Average Inter-item Correlation Research Articles

Development and psychometric evaluation of "Caring Ability of Mother with Preterm Infant Scale" (CAMPIS): a sequential exploratory mixed-method study.

Caring ability is one of the most important indicators regarding care outcomes. A valid and reliable scale for the evaluation of caring ability in mothers with preterm infants is lacking. The present study was conducted with the aim of designing and psychometric evaluation of the tool for assessing caring ability in mothers with preterm infants. A mixed-method exploratory design was conducted from 2021 to 2023. First the concept of caring ability of mothers with preterm infants was clarified using literature review and comparative content analysis, and a pool of items was created. Then, in the quantitative study, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated using validity and reliability tests. A maximum likelihood extraction with promax rotation was performed on 401 mothers with the mean age of 31.67 ± 6.14years to assess the construct validity. Initial caring ability of mother with preterm infant scale (CAMPIS) was developed with 64 items by findings of the literature review, comparative content analysis, and other related questionnaire items, on a 5-point Likert scale to be psychometrically evaluated. Face, content, and construct validity, as well as reliability, were measured to evaluate the psychometric properties of CAMPIS. So, the initial survey yielded 201 valid responses. The three components: 'cognitive ability'; knowledge and skills abilities'; and 'psychological ability'; explained 47.44% of the total observed variance for CAMPIS with 21 items. A subsequent survey garnered 200 valid responses. The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated: χ2/df = 1.972, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.933, and incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.933. These results demonstrate good structural, convergent, discriminant validity and reliability. OMEGA, average inter-item correlation (AIC), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the entire scale were at 0.900, 0.27 and 0.91 respectively. Based on the results of the psychometric evaluation of CAMPIS, it was found that the concept of caring ability in the Iranian mothers with preterm infants is a multi-dimensional concept, which mainly focuses on cognitive ability, technical ability, and psychological ability. The designed scale has acceptable validity and reliability characteristics that can be used in future studies to assess this concept in the mothers of preterm infants.

A social acceptability scale: Validation in the context of government measures to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in Senegal

IntroductionIn March 2020, the government of Senegal introduced a curfew, a ban on travel between regions, the closure of markets, and a ban on attending places of worship to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of research into the response to COVID-19, we developed a scale to measure the social acceptability of these measures. MethodsWe used Sekhon's theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) to formulate the content of the scale items. We assessed the homogeneity of the scale using Cronbach's Alpha and average interitem correlations. We measured the dimensional properties of the scale using rating scale models. We tested the sensitivity of the scale to sociodemographic characteristics using mixed linear regressions and rating scale models. ResultsThe final scale consisted of seven items corresponding to the constructs of acceptability. Analysis performed on data from 813 individuals showed that the scale has satisfactory statistical properties (Cronbach's α > 0.8, Loevinger's coefficient>0.3, intraclass correlation>0.4). ConclusionThis scale was one of the first to test the TFA. The small number of items was advantageous for use under challenging data collection contexts. Measuring the acceptability of public health interventions with this tool can help in their design and implementation.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES) in a sample of bereaved individuals

The Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES) evaluates the ability to integrate stressful experiences into one’s meaning system. The present study developed and validated a version of this scale for a bereaved Portuguese-speaking population, utilizing a sample of 242 adults who had lost a significant other to diverse causes of death. The sample was predominantly female, educated, married, or in consensual unions, and actively employed. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure, consisting of 13 items, showing adequate local and global goodness-of-fit and supporting the proposed original structure. Convergent evidence based on internal structure was found for the two dimensions (Comprehensibility and Footing in the World). Regarding reliability, Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega computed for each factor showed good internal consistency and the average inter-item correlation was considered satisfactory. This psychometric support for ISLES underscores its relevance in enhancing the knowledge of meaning-making processes in the Portuguese context.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Positive Body Image Among Adolescents Scale

Background and Purpose:This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Persian version of Positive Body Image among Adolescents Scale (PBIAS-P) in Tehran, Iran, in order to better understand adolescents’ positive perceptions of their physical selves and the accompanying thoughts and emotions.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out involving adolescents from Tehran Province, Iran, in 2022. Both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed in order to evaluate the construct validity of the PBIAS-P. Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and intraclass correlation coefficients were also used to confirm the internal consistency of the scale.Results:The findings indicate that three factors extracted from the PBIAS-P account for 50.1% of the total variance. The model fit is considered good based on cut points for various fit indices. All factors had values of Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and average interitem correlation above .73, .74 and .4, respectively. Also, test–retest reliability for three factors was acceptable.Conclusions:The PBIAS-P has acceptable validity and reliability in Iranian adolescents, making it useful for researchers, psychologists, and health care professionals.

Farsi Version of the Body Image Concern Inventory in Iranian Hemodialysis Patients: Validity and Reliability

Background and Purpose:Patients on hemodialysis often struggle with their body image. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the body image concern questionnaire for the first time in hemodialysis patients in Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 400 hemodialysis patients from Iran were assessed using the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI). By using exploratory factor analysis (EFA; with Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis and Promax Rotation) and confirmatory factor analysis, the construct validity of BICI was assessed. To check for internal consistency, the average interitem correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, and McDonald’s omega coefficients were used. Stability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results:The participants’ average age was 53.2 (SD= 13.2) years, and more than half of them were women (54.60%). Four factors extracted from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) show that the total cumulative variance explained by these factors was 44.46% of the total variance. Item factor loadings varied between 0.415 and 0.970. Internal consistency coefficients were considered acceptable (>0.7). Also, stability was evaluated as good (ICC = .839).Conclusions:The Farsi version of the BICI scale as a self‐report measure of concerns about dysmorphic appearance has 19 items and shows acceptable reliability and validity. Consequently, the scale can be used by nurses to evaluate body image among Farsi-speaking hemodialysis patients, which can help them to take necessary actions to decrease the level of concerns in these patients.

Translation and validation of the Persian version of the perception to care in acute situations (PCAS-P) scale in novice nurses

BackgroundNovice nurses providing care in acute conditions should have satisfactory performance. Accurate and appropriate evaluation of the performance of novice nurses in providing care in acute situations is essential for planning interventions to improve the quality of patient care. This study was conducted to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Perception to Care in Acute Situations (PCAS-P) scale in novice nurses.MethodsIn this methodological study, 236 novice nurses were selected by the convenience sampling method. 17-item scale PCAS-P was translated into Persian by the forward-backward process. Then, this version was used for psychometric evaluation. For this purpose, face validity, content validity, and construct validity were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and stability reliability were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.ResultsThe PCAS-P scale maintained the meaning of the original English version and was clear, explicit, and understandable for novice nurses. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that this Persian version is consistent with the proposed model and confirmed the fit of the three-factor model. The values of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, McDonald’s omega, Coefficient H, and average inter-item correlation were excellent for the overall scale and its dimensions, and the three latent factors had good convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, the average measurement size was 0.944 ICC (95% CI 0.909 to 0.969).ConclusionThe PCAS-P scale is valid and reliable for measuring novice nurses’ perception of acute situations.

Rasch analysis of a patient-reported outcome measure for self-perceived health among psychiatric patients in Denmark

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable and necessary tools for establishing and maintaining patient-centred healthcare. The PRO-Psychiatry initiative was primarily initiated to support the patient’s voice in treatment decision-making and...

Preliminary reliability of the FACT-RNT in standard-of-care Lu-PSMA therapy of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

99 Background: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Radionuclide Therapy (FACT-RNT) was recently developed as the first patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure designed to monitor RNT-relevant symptoms and toxicities for patients with advanced metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study aimed to examine preliminary reliability of the FACT-RNT in patients receiving RNT as part of standard of care. Methods: Patients scheduled to start 177Lu-PSMA-617 for advanced mCRPC December 2022 – August 2023 who were fluent in English or Spanish completed the FACT-RNT on day 1 of each RNT cycle administered at UCLA. The FACT-RNT is a 15-item measure assessing symptoms and toxicities on a 0-4 scale; total scores range from 0-60, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Reliability was assessed in R using data from cycles 1-4 with Cronbach’s alpha test of internal consistency, Guttman’s Lamba 6 test of split-half reliability, inter-item correlations, and test-retest reliability. Results: Patients (N=43) were, on average, 69 years old (SD = 9, range = 51-91) at RNT cycle 1, were mostly non-Hispanic (79%) and White (58%) with Gleason score ≥ 7 (67%) at diagnosis. Patients had undergone surgery (35%), chemotherapy (98%), radiation (65%), hormone therapy (100%), and/or immunotherapy (28%). Some patients who recently began therapy were not yet due for follow-up cycles, and 9 (21%) died during the study period. Completion of the FACT-RNT ranged from n=43 (Cycle 1) to n=19 (Cycle 4). The FACT-RNT total score ranged from 18-60 across cycles. Internal consistency reliability ranged from 0.82 (good) to 0.91 (excellent), and split-half reliability ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 (excellent). Average inter-item correlations were acceptable for scaling purposes (all exceeding 0.20). Within-subject correlations between scores were r=0.75 for cycles 2 vs. 3 and r=0.94 for cycles 3 vs. 4, indicating good measurement stability across cycles. Conclusions: In preliminary analyses, the FACT-RNT demonstrates good to excellent internal consistency across the first four cycles, moderate to strong consistency of measuring a common underlying construct, and good measurement stability. Findings support reliability of the FACT-RNT and its use in future research.

Psychometric Properties of the Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale with Older Adults

Background: Trust is an integral part of the patient–physician relationship. None of the current measures of patient–physician trust has been validated with a sample of older adults. Age-appropriate samples are needed to support the use of assessment instruments and accurate interpretation of assessment results. The purpose of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale (WFPTS) with a sample of older adults. Methods: Internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity evidence were examined. One hundred and sixty-one English-speaking, community-dwelling older adults participated. Results: Reliability evidence is strong based on coefficient alpha and average inter-item correlations. Convergent validity evidence is strong, with significant, moderate to strong correlations with measures of related constructs. Discriminant validity evidence is strong. Discussion: The results of this study provide support for the psychometric properties of the WFPTS with older adults. Future directions for research with this instrument are discussed.

A parent-report measure of children’s anxiety: psychometric properties of the Macquarie Anxiety Behavioural Scale (MABS) in a Chinese sample of preschool children

ObjectiveThe Macquarie Anxiety Behavioural Scale (MABS) is a newly developed scale to assess anxiety in children and teenagers. The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the MABS, as well as the measurement invariance across different age groups in a preschool-aged sample.MethodsA total of 1007 parents with children aged 3–6 years participated in the study. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega and average inter-item correlation values. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the five-factor model. Multi-group CFA was conducted to test the measurement equivalence across different age groups (3- and 4-year-olds and 5- and 6-year-olds). Convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsInternal consistency for the MABS total score was good and that of the subscales was acceptable. The CFA results showed that the five-factor structure of the MABS was supported in preschoolers (e.g., CFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.914, RMSEA = 0.050). In addition, scalar invariance of the MABS was supported across different age groups (e.g., ΔCFI = − 0.003, ΔTLI = 0, ΔRMSEA = 0). Furthermore, the MABS showed good convergent and divergent validity as well as criterion-related validity.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the MABS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and appeared to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring anxiety in preschool children.

Polish adaptation of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) - validation in the clinical sample.

Anhedonia is the core symptom of depression. Its presence has been linked to worsened prognosis. The Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) is a scale measuring desire, motivation, effort and consummatory pleasure across different domains. The aim of this paper was to confirm factor structure, assess reliability and validity of the Polish adaptation of the DARS in a clinical sample of patients with mood disorders and healthy controls (HC). The study sample included 161 participants aged 18-65 years - 34 HC, 72 patients with bipolar disorder and 55 with major depressive disorder (in depressive episode or remission). Reliability of the Polish adaptation of the DARS was assessed using Cronbach's α and the average inter-item correlation (AIC). Convergent and divergent validity was established by Pearson's correlations between the DARS and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology- self-report (QIDS-SR), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The structure of the scale was examined by factor analysis. The factor structure was consistent with the original scale. Strong internal consistency for the DARS total score (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and all subscales (0.86-0.93) was observed. The DARS demonstrated good convergent (moderate to strong correlations with measures of anhedonia and depression) and divergent validity (weak correlations with anxiety level). The Polish DARS demonstrated excellent internal consistency and very good validity. The scale is a valuable contribution to the psychometrics of anhedonia measures in patients with mood disorders.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a self-reporting tool to assess health-related quality of life for Egyptians with extremity bone sarcomas in childhood or adolescence

BackgroundValidated self-reporting tools are required to evaluate the functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for those who had extremity bone sarcomas in their childhood or adolescence. Our study pursued cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the pediatric Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (pTESS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) to assess the functional outcome for Egyptian children and adult survivors following surgeries of extremity bone sarcomas. In the modified versions of pTESS and TESS, mental domains were added to allow the evaluation of HRQOL using a specific instrument for childhood bone cancer.MethodsThe internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the studied forms were assessed with Cronbach’s alpha and Intra-class coefficients (ICC), respectively. For convergent validity, correlations between scores of the generic Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and pTESS /TESS scores were reported. Factor Analysis was feasible for pTESS-leg; due to the insufficient samples, only the average inter-item correlation coefficients were reported for the remaining versions.ResultsOut of 233 participants, 134 responded to pTESS-leg, 53 to TESS-leg, 36 to pTESS-arm, and only 10 to TESS-arm. All versions showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha >0.9), good test–retest reliability (ICC >0.8), moderate to strong correlations with PedsQL, and acceptable average inter-item correlation coefficients (≥0.3). Three factors were extracted for the pTESS-leg, in which all mental items were loaded on one separate factor with factor loadings exceeding 0.4. Active chemotherapy, less than one year from primary surgery, or tibial tumors were associated with significantly inferior pTESS/TESS scores in the lower extremity group.ConclusionThe Egyptian pTESS and TESS are valid and reliable self-reporting tools for assessing the functional outcome following surgeries for extremity bone sarcomas. The modified pTESS and TESS versions, which include additional mental domains, enabled the assessment of the overall health status of our population. Future studies should include a larger sample size and evaluate the ability of pTESS/TESS to track progress over time.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Flourishing Scale in the Honduran population.

Studying Flourishing is important to understand wellbeing. The current study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Flourishing Scale (FS) in the Honduran population. The primary sample consisted of 422 residents of the Central District of Honduras; this included 275 (65.17%) women and 147 men (34.83%). Their average age was 28.18 years (SD = 10.58). Findings from the Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis support a unidimensional factor structure. The FS achieved a high internal consistency with McDonald's ω = 0.89, 95% CI [0.86, 0.91]. The average inter-item correlation was 0.48, 95% CI [0.43, 0.53]. Using Student's t-test for paired samples, results indicate that none of the FS items varied significantly between baseline and post-test. Additionally, Spearman's rho was used to correlate test-retest scores; this yielded a statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.66. The Flourishing Scale had adequate convergent validity with the Subjective Happiness Scale (r = 0.70) and the PANAS-Positive Affect Subscale (r = 0.70) (p < 0.001). In contrast, it correlates inversely with the PANAS-Negative Affect Subscale (r = -0.34) and the PHQ-9 (r = -0.51). Strict measurement invariance for sex was supported. The results indicate that the Flourishing Scale has robust psychometric properties for the Honduran population. Practical implications for public policy are discussed.

Application of structural equation modelling to inform best management strategies for Marek’s disease in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Marek’s disease, a highly contagious and an economically significant oncogenic and paralytic viral diseases of poultry, is becoming a serious problem in Ethiopia’s poultry sector. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between risk factors and their contribution to develop risk with the intentions to implement MD control measures in the different chicken production systems of Ethiopia using the SEM framework. A questionnaire was designed based on the framework and each model constructed was measured using a set of rating scale items. Thus, a sample size of 200 farmers from different production systems were chosen for the data collection. From the analysis, Cornbrash’s Alpha (coefficient of reliability) based on the average inter-item correlations were evaluated for each parameter. The result showed that when litter management goes up by 1, the number of sick goes down by 37.575, the number of staff goes up by 1, the number of sick goes down by 7.63, litter management goes up by 1, the number of deaths goes down by 2.505, flock size goes up by 1, the number of deaths goes down by 0.007 than the rest of the activities. The result of this structural equation modeling finding indicates that the data fit the model well (χ2 = 0.201, RMSEA = 0.000, CFI = 1.00, TLI = 1.496, Degrees of freedom = 2) and the model was appropriated. In conclusion, flock size, litter management and number of staff activities have more impact on the numbers of sick, drops in egg production and the number of deaths. Therefore, practicing regular awareness creation for producers regarding management techniques is recommended.

43-LB: Preliminary Evidence of the Validity of a Measure to Assess Diet Acceptability—the Advancing Care for Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity Network (ACT1ON) Study

Diet acceptability is widely considered to be an important driver of behavioral adherence and health benefits in dietary interventions, yet there is an absence of measures with evidence of validity to assess this construct and guide decision-making. Informed by existing literature and content validity appraisal of subject matter experts, we developed and evaluated the validity of a five-item measure of diet acceptability (total score range: 5-20, total score &amp;gt;10 = “unacceptable”) with Likert response options (1- Strongly Agree, 2- Agree, 3- Disagree, 4- Strongly Disagree), which we administered six times during a 10.5 month Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial pilot that tested effects of three diets on weight and glycemic management in adults 19-30 years with type 1 diabetes ≥1 year (n=68, HbA1c &amp;lt;13%, BMI: 27-39). To maximize sample size (n=51), preliminary validity analyses relied predominantly on data from the first diet period (0-3 months). Greater diet acceptability according to continuous and dichotomous total and individual item scores at 3 months was associated with greater weight loss 0-3 months (e.g., total score ≤10 was associated with 2.4kg more weight loss [95% CI: 0.6, 4.2; p=0.01; n=48]). Cronbach’s α was 0.93. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 1-factor structure, explaining 99.7% of common variance. High item-total correlations (0.72 - 0.87), average inter-item correlation (0.88), and item - factor correlations (0.75 - 0.93), together with criterion validity analyses suggest item redundancy and indicate item 1 (i.e., “I am satisfied with the diet that I am currently on”) shares the strongest association with the underlying construct. Our analyses indicate robust preliminary evidence of reliability and validity of the five-item measure, while also suggesting potential adequacy of item 1 to assess the construct and minimize participant response burden in future studies that employ the measure. Disclosure A. Cristello sarteau: None. D. Igudesman: None. D. M. Maahs: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, LifeScan Diabetes Institute, MannKind Corporation, Consultant; Abbott, Research Support; Dexcom, Inc. R. E. Pratley: Other Relationship; Bayer Inc., Corcept Therapeutics, Dexcom, Inc., Gasherbrum Bio, Inc., Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd., Hengrui (USA) Ltd., Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Corp., Novo Nordisk, Pfizer Inc., Rivus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, Scohia Pharma Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. E. J. Mayer-davis: None. Funding Clinical Trial Registration (NCT03651622)

Validation of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in an Indonesian population: a scale adaptation study

ObjectiveThis study aims to adapt the English-language Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to the Indonesian language and evaluate the validity and reliability of the adapted version (ie, HADS-Indonesia).DesignA cross-sectional...

Exploring the psychometric properties of the externalizing spectrum inventory-brief form in a Swedish forensic psychiatric inpatient sample

BackgroundThe Externalizing Spectrum Inventory-Brief Form (ESI-BF) [1] is a 160-item self-report instrument designed for the assessment of externalizing psychopathology, yet few studies to date have evaluated its psychometric properties, structural fit, and criterion validity in forensic psychiatric settings.MethodsHere, we investigated these aspects in a sample of forensic psychiatric inpatients (n = 77) from a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital in Sweden. We firstly investigated the reliability. Secondly, using confirmatory factor analysis, the structure of the ESI-BF. And thirdly, using a Bayesian approach, assessed how the three ESI-BF subfactors relate to criterion measures of antisocial behaviors, substance use, and lifetime externalizing spectrum diagnoses.ResultsThe ESI-BF demonstrated good to adequate reliability and internal consistency, with all but four facet scales exhibiting α and ω values ≥ 0.80. Average inter-item correlations for the facet scales ranged from 0.31 to 0.74. However, all structural models exhibited poor to mediocre fit, with model fit values for the CFI being 0.66, 0.79 and 0.87 and RMSEA values of 0.14, 0.12 and 0.09. for the unidimensional correlated factors and bifactor model, respectively. Regarding criterion validity, all subscales of the item-based ESI-BF three-factor model exhibited robust correlations with the Life History of Aggression total, aggression and antisocial/consequences subscales, with correlations ranging from 0.29 to 0.55. All ESI-BF subfactors demonstrated robust associations, yet with different externalizing outcomes, lending tentative support to its criterion validity.ConclusionDespite remaining ambiguities regarding its structural fit, the ESI-BF may be promising for assessing externalizing psychopathology in forensic psychiatric populations. However, further investigation of the ESI-BF is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn about its appropriateness in forensic psychiatric settings.

Structured reporting of computed tomography in the polytrauma patient assessment: a Delphi consensus proposal

ObjectivesTo develop a structured reporting (SR) template for whole-body CT examinations of polytrauma patients, based on the consensus of a panel of emergency radiology experts from the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology.MethodsA multi-round Delphi method was used to quantify inter-panelist agreement for all SR sections. Internal consistency for each section and quality analysis in terms of average inter-item correlation were evaluated by means of the Cronbach’s alpha (Cα) correlation coefficient.ResultsThe final SR form included 118 items (6 in the “Patient Clinical Data” section, 4 in the “Clinical Evaluation” section, 9 in the “Imaging Protocol” section, and 99 in the “Report” section). The experts’ overall mean score and sum of scores were 4.77 (range 1–5) and 257.56 (range 206–270) in the first Delphi round, and 4.96 (range 4–5) and 208.44 (range 200–210) in the second round, respectively.In the second Delphi round, the experts’ overall mean score was higher than in the first round, and standard deviation was lower (3.11 in the second round vs 19.71 in the first round), reflecting a higher expert agreement in the second round. Moreover, Cα was higher in the second round than in the first round (0.97 vs 0.87).ConclusionsOur SR template for whole-body CT examinations of polytrauma patients is based on a strong agreement among panel experts in emergency radiology and could improve communication between radiologists and the trauma team.

Psychometrics of the Persian version of the COVID-19-related health literacy in the Iranian population.

Since the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, information dissemination has increased rapidly. Promoting health literacy is currently crucial to prepare people to respond quickly to situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the importance of health literacy in this critical situation, we are looking for a questionnaire to measure COVID-19 health literacy. The COVID-19 Germany Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-COVID-Q22) is an excellent tool, so the study aimed to create a cultural validity of this questionnaire for the Iranian population. In this validation study, 880 samples were enrolled using a convenient sampling method. The questionnaire was translated through a backward forwarding procedure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were employed for Persian version validity. McDonald's omega (Ω), Cronbach's alpha, and average inter-item correlation (AIC) coefficients were assessed for reliability. Using EFA on the random half sample (n = 440), the EFA indicated that the scale had four factors: accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health-related information in the COVID-19 pandemic context, which explained 59.3% of the total variance. CFA was used for the sample's second part (n = 440) to evaluate the goodness of fit of the four-factor solution. CFA showed the model fit. All indices RMSEA = 0.067, CFI = 0.934, IFI = 0.934, PCFI = 0.772, PNFI = 0.747, and CMIN/DF = 2.972 confirmed the model fit. The convergent validity of the HLS-COVID-Q22 was confirmed. McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha were very good (α and Ω >0.80). The Persian version of the HLS-COVID-Q22 had acceptable psychometric properties and is applicable to measure COVID-19 health literacy.

New Parking Lot Selection Approach Based on the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Methods: Health Criteria

To find a parking space, valet parking drivers have to travel a lot, which leads to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In order to reduce these emissions, it is essential to understand a user’s needs and criteria when searching for a parking space. Several selection criteria are considered when allocating a parking space. Recent research on parking space management mentions several parameters that have an impact on the choice of a parking space: namely, the traffic situation, the availability of each parking lot in question, and the cost of parking, etc. In this article, we discuss a new criterion: the physical condition of the driver in the management of parking spaces; the identification of the driver’s bodily fragility. We also propose MCDM as a parking space allocation model that best meets the cost–benefit convention. This reflection leads us to evaluate MCDM methods in the field of intelligent parking management. Therefore, we conducted a comparison between the most recent multi-criteria decision making methods used by researchers, namely, CODA, EDAS, TOPSIS, and WASPAS. The CRITIC method was used in this paper to objectively determine the weight of each criterion. A new approach is proposed to evaluate and select the best MCDM method. Indeed, we propose a method that computes the “average inter-item correlation SW”, a combination of the “average inter-item correlation” and the SW coefficient. This approach allows us to efficiently compute the correlation between a method and the set of methods while favoring the cells with the best ranking. A case study is presented to illustrate the MCDM approach to parking space allocation and evaluation. The proposed system provides drivers with services such as intelligent parking decisions, taking into account the human aspect while reducing energy consumption, driving time, and traffic congestion caused by searching for available parking spaces.