Acceptable Validity Research Articles

Validation of the Indonesian version of the self-compassion scale for youth using Rasch model analysis

Adolescence is a phase marked by stress, emotional instability, and low self-esteem, often leading to self-criticism and social withdrawal. To cope with these challenges, adolescents need self-compassion to maintain self-kindness and achieve better psychological well-being. This study aims to measure adolescent self-compassion using the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (SCSY), a 17-item scale developed to suit the competencies of adolescents, as the original Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is less applicable for this age group. A quantitative survey design was employed, with data from 105 high school students (aged 16-17, predominantly Sundanese, residing in rural areas) analyzed using JASP and Winstep for Rasch Model measurement. Results indicated that the SCSY demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, confirming its suitability for adolescent self-compassion measurement. Findings underscore the importance of self-compassion in fostering emotional stability and resilience, suggesting that school-based guidance and counseling could benefit from incorporating self-compassion training to enhance mental health support for adolescents. The SCSY’s tailored approach facilitates early detection of self-compassion levels, enabling counselors to provide targeted interventions that align with adolescents’ developmental needs.

Development and validation of a tool for assessing breast cancer health literacy among Chinese women

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is a major malignancy that seriously threatens women’s health. No unified, evidence-based, standardized assessment tools for BC literacy are available in China yet. Objectives We sought to develop an assessment tool to measure BC health literacy among Chinese women and to test the tool’s reliability, validity, and feasibility. Methods Group discussion, expert consultation, and small-sample pilot investigation were conducted to develop an initial assessment tool. A multi-stage stratified random-sampling process was used to select women aged 18-64 years in Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, for an onsite survey. Project analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to screen the questions to create a formal assessment tool, which was further evaluated by feasibility analysis and the measurement of reliability and validity. Results The official version of the assessment tool for Chinese female BC health literacy includes 32 items. Nine common factors (policy knowledge, uncorrectable risk factors, modifiable risk factors, identification of early warning signs #1 and #2, screening methods, breast self-awareness and examination behaviors, timely seeking of medical help and standardized treatment, and rehabilitation) were extracted through exploratory factor analysis with factor loadings of 0.511-0.873 and a cumulative explained variance of 65.989%. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed χ2/df = 1.61, CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.04, and SRMR = 0.06. The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.875, and the split-half reliability was 0.770 (both >0.700). Conclusions An assessment tool for Chinese female BC health literacy was developed with acceptable feasibility, reliability, and validity. The application of this tool can help to promote BC prevention and control in China and may also benefit other countries. Key messages • An assessment tool for Chinese female BC health literacy was developed with acceptable feasibility, reliability, and validity. • The application of this tool can help to promote BC prevention and control in China and may also benefit other countries.

Revised Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC 2.0): cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Malay version

BackgroundSurveys on Patient Safety Culture™ Hospital Survey (HSOPSC) developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has been adopted worldwide. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) version 2.0 was released in 2019, but there have been no publications to date of its translation and validation for use in Malaysia. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the revised HSOPSC 2.0 into the Malay language and determine its psychometric properties including the content, face, and construct validity, and reliability analyses.MethodsThis study was conducted from April – June 2023 and divided into three stages: translation and cultural adaptation; content and face validation; and construct validation using confirmatory factor analysis and reliability testing among 319 healthcare personnel from a public university hospital in Malaysia.ResultsThe translated instrument demonstrated excellent content validity (I-CVI = 0.80 ~ 1.0, SCVI-average = 0.96) and face validity (I-FVI = 0.80 ~ 1.0, SFVI-average = 0.98). Reliability testing was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.60 ~ 0.80) but indicated that reverse-coded items were poorly perceived. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a satisfactory model fit for the translated instrument (RMSEA = 0.08, GFI = 0.80, CFI = 0.80, and χ2/df = 2.96). Six items had very low factor loadings (< 0.40), with two constructs “Staffing and Work Pace” and “Response to Error” having AVE < 0.4, but acceptable CR ≥ 0.6. No items were removed from the questionnaire despite low factor loadings following a consensus from an expert panel.ConclusionThe Malay version of the HSOPSC 2.0 containing ten domains and 32 items demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties following expert consensus, with acceptable reliability and construct validity for measuring patient safety culture. Given factor loadings smaller than 0.40 in six items, broader validation is suggested to support the use of the translated instrument in the Malaysian healthcare setting.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Rural Households in Bojnourd, Iran Regarding the Fleas

Background and Objectives: Fleas are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of humans and animals, and their importance in general human health is mostly related to their ability to transmit infectious pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of rural households in Bojnourd, North Khorasan Province of Iran, regarding the fleas. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted from May to November 2020. The study population consisted of rural household members from 11 villages in Bojnourd City. The data were collected using a researcher-made KAP questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 20 using t-test and ANOVA. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Of 408 participants, 209 (51.23%) were female and 199 (48.77%) were male. Most of them were in the age group of 21-30 years (37.01%), and less in the age group above 41 years (11.27%)., and were employed (n=109, 26.71%). A significant difference was observed in KAP score based on gender, age, educational level, and occupation (P&lt;0.05). The mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were 75.38%, 53.6% and 49.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The rural households in Bojnourd has a high knowledge of fleas, but their attitude and practice are low. Therefore, appropriate training programs are necessary to improve their attitude and practice

Chinese Version of the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool: Critical Patient Reliability and Validity.

To translate and validate the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool. Timely assessment of the pain degree of nonverbal intensive care unit (ICU) patients can provide humanistic care. However, there is a lack of pain assessment tools that can meet the needs of patients who cannot use language in ICUs in China. A cross-sectional survey. We conducted forward-backward translation of the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool. A total of 300 critically ill patients in the intensive care unit who could not communicate verbally completed the Chinese version of the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool and the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to verify structural validity, and content validity and reliability analyses were also conducted. The Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.901) and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.981), with good split-half reliability. Content validity was established through acceptable item-level content validity index and scale-level content validity index scores. Exploratory factor analysis showed a single factor explaining 71.79% of total variance, and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed good model fit. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.917 between the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool and the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool. The Chinese Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool demonstrated significant differences in scores between different states of consciousness and illness severity, supporting its known-groups validity. The Chinese version of the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool is a reliable and valid tool for nonverbal pain assessment in ICU patients in China. The Chinese version of the Nonverbal Pain Assessment Tool can assess the pain of patients who cannot use language in ICU, which provides a new valuable assessment tool for Chinese clinicians and nurses in pain assessment and management. Our study followed the STROBE Checklists. Patients actively cooperated and participated in data collection during the implementation of the study.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the nurses’ attitudes towards communication with the patient scale among Chinese nurses

BackgroundNurses’ attitudes towards communication with patients influence the effectiveness of communication, which could reduce patients’ negative emotions and improve their adherence to medication and treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a Chinese version of the nurses’ attitudes towards communication with the patient (ACO) scale and examined its validity and reliability.MethodsThe Chinese version ACO scale was generated using the translation-backward translation method and cross-cultural adaption.The psychometric properties of the scale, including item-to-total correlations, discriminative validity, content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability, were evaluated. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 610 clinical nurses from four hospitals and were analyzed using both exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis.ResultThe reliability was demonstrated with item-to-total correlations of greater than 0.40, Cronbach’s alpha of 0.946 and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.879. Content validity was acceptable and discriminative validity showed a significant discriminative ability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor model. Convergent validity was confirmed by a moderate relation with a measure for nurses’ empathy (r = 0.375, P<0.01).The test-retest reliability was satisfactory within a 2-week interval.ConclusionThe ACO is a reliable and valid instrument to assess nurses’ attitudes towards communication with patient in Chinese hospitals.

An investigation of the Bernstein’s strengths Scale: factorial validity and network analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, mental health, and the strengths of the healthy adult self

BackgroundBernstein’s heuristic model of personal strengths describes 16 positive attributes of the healthy adult self, grouped into four higher-order factors: self-directedness (identity, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-assertion, imagination/creativity), self-regulation (emotional balance, resilience, self-control, self-care, reality testing), connection (empathy, compassion, humour, responsibility), and transcendence (gratitude and wisdom). The study aimed to explore the factorial validity of Bernstein’s Strengths Scale developed for the assessment of these constructs. Furthermore, we explored the association of strengths with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and mental health in a nonclinical sample using a network approach.MethodsFive hundred and twenty-eight adults filled out an online questionnaire, including Bernstein’s Strengths Scale (BSS), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS).ResultsThough our data showed an acceptable fit to the 16-factor model, the Self-control subscale and item 28 of the Compassion subscale were excluded because of reliability issues. The final model with 15 factors and 44 items showed excellent fit, χ2(797) = 1130.149, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.028, 90% CI [0.024, 0.032], SRMS = 0.049, CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991. Principal component analysis revealed three instead of four second-order factors. In the network model, Self-confidence and Wisdom emerged as the most influential nodes. ADHD symptoms were negatively connected to Responsibility, Self-care, Identity, Emotional balance, Self-confidence, and mental health, while they had positive edges with Humor, Self-reflection, and Imagination/creativity. Mental health was positively related to several strengths, with the strongest association being between mental health and Gratitude.ConclusionThe BSS has acceptable factorial validity and is a reliable tool for assessing the personal strengths of the healthy adult self. ADHD symptoms in adults may be associated with deficits in personal strengths, but protective factors could also be identified. Addressing personal strengths in psychosocial interventions for ADHD in adults may improve patients’ emotional well-being and everyday functioning.

Development and validation of the mathematics self-efficacy scale for university students

Background: Academic underperformance in mathematics is widespread across all educational levels. To comprehend its causes, it is crucial to analyze various factors that impact academic advancement in mathematics through their interplay. The present study aimed to develop and validate a mathematics self-efficacy scale for university students. Methods: The research method was correlational and of instrument development type. The statistical population included all undergraduate students of Islamic Azad Universities in Tehran in 2021, of which 300 were selected as a sample using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. In the process of scale construction, a set of items was initially selected based on a review of the research literature in the field of mathematics self-efficacy and the identification of valid tests in this area. Then, a preliminary version of the questionnaire was administered to a sample of 300 students. Factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: Based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the mathematics self-efficacy scale consisted of four components: mathematical achievement and success, general mathematical self-efficacy, mathematical anxiety, and mathematical stress. Cronbach’s alpha for the four components were 0.97, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. The results of the convergent validity evaluation showed that all four components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale were positively correlated with the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation components of the Academic Motivation Scale and negatively correlated with academic motivation. Conclusion: The components of the mathematics self-efficacy scale had acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the designed scale can be used as a valid tool to measure the level of mathematics self-efficacy in university students.

Psychometric adequacy of a survey attitude scale

As attitude toward surveys contributes to nonresponse, this exploratory study assesses the psychometric adequacy and predictive validity of a survey attitude scale among a target population in the United States. Findings suggest respondents hold a positive attitude toward surveys, in terms of value and enjoyment, and an assessment of the scale’s psychometric properties confirmed acceptable reliability and validity metrics that align with previous assessments. Overall, the results suggest a survey attitude scale can serve as a useful metric and accurate predictor of survey response, which contributes to ongoing discussions of nonresponse and the contemporary survey climate among survey practitioners.

Development and Validation of the TSTSIS Instrument to Measure Teachers’ Self-Efficacy to Teach Science Through Integrated STEM Approach

This study aimed to develop an instrument with acceptable validity and reliability for assessing two key aspects among science teachers: their self-efficacy in teaching science through an integrated STEM approach (STSIS) and their outcome expectancy when employing this approach (OETSIS), which we refer to as TSTSIS. We administered this tool to 109 science teachers in Phnom Penh city and various provinces in Cambodia. The results revealed that STSIS can be broken down into six essential latent factors. Among these factors, five are grouped under the theme of “Integrated STEM Instructional Self-Efficacy,” covering problem-based, robots-based, inquiry-based, engineering-based, and technology-based instructional self-efficacy. The sixth factor relates to teachers’ self-efficacy in terms of accessing materials. Author formulated the subscale “Expectations of High Students’ Achievement in Science” as the factor representing the OETSIS. Scores on the TSTSIS subscales offered evidence of its criterion validity, with significant differences observed across various teacher-related variables. These variables include teachers’ teaching qualifications, school types, teachers from schools where STEM education and an integrated STEM approach are part of the school’s objectives, and correlation with instructors’ teaching experience. The TSTSIS subscale lays the groundwork for designing STEM training programs tailored to the needs of science instructors.

Evaluation of validity and reliability of coronavirus preventive behaviors in pregnant women based on health belief model

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which spread from China, had a high prevalence and mortality rates and affected all age groups. Pregnant women were among the affected people. This study aims to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of a tool for measuring the preventive behaviors of pregnant women in Iran against COVID-19 based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods: This descriptive-applied study was performed on 20 pregnant women in Qom, Iran in 2021. The questionnaire was sent to the participants electronically using the prepared link. The validity was assessed based on the opinions of 9 faculty members, and reliability was assessed using the test re-test method (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) and Cronbach’s α. Results: The final draft had 44 questions; 5 items related to perceived sensitivity, 6 items related to perceived severity, 8 items related to perceived benefits, 8 items related to perceived barriers, 8 items related to cues of action, and 9 items related to self-efficacy. Cronbach’s α for the overall scale was 0.87, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.86. Conclusion: The designed HBM-based tool has acceptable validity and reliability for measuring preventive behaviors against COVID-19 in pregnant women in Iran. It can be used in other relevant studies. Further similar studies in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

The patient-reported outcome measure for older people living with frailty receiving acute care (PROM-OPAC): field-testing and validation

BackgroundCurrent acute healthcare service metrics are not meaningful for older people living with frailty. Healthcare knowledge, situational security, and physical and psychosocial function are important outcomes typically not collected. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) could support these assessments. Existing instruments are not comprehensive as they typically consider function, while older people with frailty also value enablement (self-determination and security in health and healthcare). This study field-tested and validated a PROM for older people with frailty receiving acute care (PROM-OPAC) to measure enablement.MethodsPeople aged 65+ with Clinical Frailty Scale 5–8 were recruited within seventy-two hours of an emergency attendance. Iterations of the novel instrument were administered over three stages: (1) preliminary field-testing for reliability (response distribution and internal consistency) and structure (exploratory factor analysis, EFA); (2) intermediate field-testing of an improved instrument for reliability and structure; (3) final draft validation assessing reliability, structure (confirmatory factor analysis, CFA), and construct validity based on a priori hypotheses. Feasibility was appraised throughout using data completeness and response rates and times.Results241 people participated. Three items of a preliminary seven-item measure had poor response distribution or loading and were accordingly improved. The intermediate instrument had interpretability issues and three items required further improvement. The final eight-item draft had acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.71), structure (two factors for self-determination and security; RMSEA: 0.065; TLI: 0.917; CFI: 0.944), and construct validity (lower scores from respondents waiting longer and requiring admission). Feasibility was promising (response rate 39%; 98% responses complete; median completion time 11 (IQR: 12) minutes).ConclusionsAdministration of the PROM-OPAC appeared feasible and the instrument had acceptable psychometric properties. Further evaluation is required to assess generalisability.

The translation and validation of the surgical anxiety questionnaire into the modern standard Arabic language: results from classical test theory and item response theory analyses

BackgroundPreoperative anxiety is commonly found in patients who are waiting for surgery and can lead to negative surgical outcomes. Understanding the sources of surgical anxiety allows healthcare providers to identify at-risk patients and implement psychosocial interventions such as counseling, relaxation techniques, and cognitive‒behavioral therapy to minimize anxiety. Few comprehensive psychiatric measures are available to assess preoperative anxiety in Arabic.ObjectiveOur study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ) into the modern standard Arabic language, also known as Fusha al-Asr Arabic.MethodsTo translate the questionnaire, the research team used the gold standard process of forward translation by two independent translators along with back translation evaluation by four trained medical doctors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey completed by 208 Arabic speakers (mean age 38 years, 44% women) from four countries. Psychometric analyses, which included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response analysis, were performed. Convergent validity tests were performed against the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item Scale (GAD-2), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-2), Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4), and Arabic version of the Visual Analog Scale for anxiety (VAS-A).ResultsThe mean SAQ of our sample was 19.38 ± 12.63 (possible range 0–68). The Arabic SAQ translation demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with McDonald’s omega and a Cronbach’s alpha of approximately 0.90. The test-retest reliability was also high, with an intraclass coefficient of 0.94. The SAQ showed strong convergent validity against the GAD-2 (r = 0.94, p < 0.01). The SAQ also showed weak-moderate correlations with the PHQ-2 (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), PSS-4 (r = 43, p < 0.01), and VAS-A (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) scores. The original three-factor structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis, confirming the original structure reported in the original English language version. The results for fitness indices showed acceptable preliminary results (CFI/TLI approximately 0.90), and deleting some items improved the model fit (CFI/TLI > 0.90, RMSEA < 0.08). We suggest retaining the original factorial solution until further validation studies can be conducted. The item response theory (IRT) results identified no items that were excessively difficult or subject to guessing. The multidimensional IRT provided evidence that the SAQ items form a multidimensional scale assessing surgical anxiety that fits the classical model reasonably well.ConclusionThe SAQ has demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity; thus, it is a trustworthy and valid tool for evaluating preoperative anxiety in Arabic speakers. Future research could benefit from using the SAQ in both surgical and psychiatric research.

Design and Psychometrics of the Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women Over 35.

The purpose of the present study was to design the Farsi Scale of Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns of never-married women over 35 and to assess its psychometric properties. This mixed method research had two phases. The first phase was qualitative (Conventional Content Analysis). We interviewed never-married Iranian women over 35; from their responses, we extracted specific statements which to be used as questionnaire items. To validate the questionnaire psychometrically, we tested its validity (face, content, and structure) and reliability (internal consistency and stability). For qualitative face validity, 15 never-married women and 5 experts commented on the style of sentences. For quantitative face validity, we used the impact score. For qualitative content validity, 15 experts commented on the items based on their appropriateness, and for quantitative content validity, we performed the Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to Construct Validity. To evaluate structural validity, a cross-sectional sample of 240 never-married women over the age of 35 completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's Alpha was used for internal consistency. In addition, the test-retest method and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient were used to ensure stability. The Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women over 35 was developed with 15 items and three dimensions (Emotional burden; Sexual needs; Stigma). Cronbach's alpha for the instrument was 0.81 and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.98. The results of the study showed that the developed scale has acceptable validity and reliability, and thus can be used to assess the sexual-reproductive needs and concerns of never-married Iranian women of 35 and over.

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Third Edition (CV-GARS-3).

Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Third Edition (GARS-3) serves as an effective screening tool for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is based on the latest and authoritative diagnostic criteria, however, there is a deficiency in adaptive research in China. We aimed to revise the Chinese version of GARS-3 (CV-GARS-3) and evaluate its psychometric characteristics, providing a theoretical basis for the improvement of ASD screening tools in China. This study developed CV-GARS-3 through translation and cultural adaptation of GARS-3. 362 ASD individuals, 126 typical development individuals, and 103 individuals with other disorders were recruited to analyze the psychometric characteristics of CV-GARS-3. The results showed that exploratory structural equation model demonstrated satisfactory goodness-of-fit. Within the non-verbal ASD samples, all items loaded on anticipated factors. Regarding verbal ASD samples, 3 items exhibited considerable cross-loadings and were categorized under unexpected factors. Meanwhile, acceptable criterion validity was reflected in the four subscales (r = 0.71) and the six subscales (r = 0.74). Satisfactory reliability was observed in the four subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.96, inter-rater consistency = 0.86, test-retest consistency = 0.87) and the six subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.94, inter-rater consistency = 0.81, test-retest consistency = 0.81). In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that both the four subscales (sensitivity = 89%, specificity = 85%, accuracy = 88%) and the six subscales (sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 88%, accuracy = 86%) had outstanding screening effects. Therefore, the results suggested that the CV-GARS-3 is considered as a useful tool for the screening and auxiliary diagnosis of ASD. Notably, the expression of scale should be further improved to adapt the context of Chinese culture and achieve more precise diagnostic results.

Application of Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction as a Green Method for the Analysis of 10 Anti-Diabetic Drugs in Environmental Water Samples

Due to the increased prevalence of diabetes, the consumption of anti-diabetic drugs for its treatment has likewise increased. Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that is commonly prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes and has been frequently detected in surface water and wastewaters, thus representing an emerging contaminant. Metformin can be prescribed in combination with other classes of anti-diabetic drugs; however, these drugs are not sufficiently investigated in environmental samples. Fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) has emerged as a simple and green method for the extraction of analytes in environmental samples. In this study, FPSE coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was employed for the simultaneous analysis of different classes of anti-diabetic drugs (metformin, dapagliflozin, liraglutide, pioglitazone, gliclazide, glimepiride, glargine, repaglinide, sitagliptin, and vildagliptin) in environmental water samples. Four different fabric membranes were synthesized but the microfiber glass filter coated with sol-gel polyethylene glycol (PEG 300) was observed to be the best FPSE membrane. The parameters affecting the FPSE process were optimized using a combination of one-factor-at-a-time processes and the design of experiments. The FPSE was evaluated as a green extraction method, based on green sample preparation criteria. The FPSE-HPLC-DAD method achieved acceptable validation results and was applied for the simultaneous analysis of anti-diabetic drugs in surface and wastewater samples. Glimepiride was detected below the quantification limit in both lake and river water samples. Dapagliflozin, liraglutide, and glimepiride were detected at 69.0 ± 1.0 μg·L−1, 71.9 ± 0.4 μg·L−1, and 93.9 ± 1.3 μg·L−1, respectively, in the city wastewater influent. Dapagliflozin and glimepiride were still detected below the quantification limit in city wastewater effluent. For the hospital wastewater influent, metformin and glimepiride were detected at 1158 ± 21 μg·L−1 and 28 ± 0.8 μg·L−1, respectively, while only metformin (392.6 ± 7.7 μg·L−1) was detected in hospital wastewater effluent.

“3 + X D” structured report in radiology standardized resident training: Can it meet high-level teaching objectives?

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of the innovative “3 + X D” structured report (SR) designed based on Bloom’s taxonomy on the learning outcomes of radiology residents during standardized training. MethodsThis is a prospective study that recruited 120 radiology residents from our hospital between 2020 and 2022. Randomly selected 60 residents from the 2020 grade to constituted the control group, and randomly selected 60 residents from the 2021 grade to formed the experimental group. The former group was trained utilizing the Free-text Reports (FTR) template, while the latter group received training with the “3 + X D” structured reports (SR) template. The learning outcomes of both groups was evaluated utilizing both objective and subjective measures. Objective assessments encompassed examinations of theoretical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and total scores, aligning with the cognitive domains of remembering, understanding, applying, and analyzing as outlined by Bloom’s Taxonomy. Subjective assessments, on the other hand, comprised survey questionnaires administered to residents and feedback from clinical instructors, which correlated with the higher-order cognitive level of analyzing, evaluating, and creating within Bloom’s Taxonomy. ResultsOn 60 residents (mean age, 24.15 years ± 2.11[SD]; 25 male) from control group, and 60 residents (mean age, 24.58 years ± 1.88 [SD]; 27 male) from experimental group. Following the training, significant improvements were observed in the theoretical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and total scores for both groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic skills and total scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the theoretical knowledge exam between the two groups (p = 0.236). The questionnaire used for subjective assessments had good reliability (Cronbach α was 0.826) and acceptable validity (The KMO was 0.692). Additionally, the survey questionnaires indicated that the experimental group rated higher than the control group in terms of cultivating imaging thinking ability, diagnostic confidence, diagnostic speed, and the convenience of the templates (p < 0.001). Clinicians’ feedback scores for the experimental group markedly surpassed those for the control group (p < 0.05). ConclusionsUtilizing the “3 + X D” SR template grounded in Bloom’s taxonomy for training, the professional competency of radiology residents, particularly their diagnostic skills, saw a marked enhancement, successfully meeting the higher-level educational objectives. Consequently, the “3 + X D” SR template is highly recommended for the standardized training of radiology residents.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Radiologists' Views on the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology (ATRAI-14).

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an essential part of modern radiology. However, available evidence highlights issues in the real-world applicability of AI tools and mixed radiologists' acceptance. We aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to evaluate the attitude of radiologists toward radiology AI (ATRAI-14). Materials and Methods: We generated items based on the European Society of Radiology questionnaire. Item reduction yielded 23 items, 12 of which contribute to scoring. The items were allocated into four domains ("Familiarity", "Trust", "Implementation Perspective", and "Hopes and Fears") and a part related to the respondent's demographics and professional background. As a pre-test method, we conducted cognitive interviews with 20 radiologists. Pilot testing with reliability and validity assessment was carried out on a representative sample of 90 respondents. Construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: CFA confirmed the feasibility of four domains structure. ATRAI-14 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha 0.78 95%CI [0.68, 0.83]), good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.89, 95% CI [0.67, 0.96], p-value < 0.05), and acceptable criterion validity (Spearman's rho 0.73, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: The questionnaire is useful for providing detailed AI acceptance measurements for making management decisions when implementing AI in radiology.

Validating the Persian Version of the Self-stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) Scale

Background: Stigma presents significant barriers to mental health treatment, influencing treatment decisions and recovery outcomes. Standardized rating scales play a crucial role in assessing Self-stigma, which is essential for intervention efforts aimed at improving mental health outcomes globally. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the internal consistency, face validity, content validity, and factor structure of the Persian version of the Self-stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) scale in a group of people with mental health disorders referred to the outpatient clinics of Roozbeh Psychiatry Hospital and several private clinics in Tehran, Iran. Methods: First, a bilingual psychiatrist translated the scale into Persian. Content and face validity were then evaluated by six psychiatrists. A pilot test was conducted with ten patients to assess comprehensibility. A back translation into English was performed by a non-professional, and the result was compared to the original version by a bilingual psychiatrist. The final Persian version of the questionnaire was administered to 347 patients with various mental health disorders, recruited from Roozbeh Hospital, a referral psychiatry hospital, and several private clinics in Tehran. Demographic characteristics were collected via questionnaires, and the type of disorder was determined based on the specialist's evaluation. This process was conducted from October 2023 to May 2024. The Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated, and internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald's Omega tests. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed to explore and understand the data structure. Results: The Persian version demonstrated reasonable comprehensibility and translation equivalence, ensuring both semantic and content equivalence. The SSOSH achieved a CVI &gt; 0.8 and CVR &gt; 0.96. All items obtained an acceptable score (greater than 1.5) for face validity. The internal consistency of the total score was good (α = 0.733, ω = 0.818). The EFA revealed that the Persian version had three factors accounting for 57% of the total variance, and the CFA suggested this model fits the data reasonably well, though there is room for improvement. Conclusions: The Persian SSOSH scale exhibits good internal consistency and acceptable face and content validity for use in Persian-speaking patients with mental health disorders. While the three-factor structure identified by the EFA requires further investigation, the application of this tool among other Iranians warrants additional evaluation.

Psychometric evaluation of the study interest questionnaire-short form among Chinese nursing students based on classical test theory and item response theory

BackgroundThere is currently no dedicated measurement for assessing nursing students’ study interest in China. Considering the good reliability, validity, and widespread applicability of the Study Interest Questionnaire-Short Form (SIQ-SF), the objective of this study was to validate its usage among Chinese nursing students.MethodsThe translation and cross-cultural adaptation rigorously followed the modified Brislin model. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Chinese version of the SIQ-SF and convenience sampling was employed to select nursing students. The Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the SIQ-SF was conducted based on Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory.ResultsA total of 1158 participants were included in the analysis. The item-level content validity index (CVI) ranged from 0.9 to 1.0, and the scale-level CVI was 0.98. In the Exploratory factor analysis, three factors with eigenvalues above 1 were identified, accounting for 62.554% of the cumulative variance. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the CMIN\\DF was 5.639, the GFI was 0.953, the CFI was 0.902, and the IFI was 0.904. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the Chinese version of the SIQ-SF was 0.70. Thirty-one participants were invited to sign the scale after two weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.784, and that of items ranged from 0.70 to 0.819. The infit MnSQ values ranged between 0.76 and 1.51, and the outfit MnSQ values ranged between 0.72 and 1.76. The point-measure correlation value ranged between 0.30 and 0.68. The item difficulty measures ranged from − 0.66 to 1.44 logit and the individual learning interest estimations ranged from − 4.22 to 4.97 logit. DIF contrast ranged from 0.00 to 0.33 logits, with all p values greater than 0.05.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the SIQ-SF demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity among Chinese nursing students and could be used to assess nursing students’ study interest in China. With the aid of this scale, teachers can gain a better understanding of nursing students’ study interests, thereby maximizing their learning effects through appropriate content and methods.