Introduction: Day care is a component of service provisioning for persons with severe mental illness living in the community. This study assesses day care centers under a public mental health program in a district of Kerala. Methods: We did a documentary review of program documents to describe how the day care program had envisaged its structure, function, and expected outcome. Field visits were made to assess the centers on the same attributes. The lead staff members and all program attendees were interviewed. The sociodemographic and clinical profile was assessed while disability was measured using the WHODAS 2.0 12-item Scale. Results: The two centers were assessed 8 years after their inception. The centers functioned as drop-in-type social care facilities located on local government premises, and each center was serviced by a nursing personnel, a nursing attendant, and a social work personnel who worked as an occupational therapist and program coordinator for both centers. The estimated cost of running each center was 20 lakhs/year. Occupational therapy activities were geared toward day engagement and did not aspire to impart vocational skills or employment opportunities onsite or outside and almost all work-based occupational therapy activities fizzled out after a limited trial. Centers catered to both persons with mental illness and intellectual developmental disorders. There was no formal exit plan for the attendees, the mean duration of attendance was 4.4 ± 2.63 years, the total attendees since inception were 75, and the currently active number was 28. Nonspecific reasons and family inconvenience were noted as reasons for disengagement. Disability assessment revealed a mean score of 8.45 ± 6.8 (median 6.5, range 0–27), indicating low levels of disability, although 60% were formally certified with median disability of 60%. Overall, staff opined, based on their interactions with the attendees’ families, that day care attendance offered benefits over routine outpatient care in terms of providing a meeting place outside the home for recreation and socialization. Discussion: Our assessment concludes that the modest benefits that attendees get from the centers are derived largely from the socializing and companionship that the meeting place provides. We suggest that more such drop-in centers can be started with a lesser cost outlay while at the same time upgrading the existing ones with more resources to derive greater benefits than from the current meeting place orientation.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the fear and avoidance of memory loss scale in a Chinese context

Objectives To cross-culturally adapt the Fear and Avoidance of Memory Loss (FAM) scale and assess the psychometric properties in the Chinese cultural context. Method Following Beaton’s guidelines, the FAM scale was translated and adapted. A cross-sectional study assessed its psychometric properties, including internal consistency (coefficient omega, Cronbach’s alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), and criterion and content validity. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal axis factoring with direct oblimin rotation, with the optimal number of factors determined by the Kaiser criterion and parallel analysis. Results The Chinese version of FAM showed satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity and criterion validity. EFA revealed a two-factor solution of the Chinese FAM scale, leading to a refined 17-item version after excluding item 15 for low factor loading. Conclusion The adapted 17-item FAM scale can be used as a reliable and effective tool to evaluate fear avoidance specific to memory loss among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. The removal of item 15 suggests potential cultural influences on coping mechanisms and behaviors, indicating the need for further research.