Conducted Confirmatory Factor Analysis Research Articles

Early Predictors and Concurrent Correlates of Tonic and Phasic Irritability in Adolescence.

Irritability is a common presenting problem in youth mental health settings that is thought to include two components: tonic (e.g., irritable, touchy mood) and phasic (e.g., temper outbursts), each with unique correlates and outcomes, including later internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. However, we are unaware of any studies of early predictors of tonic and phasic irritability. We utilized data from a longitudinal study of a community sample of 3-year-old children followed to age 15 (n = 444). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of items from several self-report irritability measures at age 15, including the Affective Reactivity Index, the International Personality Item Pool, the Schedule for Non-Adaptive and Adaptive Personality Youth Version, and the Child Depression Inventory, and examined their early childhood predictors. The CFA identified dimensions consistent with tonic and phasic irritability. Tonic irritability at age 15 was uniquely associated with concurrent internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior while phasic irritability was uniquely associated with concurrent externalizing disorders. When adolescent tonic and phasic irritability were examined together, female sex and parental depressive and substance use disorders at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent tonic irritability. Additionally, male sex, less parental education, greater laboratory-observed anger and impulsivity, ODD symptoms, higher irritability, and no parental substance use history at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent phasic irritability. Youth-reported tonic and phasic irritability at age 15 appear to be distinguishable constructs with distinct concurrent correlates and early antecedents. Findings have important implications for research on the etiology of irritability and developing effective treatments.

Development and validation of an evaluation instrument for assessing the quality of teaching and learning in Swiss children’s and youth sports

Summary
 Youth and Sport (Y+S) constitutes Switzerland’s most extensive sports support system, encompassing over 90 sports within a state-subsidized and content-regulated training system. Upholding the quality of sports activities necessitates effective (appealing and high-quality) education for Y+S instructors. The Y+S education model transmits teaching content for high-quality Y+S activities through the “Teaching” domain of action, which closely aligns with contemporary instructional quality research. We developed the Y+S evaluation instrument to systematically evaluate this field of action in practical scenarios. This questionnaire digitally surveys children and youth participating in Y+S activities, employing items to assess four fields of action.
 We realized a nationwide quantitative validation study based on three qualitative pilot studies. Two surveys were administered to N = 1,230 (53.7% female; M = 13.99 years, SD = 2.36) and N = 851 (53.7% female; M = 13.96 years, SD = 2.18) children and youths. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to assess the factorial validity and reliability of the developed Y+S evaluation instrument. Following systematic item reduction, CFAs consistently demonstrated good model fits. All four fields of action with their 17 recommendations for action were represented by 51 items, attesting to the validity and reliability of the evaluation instrument.
 In conclusion, a validated evaluation instrument is now available in German, French, and Italian and will be implemented annually to assess Y+S activities in Switzerland moving forward.

Parent and Teacher Ratings of Tonic and Phasic Irritability in a Clinical Sample.

Research on tonic (persistently angry or grumpy mood) and phasic (temper tantrums/outbursts) irritability in youth has utilized community samples and information from parents and youth. We examined whether tonic and phasic irritability are empirically distinguishable and have similar correlates using teacher, in addition to parent, reports in a clinical sample of children and adolescents. The sample included youth aged 5-18 evaluated at a university outpatient clinic, with complete information from 2481 parents and 2449 teachers. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using items from several parent- and teacher-report inventories and examined concurrent associations with psychopathology and functioning. The CFA supported a two-factor model consistent with tonic and phasic irritability in both parent- and teacher-reports. Parent-reported tonic irritability was associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety disorders, suicidality, and antidepressant medication use. Teacher-reported tonic irritability was associated with elevated rates of depression and antidepressant use. Both parent- and teacher-reported phasic irritability were linked to higher rates of ADHD combined type, oppositional defiant/conduct disorders, and referral for rages. Parent- and teacher-reported tonic and phasic irritability were all associated with impaired social functioning. Parents and teachers can distinguish tonic and phasic irritability, which are associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. Findings were generally consistent across informants, and with prior studies using community samples.

Validation of the Amharic version of Internet Addiction Test-20: a cross-sectional study.

Internet Addiction is defined as excessive internet use or poorly controlled preoccupations, impulses, or behaviors related to computer use and internet access that cause impairment or suffering. It had devastating effect on people lives, families, productivity, academic performance and rarely engaging in criminal acts like alcohol use, drug addiction, or compulsive gambling. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Amharic version of Internet Addiction Test-20 among Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences medical students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was carried out among 410 medical students using a convenience sampling method after stratifying them based on their year level. SPSS Version 23 was used to do Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the convergent validity of Amharic version of IAT. We computed correlation coefficient between the aggregate scores of IAT-20 and the scores for depressive symptoms, problematic substance use, and other characteristics of participants which was assessed using Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and questionnaire developed to assess demographic and internet use related characteristics, respectively. AMOS 23 software was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the construct validity of Amharic version of IAT. Test-retest reliability was also determined with 2 weeks interval (n = 51). The data confirmed a two-factor structure. Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.89, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.91 and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.92, Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07, and Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR) =0.05 indicated a good fit model structure. There was moderate positive correlation between the aggregate scores of IAT-20 and PHQ-9 scores (r = 0.55, p < 0.00), but weak positive correlation between IAT-20 and ASSIST scores (r = 0.14, p < 0.00). IAT-20 was also found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89 for each factor). The test-retest reliability was also good for all items (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) > 0.30) except item 16. We found that the IAT-20 is psychometrically sound and a simple screening test for Internet Addiction. However, it is important to acknowledge that further studies are necessary to replicate these findings on diverse population.

Development of the Cognitive Load Inventory for Surgical Skills: preliminary validity evidence

PurposeThe operating room requires simultaneous processing of considerable information. Trainee learning and performance in this environment are restricted by working memory. Cognitive learning theory, which describes three types of cognitive load (CL), suggests that learning is maximized when intrinsic load (IL) is matched to experience, extraneous load (EL) is minimized, and germane load (GL) is optimized with schemas. The ability to measure CL is critical to maximize learning. The Cognitive Load Inventory for Colonoscopy (CLIC) measures the three types of CL during colonoscopy training. We adapted the CLIC for surgical skills education and aimed to gather validity evidence for this tool.MethodsWe initially developed a 21-item, 5-point Likert instrument, the Cognitive Load Inventory for Surgical Skills (CLISS), through a multi-step process. To support content validity, we revised CLIC content to reflect surgical skills, obtaining feedback from CLIC creators to ensure adjustments adequately retained IL, EL, and GL concepts. To examine the response process, we conducted cognitive interviews with surgical residents to assess wording and clarity and issued the survey in different settings (simulation exercises, operating room cases), relative to different tasks, and with different respondents (residents, fellows, faculty). To assess internal structure, we examined internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm that relationships among the items were as hypothesized. We evaluated adequacy of the 3-factor model with three model fit indices, including Bentler’s Comparative Fit Index (CFI), the Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). A sensitivity analysis was performed eliminating items with factor loading estimates that (1) are less than 0.40, (2) are not statistically significant, or (3) load onto 2 or more factors.ResultsThe CLISS was distributed in 7 clinical and simulated procedural settings to 138 participants and yielded 100 responses (72% response rate). Of the respondents, 99 (99%) completed the entire CLISS. No respondents raised content questions. Each item garnered a range of responses. All 3 types of cognitive load had a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.7. However, several individual items were found not to correlate with other items within that load. CFA revealed a range of loadings for each factor. Model fit indices were outside the conventional cut-offs (CFI = 0.627, TLI = 0.579, RMSEA = 0.124), suggesting consensus that the initial 3-factor, 21-item model was not a good fit. Sensitivity analysis yielded a revised 11-item tool, which demonstrated improved Cronbach’s alpha for IL and GL and improved model indices (CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.920, RMSEA = 0.076). An additional item was removed to further support content validity.ConclusionsThe CLISS can be a practical tool for administration in the skills lab and clinical settings, particularly if administered immediately after the session or requested individually. While promising, further study is needed to establish additional validity evidence for the CLISS.

Relationship between disgust and orthorexia nervosa and psychometric properties of the Italian Dusseldorf orthorexia scale in a general population sample

BackgroundIt remains unclear among clinicians and researchers whether orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a part of the obsessive–compulsive disorder spectrum or eating disorders. Disgust seems to be a shared psychopathological factor in these clinical presentations, indicating a potentially crucial role in ON. On the other hand, numerous psychometric tools have been developed to evaluate ON. The Dusseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS) was recently validated in an Italian sample. However, the study's primary limitation was that the scale was only administered to undergraduate university students. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties (including factorial structure, reliability, and measurement invariance conditional on sex) of the Italian version of the DOS (I-DOS) on a sample from the general population. Additionally, the study sought to determine the nomological validity of the I-DOS by examining its relationship with disgust sensitivity.MethodsA sample of 521 participants took part in this study and completed a battery that assessed ON and disgust sensitivity. To assess the I-DOS structure, reliability, and measurement invariance we respectively conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), computed McDonalds’s omega, and performed hierarchical series of multigroup CFAs. Then, we tested the relationship between ON and disgust sensitivity.ResultsCFA confirmed the unifactorial model of I-DOS and it respected the configural, metric, and strict invariance while a partial scalar invariance was achieved. It also showed good reliability with an omega of 0.87. In addition, we found a positive relationship between ON and disgust sensitivity, thus confirming the nomological validity of I-DOS.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the Italian version of the Dusseldorf orthorexia scale (I-DOS) exhibits strong psychometric properties and can be an effective instrument for assessing ON in a general population sample. Notably, the most significant and innovative outcome was the positive correlation between ON and disgust sensitivity. As disgust has been linked to other clinical presentations, this preliminary result could serve as a foundation for future research exploring this phenomenon in greater detail.

Barriers instructors experience in adopting active learning: Instrument development

AbstractBackgroundDespite well‐documented benefits, instructor adoption of active learning has been limited in engineering education. Studies have identified barriers to instructors’ adoption of active learning, but there is no well‐tested instrument to measure instructors perceptions of these barriers.PurposeWe developed and tested an instrument to measure instructors’ perceptions of barriers to adopting active learning and identify the constructs that coherently categorize those barriers.MethodWe used a five‐phase process to develop an instrument to measure instructors’ perceived barriers to adopting active learning. In Phase 1, we built upon the Faculty Instructional Barriers and Identity Survey (FIBIS) to create a draft instrument. In Phases 2 and 3, we conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on an initial 45‐item instrument and a refined 21‐item instrument, respectively. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Phases 4 and 5 to test the factor structure identified in Phases 2 and 3.ResultsOur final instrument consists of 17 items and four factors: (1) student preparation and engagement; (2) instructional support; (3) instructor comfort and confidence; and (4) institutional environment/rewards. Instructor responses indicated that time considerations do not emerge as a standalone factor.ConclusionsOur 17‐item instrument exhibits a sound factor structure and is reliable, enabling the assessment of perceived barriers to adopting active learning in different contexts. The four factors align with an existing model of instructional change in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Although time is a substantial instructor concern that did not comprise a standalone factor, it is closely related to multiple constructs in our final model.

Medications Non-adherence Reasoning Scale (MedNARS): Development and psychometric properties appraisal.

Proper elucidation of medication non-adherence reasoning especially in older adults might pave the way for an auspicious therapeutic outcome. The main aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically test the Medications Non-adherence Reasoning (MedNARS) questionnaire for application in research and probably practice settings. A mixed methods design was utilized to develop the MedNARS. The item pool was mainly generated based on a qualitative query and literature review. The expert panel approved version of the MedNARS was psychometrically assessed on a convenience sample of 220 older patients with chronic disease. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content and face validity of the scale were appraised and its construct validity was assed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. A nine-item version of the MedNARS was drafted based on the classical item analysis procedures and its estimated internal consistency measure of the Cronbach's alpha (0.85) and test-retest reliability (0.96) were in the vicinity of acceptable range. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) output revealed a unidimensional structure for the MedNARS and the conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated an acceptable data fit for the extracted one-factor model. The goodness of fit indices were as the followings: χ2 /df=1.63(90% CI: 0.02 to 0.11), root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA)=(0.07), comparative fit index (CFI)=0.95, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI)=0.93 and standardized root mean squared residual (SRMSR)=(0.05). The study findings were indicative of MedNARS's applicability and feasibility for use in assessment of medication non-adherence reasoning among the elderly patients with chronic diseases. The MedNARS as a brief and elder-friendly instrument can be applied both in research and practice settings to enhance efficiency, safety, and health outcomes of the therapeutic recommendations.

Development of a Naturalness Preference Scale.

Naturalness preference can influence important health decisions. However, the literature lacks a reliable way to measure individual differences in naturalness preferences. We fill this gap by designing and validating a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference. We conducted 3 studies among Amazon Mechanical Turk participants. In study 1 (N = 451), we created scale items through an iterative process that measured naturalness preference in hypothesized domains. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify items that assess the naturalness preference construct. In study 2 (N = 448), we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and tests of criterion, discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity. In study 3 (N = 607), we confirmed test-retest reliability of the scale and performed additional validity tests. EFA revealed 3 correlated factors consistent with naturalness preference in medicine, food, and household products. The CFA confirmed the 3-factor structure and led to the decision to drop reverse-coded items. The finalized Naturalness Preference Scale (NPS) consists of 20 items and 3 subscales: NPS-medicine, NPS-food, and NPS-household products. The NPS demonstrated good test-retest reliability, and subscales had good validity in their respective domains. The NPS-medicine subscale was predictive of the uptake of a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine (r = -0.45) and belief in unproven natural COVID remedies and treatments (r = 0.29). The NPS will allow researchers to better assess individual differences in naturalness preference and how they influence decision making and health behaviors. This research created and validated a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference in 3 domains: medicine, food, and household products.This study confirms that the strength of the naturalness preference differs in different domains.An important and timely finding is that higher scores in the naturalness preference medical subscale are associated with belief in COVID-19 misinformation and reluctance toward COVID-19 vaccination.

669-P: Factor Analysis of the Diabetes-Specific Risk-Taking Inventory

Introduction: Adolescence is marked by increased risk-taking behaviors and challenges engaging in optimal type 1 diabetes (T1D) treatment. We developed the Diabetes-Specific Risk-Taking Inventory (DSRI) to assess risky adolescent T1D self-management behaviors. In the current study, we conducted confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) for the DSRI and examined model fit. Methods: We surveyed a national sample of 224 adolescents (age 15-18 years; M age 16.9 ± 1.1 years; 49% female, 11% identified as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color; 76.8% used insulin pumps; M HbA1c= 8.5% ± 1.3); from the T1D Exchange registry in a cross-sectional design. Participants completed the DSRI, and we collected the most recent HbA1c value from registry data. We performed CFAs in R using the Lavaan package to evaluate three models: 1) a one-factor structure, 2) a two-factor structure reflecting items higher and lower in risk (item level of risk assessed by surveying diabetes health care providers), and 3) another two-factor structure reflecting items that associate with higher HbA1c (&amp;gt;9%) and lower HbA1c (&amp;lt;9%). Results: The DSRI measure contains 31 items; however, one item was removed from CFA analyses due to a nonsignificant factor loading value. The one-factor CFA model demonstrated poor fit χ2(399, n=224) =1714.94, p&amp;lt;0.001, RMSEA=0.12, CFI=0.52, TLI=0.49, as did the two-factor structure differentiating between higher and lower HbA1c χ2(399, n=224) =1121.02, p&amp;lt;0.001, RMSEA=0.090, CFI=0.72, TLI=0.69. The two-factor CFA reflecting higher and lower risk items model demonstrated improved fit χ2(399, n=224) =896.19, p&amp;lt;0.001, RMSEA=0.085, CFI=0.77, TLI=0.75. Conclusions: The DSRI is a valuable self-report measure that providers may use to screen for high-risk behaviors not routinely assessed in T1D clinical care. The results suggest that the high-risk vs. low-risk two-factor model is slightly better fitting than the one-factor model; however, additional factor structures should be assessed to identify a more robust structural model. Disclosure A.Monzon: None. J.Pierce: None. R.M.Wasserman: None. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (2016PG-T1D053); National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1K12DK097696)

Conceptualisation and Development of a values-based scale of emergency physicians’ professional identities

BackgroundPhysicians’ values about what constitute their professional identities are integral in understanding how they ascribe meaning to their practice. However, there is no general consensus on the conceptualization and measurement of physicians’ professional identities. This study developed and validated a values-based scale for measuring physicians’ professional identities.MethodsA hybrid research method was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. We employed literature review, semi-structured interview, Q-sorting exercise to examine the conceptualization of emergency physicians’ professional identities and to initially develop a 40-item scale. A panel of five experts assessed the scale’s content validity. Using 150 emergency physicians as our sample, we conducted Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) to test the fit of our hypothesised four-factor model based on our preliminary findings.ResultsInitial CFA suggested revisions to the model. Following theoretical assumptions and modification indices, the model was revised and adjusted to a four-factor 20 item Emergency Physicians Professional Identities Value Scale (EPPIVS) with acceptable fit statistics χ2 = 389.38, df = 164, Normed χ2 = 2.374, GFI = 0.788, CFI = 0.862, RMSEA = 0.096. The Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega reliability and composite reliability of the subscales ranged from α: 0.748 to 0.868, Omega: 0.759 to 0.868 and CR: 0.748 to 0.851, respectively.ConclusionThe results indicate that the EPPIVS is a valid and reliable scale for measuring physicians’ professional identities. Further research on the sensitivity of this instrument to important changes over career progression in emergency medicine is warranted.

Role of Organizational Justice in Linking Leadership Styles and Academics’ Performance in Higher Education

Leadership is vital for all organizations, including higher education institutions (HEIs). Based on this, this study aimed to examine department heads’ leadership styles concerning employee performance as well as nurturing the culture of justice. For this purpose, the leadership styles (transformational and transactional leadership) relationship is examined with employee performance through the mediating role of organizational justice. Data were collected from academicians working in the HEIs located in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using a convenience sampling approach to obtain the targeted sample. Data were analyzed through a symmetric approach and after conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using AMOS, mediation models were assessed by following the Hayes process model procedure. The results indicate that organizational justice partially mediates the direct relationship between transformational and transactional leadership with employee performance in the HEIs sector of Pakistan. It is recommended that institutions need to take action to ensure that just and fair transformational leadership behavior is practiced to attain the desired employee performance in the HEIs.

Investigating the Construct Validity and Reliability of the Test of Motor Competence Across Iranians' Lifespan.

Motor competence (MC) has been extensively examined in children and adolescents, but has not been studied among adults nor across the lifespan. The Test of Motor Competence (TMC) assesses MC in people aged 5-85years. Among Iranians, aged 5-85years, we aimed to determine the construct validity and reliability of the TMC and to examine associations between TMC test items and the participants' age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the TMC's factorial structure by age group and for the whole sample. We explored associations between the TMC test items and participant age, sex, and BMI using a network analysis machine learning technique (Rstudio and qgraph). CFA supported the construct validity of a unidimensional model for motor competence for the whole sample (RMSEA = 0.003; CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.993) and for three age groups (RMSEA <0.08; CFI and TLI >0.95). Network analyses showed fine motor skills to be the most critical centrality skills, reinforcing the importance of fine motor skills for performing and participating in many daily activities across the lifespan. We found the TMC to be a valid and reliable test to measure MC across Iranians' lifespan. We also demonstrated the advantages of using a machine learning approach via network analysis to evaluate associations between skills in a complex system.

There is (still) a global factor that underlies the PGSI: A reanalysis of Tseng, Flack, Caudwell, and Stevens (2023)

Tseng, Flack, Caudwell, and Stevens (2023) conducted confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)—a gold-standard measure of disordered gambling symptomatology that has traditionally been indexed using a total score—with data from a large representative sample of Australians residing in Northern Territory who gamble (N = 3,740). Based on their results, Tseng et al. argued that a two-factor model best fit the data and so the PGSI items could be separated into two subscales: Problem Behaviours and Consequences of Problem Behaviours. We reanalyzed their data using CFA and found that a hierarchical model provided the best fit to the data. The hierarchical model includes a global factor underlying all PGSI items and two sub factors that correspond to the PGSI items assessing behaviours and consequences. The global factor was empirically well-defined, but the behaviours and consequences sub factors were not. Also, the two sub factors did not reliably measure the more narrowly defined behaviours and consequences constructs independent of the global factor. Based on our reanalyses of Tseng et al.’s (2023) data, we encourage researchers in the field of gambling studies to continue using the PGSI total score as an index of disordered gambling symptomatology.

Resilient, Mindful, and Satisfied Educational Professionals

This study conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using both the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 25) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to create a validated, synergistic, higher-order factor we call Invicti Anima based on the responses 630 teachers and building-based educational leaders in three northeastern USA states. Controlling for important contextual variables including educator sense of agency, our structural equation path model mapped the relationships between educator role, level of Invicti Anima, and Job Satisfaction, as measured by the Job Satisfaction Index (JSI). The educators in our study who were strong in Invicti Anima exhibited characteristics of both resiliency and mindfulness, and were significantly and substantially more satisfied on their jobs, even net of their sense of control (agency) in their schools. Our findings have important implications for the professional development of educators in dealing with stress, longevity in their positions, and positive outcomes for the students and others under their direction.

Dimensional Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Existential Loneliness Questionnaire (ELQ)

The recent pandemic of Coronavirus and its associated excess mortality have made the man more prone to feelings of isolation and being alone existentially. Therefore, it is necessary to identify, assess, and reduce such negative feelings. The present study aims to provide a Persian adaptation of the existential loneliness questionnaire (ELQ) and to examine its dimensional structure and psychometric characteristics. The ELQ items were translated into Persian using forward-backward translation method. Participant recruitment is conducted via social media platform and data is collected via online survey. Content validity was evaluated by the expert’s judgement, followed by factor analysis, validity, and reliability tests. Two samples of university students were collected. Sample 1 consisted of 305 students aged 18-53 years, completed the Persian adaptation of the ELQ and several other instruments: De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Sample 2 consisted of 262 students aged 18-50 years, completed only the Persian ELQ to conduct Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) tests. According to Parallel Analysis (PA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) results, a unidimensional structure was found for the Persian ELQ, and the results of the CFA test supported this finding. The Multi-group CFA test supported the measurement invariance of the questionnaire across two samples. Evidence of high internal consistency (α =.91) and adequate test-retest reliability (r= .73) was found as well. The correlational analyses revealed a strong construct validity based on the ELQ score’s significant association with other criterion measures. According to the findings of the study, the Persian version of the ELQ is a reliable, valid, and psychometrically suitable instrument for use in Iranian samples of university students.

Assessment of structural and cross-cultural validity of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire: a scoping review.

The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that has been translated and cross-culturally adapted to at least 50 languages. Since the measure was developed in 1996, many researchers have reported on the construct validity (including structural and cross-cultural validity) of this instrument following translation and cross-cultural adaptation. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the methods used for the psychometric evaluation of structural and cross-cultural validity of the DASH questionnaire. The updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews and the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews checklist was utilised. EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, Africa Wide, CINAHL, E-Journals and Medline), PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for articles (published between 1996-2022) and considered against the eligibility criteria. The scoping review collated evidence across 50 articles (37 language versions) of the evaluation of structural and cross-cultural validity of the DASH questionnaire. Three articles conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess structural validity, and none performed Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) to assess cross-cultural validity. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) taxonomy propose that structural validity is best evaluated through CFA, with prior evidence of dimensionality. Additionally, cross-cultural validity (measurement invariance) is to be evaluated through MGCFA. This review identified that CFA is utilised infrequently and that to date cross-cultural validity has not been appropriately assessed for translations of the DASH questionnaire.

Condition-specific validation of the Arabic version of the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) among parturient.

Pregnancy and mode of delivery have a major effect on pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Assessing knowledge regarding PFD is essential not only for making more informed decisions regarding mode of delivery, but also for seeking help when PFD appear. The Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ) is a validated tool that assesses women's knowledge regarding urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Validation of the Arabic version of the PIKQ had never been carried out. The purpose of this study was to conduct a condition specific validation among parturients of the PIKQ in the Arabic language. Translation of the PIKQ to the Arabic language was carried out according to international recommended guidelines. A cross-sectional study of pregnant women was conducted from June to September 2020 at the Soroka University Medical Center, Israel. The recommended 10:1 ratio between the number of subjects and the number of items in the questionnaire (n=24) was maintained. A total of 244 third trimester pregnant women have completed the Arabic version of the PIKQ. In addition to the validation of the psychometric characteristics, construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability were tested as well. Initially, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, resulting in two 12-item scales representing UI and POP. Then, to validate the scale construct we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results of the CFA demonstrated that the PIKQ displayed construct validity, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.30 to 0.62. Finally, Cronbach's alpha indicated a good internal reliability for the two factors UI and POP. Criterion validity further supported the validity of the scale. The Arabic version of the PIKQ is a new, reliable, consistent, and valid instrument to examine the level of knowledge regarding UI and POP in Arabic speaking pregnant women. This instrument may be used to assess women's knowledge about PFD and to direct the need for educational interventions that may empower women to make informed decisions regarding perinatal care.

The impact of utilitarian, social and hedonic values on hotel booking mobile app engagement and loyalty: a comparison of generational cohorts

PurposeThe primary purpose of this study was to examine the underlying consumer values that drive hotel booking mobile app users to engage more with the app and use the app continuously for hotel booking purposes.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) on the data collected through the Qualtrics online survey platform from 506 respondents in the United States, the proposed measurements and structural models were tested.FindingsThe findings for both Generation Xers and Millennials revealed that hedonic and social values influenced mobile app engagement, which strongly influenced mobile app loyalty. Thus, to enhance customer engagement and indirectly influence mobile app loyalty, the app value delivery should appeal to social and hedonic values. Although the utilitarian values for using apps had a potential direct impact on mobile app loyalty, the mediation analysis showed that mobile app engagement, when connecting consumption values to mobile app loyalty, served as a full mediator for Generation Xers and a partial mediator for Millennials.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into how hotels and online travel agent (OTA) marketing managers may consider augmenting user engagement with hotel booking mobile apps. This study suggests that hoteliers and OTAs should further develop their user experience efforts to enhance the utilitarian features of their mobile app to increase revenue from repeat purchases. Additionally, this study provides implications for enhancing the hedonic and social features of hotel booking mobile apps to appeal to Millennials and Gen Xers.Originality/valueThis study developed and assessed an integrated model to investigate the relationships between consumption values, engagement and loyalty in hotel booking mobile apps. Furthermore, it examined generational cohorts' role in the relationships between these constructs.

Predictive validity and symptom configuration of proposed diagnostic criteria for the Suicide Crisis Syndrome: A replication study

ObjectiveThe Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS) is a new proposed suicide-specific diagnosis. In the present large replication study, we examine SCS diagnostic criteria to determine which configuration of symptoms demonstrates the strongest convergent and predictive validity for near-term suicidal behaviour. MethodsWe conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the factor structure of the proxy-SCS variables derived from an extensive self-report test battery and administered to 903 psychiatric patients (age (M = 36.70, SD = 13.91); gender (64.0% female)) at intake and 4-8-week follow-up assessments. Convergent and predictive validity of five configurations of the proposed SCS diagnostic criteria for suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) were examined using regression analyses. The new clinician-rated SCS-Checklist was piloted with 68 participants. ResultsBoth the one-factor and the five-factor models of proxy-SCS variables exhibited strong model fit, supporting the uni-dimensionality as well as the five-criteria structure of the SCS. All four configurations were uniquely related to the presence of a suicide attempt at follow-up when controlling for intake SI, lifetime SA, age, and gender, but none were significantly associated with intake SA when controlling for intake SI, age, and gender. All bivariate correlations between proxy-assessed and checklist-assessed SCS symptom configurations were significant and positive. ConclusionThe proposed five-symptom structure of the SCS diagnostic criteria was supported and appears to describe a clinically meaningful syndrome specifically related to near-term suicidal behaviour. SCS assessment may significantly improve clinical evaluation of imminent suicide risk. Future studies are needed to assess the utility of the syndrome in clinical settings.