Acceptable Construct Research Articles

Development and preliminary evaluation of the Conventional Medicine Disclosure Index.

Non-disclosure of conventional medicine use to complementary medicine health professionals may result in patient harm. Currently, no standardised validated instrument is available to measure reasons for conventional medicine disclosure or non-disclosure. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional index for identifying reasons for conventional medicine disclosure and non-disclosure by patients. Drawing upon a sub-sample of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Health Literacy Disclosure Study (N=520), a formative measurement approach was used to develop a Conventional Medicine Disclosure Index (CONMED-DI). Variance-based structural equation modelling employing partial least squares evaluated multicollinearity, significance and relevance of the formative indicators to their associated primary constructs. The CONMED-DI demonstrated adequate construct validity suggesting the CONMED-DI is a pragmatic measure to determine the reasons why people choose to disclose (or not) their conventional medicine use. The CONMED-DI contains 2second-order measurement models, both with three sub-domains. The CONMED-DI serves as a preliminary instrument primarily of value to researchers interested in exploring the complementary medicine clinical encounter. The development of targeted interventions that promote disclosure of conventional medicine can be facilitated through understanding patients' reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure and optimise patients' safe use of medicines.

A preliminary study: designing and validating projective images of Young\u2019s early maladaptive schema (EMS) domains

BackgroundThis study aims to design and validate ten projective images of Young’s Early Maladaptive Schema (EMS) domains. For this purpose, two questions are to be addressed. (1) How is the factorial structure of the projective images of EMS domains? (2) Do the images designed in the domains of disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, and over-vigilance and inhibition have sufficient validity?MethodsThis is an applied mixed-methods exploratory study, in which the statistical population consisted of psychologists from Tehran Province in the qualitative section (n = 8) as well as other individuals aged between 18 and 65 years (mean age = 33) from Qazvin in the quantitative section (n = 102) in 2018. The research questions were analyzed through principal axis factoring with a varimax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsAccording to the results, ten images and five domains of Young’s EMSs contribute to a simple structure. Accounting for 70.35% of the total variance of EMSs, the five dimensions include disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired limits, other-directedness, and over-vigilance and inhibition.ConclusionsThe results indicated that the designed projective images yielded acceptable construct validity.

Resourcefulness revisited: Further psychometric evaluation of resourcefulness scale

AbstractResourcefulness, a collection of problem‐solving, coping, self‐control and emotion regulation skills, has been shown to moderate health outcomes in various caregiver populations. Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), report higher levels of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms with poorer health‐related quality of life. The current study replicated and extended psychometric research on the Resourcefulness Scale (RS) among caregivers of children with ASD (n = 287) and a comparison group of caregivers of non‐affected children (n = 207). Results suggest acceptable internal consistency and construct validity when using the RS among caregivers of children with and without ASD. The RS demonstrated poor temporal stability over an average of 4 weeks (r = 0.087, p = 0.434). Caregivers of children with ASD report higher levels of general, social, and personal resourcefulness than non‐affected caregivers. Findings validate the use of the RS within caregiving populations with implications for clinical use and future research in the development of interventions to enhance caregiver QoL.

Development and Validation of Teachers’ Assessment Belief of Mathematical Thinking Instrument

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study was conducted to corroborate in understanding the teachers’ beliefs about assessment practices. The prior studies related to teachers’ assessment beliefs in mathematics have been done to assess teachers’ beliefs in the general context of mathematics teaching. This study developed an instrument to assess teachers’ assessment beliefs of mathematical thinking. The research aimed to develop and validate a scale of assessment beliefs of mathematical thinking by using the confirmatory factor analysis. The first draft of the scale contained 25 items. The sample of the study consisted of 537 mathematics teachers from public schools in Oman. The instrument was a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The scale was validated by asking a number of experts in mathematics educational measurement and evaluation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was applied to test the model of assessment beliefs of mathematical thinking scale using AMOS 25.0. All constructs had acceptable reliability. The model had a good model fit for the assessment beliefs of mathematical thinking scale which obtainable from the fit indices tests. The findings revealed that all fit criteria indices were realized. The results also showed acceptable validity and construct reliability for the scale.</p>

Context-acceptability theories: example of family planning interventions in five African countries

BackgroundFamily planning (FP) can lengthen birth intervals and potentially reduce the risk of foetal death, low birthweight, prematurity, and being small for gestational age. Effective FP is most easily achieved through access to and acceptability of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs). This study aimed to identify mechanisms of acceptability and the contexts in which they are triggered and to generate theories to improve the selection and implementation of effective interventions by studying an intervention integrating FP with childhood immunisation services.MethodsQualitative interpretative synthesis of findings from realist evaluations of FP interventions in five African countries was guided by an analytical framework. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were identified from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders (N = 253). The context in which these mechanisms were triggered was also defined. Empirical mechanisms of acceptability were matched to constructs of a theoretical framework of acceptability. Context-acceptability theories (CATs) were developed, which summarised constructs of acceptability triggered for specific actors in specified contexts. Examples of interventions that may be used to trigger acceptability for these actors were described.ResultsSeven CATs were developed for contexts with strong beliefs in religious values and with powerful religious leaders, a traditional desire for large families, stigmatisation of MCM use, male partners who are non-accepting of FP, and rumours or experiences of MCM side effects. Acceptability mechanisms included alignment with values and beliefs without requiring compromise, actors’ certainty about their ability to avoid harm and make the intervention work, and understanding the intervention and how it works. Additionally, acceptability by one group of actors was found to alter the context, triggering acceptability mechanisms amongst others.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the value of embedding realist approaches within implementation research. CATs are transferable theories that answer the question: given the context, what construct of acceptability does an intervention need to trigger, or more simply, what intervention do we need to apply here to achieve our outcomes? CATs facilitate transfer of interventions across geographies within defined contexts.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire on Consumer Psychological Capital in Food Safety Social Co-governance.

Consumers play an important role as one of the main actors in food safety social co-governance. To create a pattern of food safety social co-governance, the active and effective participation of consumers is critical. To encourage consumers to participate in food safety social co-governance voluntarily and positively, we attempted to develop and preliminarily validate a multidimensional questionnaire on consumer psychological capital that could be used to measure the degree of consumer participation in food safety social co-governance. The aim of the initial sample (N = 170) and test sample 2 (N = 204) was to investigate the factor structure of a preliminary measure of consumer psychological capital. A 4-factor model with 23 items explained 61.05% of the total variance in item scores. The aim of test sample 3 (N = 30) was to measure the retest reliability. Test sample 4 (N = 1,076) was randomly allocated to the modeling sample (N = 538) and validation sample (N = 538) to verify questionnaire reliability and validity. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and the internal inconsistency coefficients of the questionnaire were assessed in the modeling sample. While processing CFA, we deleted 9 items with small standardized factor loadings. The remaining 14 items in the final revised 4-factor model included self-efficacy, resilience, hope, and optimism. The fit indices of the revised four-factor model and second-order factor model in the modeling sample revealed an acceptable model fit. The convergent validity and discriminant validity of the revised model were good and acceptable, respectively. A cross-validation procedure confirmed the appropriateness of the revised four-factor model and second-order factor model in the validation sample. The cross-validation results confirmed that the fit indices of the revised four-factor model fitted the data well and the second-order factor model in the validation sample reached acceptable values. We concluded that the questionnaire developed in this study had good reliability and stable and acceptable construct validity. It could provide a theoretical basis for measuring psychological capital in food safety co-governance.

Validating the Chinese version authenticity scale: psychometrics in college and community samples

Wood’s (Wood, Linley, Maltby, Baliousis, & Joseph, 2008) authenticity scale is widely used and has good psychometric properties. Translating it into different languages and evaluating it in diverse samples are critical for expanding its assessing capacity for different populations and facilitating cross-culture comparison. This study aimed to validate this authenticity scale in Chinese and examined its psychometric properties in college and community samples in Chinese context. In Study 1 (N = 281), we translated Wood’s authenticity scale into Chinese and explored its construct validity, reliability, criterion-related validity in a college sample. In Study 2 (N = 715), we evaluated the scale’s construct replicability, construct and criterion-related validity in a larger community sample (with diverse demographics) and its subsamples (by gender, age, and employment situations) using Hancock and Mueller’s (2001) H coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multigroup CFA, and correlation with criterion scales. Results in EFA, subscale intercorrelations, and CFA supported same three-factor structure in the Chinese context. Group invariance tests indicated the same structure held across genders, ages, and employment situations. Good criterion validity and acceptable construct replicability demonstrated that the Chinese version authenticity scale is a valid and reliable instrument. With slightly low internal consistency and construct validity in subsamples with certain demographic characteristics, discussion focused on its applicability in populations with different demographics in Chinese cultural context.

Development of the Subjective Cognitive Decline Scale for Mandarin-Speaking Population.

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has been considered a high-risk group preceding mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, methods to quantify and track the complaints have not been well-established. The present study aimed to develop a questionnaire tailored for Mandarin-speaking individuals with SCD. A total of 175 adults aged above 55years completed a comprehensive set of items evaluating cognitive problems and neuropsychological examinations. After item reduction, internal consistency, construct, and concurrent validity were examined. The 14-item Subjective Cognitive Decline Scale (SCDS) has acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .93) and construct validity with a three-factor structure. Individuals with SCD and MCI scored higher than the control group. The SCDS demonstrated significant but small correlations with multiple cognitive tests and emotional variables. The SCDS provides an alternative approach to measure cognitive complaints, while an influence of emotional status shall be taken into consideration when interpreting the results.

The development and validation of the workplace acceptance scale: Evidence from a sample of workers with disabilities

BACKGROUND: Recent trends in demographics and the labor market, such as an aging workforce, bring forth a significant societal transformation and force organizations to conform to new circumstances. Diversity management strategies may help to counteract negative outcomes of these developments. However, organizational diversity triggers various reactions among the established workforce, evoking positive as well as negative social dynamics. OBJECTIVE: In order to better understand the dynamics that arise from workplace diversity, specifically from workplace disability, the present paper outlines the development of an eleven-item measure of perceived workplace acceptance. METHODS: Three independent samples of employees with disabilities (including multisource data) were used to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the scale. RESULTS: The scale shows good psychometric properties and exploratory as well as confirmatory factor analyses indicate that workplace acceptance is a unidimensional construct. The study shows that the scale is significantly related to constructs such as health and productivity, self-esteem, intent to leave, motivation, organizational commitment, and attitudes of colleagues, providing evidence for criterion-related validity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present study provides evidence for the validity of the Workplace Acceptance Scale and suggests that the workplace acceptance construct has important implications for both individuals with disabilities and groups of colleagues.

Evaluation of psychometric properties of the maastricht upper extremity questionnaire (MUEQ) in iranian computer users.

BACKGROUND:Measurement of the essential risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders is a fundamental step in predicting the problem and identifying high-risk individuals. In this regard, Maastricht upper extremity questionnaire (MUEQ) has not been validated in Iran. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable Persian version of MUEQ.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this descriptive study, the computer users employed in a governmental informatics administration in Tehran, Iran, were included during the end of 2018 and early 2019. Face and content validity of the MUEQ was conducted, and a six-part questionnaire was provided. The reliability of the questionnaire was obtained using Cronbach's α and test–retest. Concurrent validity was assessed with Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, comparison test of independent mean, internal consistency coefficient, test–retest, and Pearson correlation were carried out using the AMOS and SPSS 22 software.RESULTS:Participants consisted of 282 computer users (110 males) with a mean age of 35.17 ± 7.65 years. The mean duration of computer use in a working day was 6.68 ± 2.10 h with a range of 1–12 h. The most prevalent symptoms were existed in the neck (39.1%), back (31.0%), and lower back (30.3%) areas. KMO test and Bartlett's test of sphericity showed that a significant correlation existed among questions. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire varied from 0.61 to 0.83 and test–retest coefficient was higher than 0.7. Correlation coefficient was between NMQ and body posture (r = 0.23, P = 0.004) and between NMQ and work environment (r = 0.28, P = 0.000). Evaluations related to the construct validity and concurrent validity demonstrated that the questionnaire has acceptable construct validity. Six factors of the MUEQ in Root Mean Squared Error Approximation (RMSEA) index (0.062) were acceptable and satisfactory in Parsimony Comparative Fit Index (PCFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), and Parsimony Goodness of Fit Index (PGFI) (0.732, 0.8000, 0.680, and 0.680, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:The Persian version of the MUEQ represented a satisfactory validity and reliability and was suitable for computer users in the assessment of their risk factors of musculoskeletal complaints.

Validation of a Spanish version of the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire in children living in a high-altitude city.

We aimed to validate a Spanish version of the Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder scale of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (SRBD-PSQ) in children living in a high-altitude Colombian city. In a prospective cohort validation study, patients aged between 2 and 17 years who attended the Ear, Nose, and Throat pediatric department of our institution for symptoms related to sleep-related breathing disorders had a baseline visit at enrollment, a second visit the day scheduled for the surgical intervention, and a follow-up visit at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. In these three visits, we gathered the necessary data for assessing the criterion validity, construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and sensitivity to change of the Spanish version of the SRBD-PSQ. In total, 121 patients were included in the analyses. The exploratory factor analysis (generalized least squares method, varimax rotation) yielded a four-factor structure, explaining 65.93% of the cumulative variance. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the measurements was 0.887 (95% CI: 0.809-0.934), and the Lin concordance correlation coefficient was 0.882 (95% CI, 0.821-0.943). SRBD-PSQ scores at baseline were significantly higher than those obtained after adenotonsillectomy surgery (median [IQR] 11.0 [9.0- 14.0] vs. 4.00 [1.50-7.0]; p < 0.0001). Cronbach's α was 0.7055 for the questionnaire as a whole. The Spanish version of the SRBD-PSQ has acceptable construct validity, excellent test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change, and adequate internal consistency-reliability when used in pediatric patients living at high altitude with symptoms related to sleep-related breathing disorders.

Evaluation and Measurement of Ego States

As a response to the need for more objectivity, Loffredo, Harrington, Munoz &amp; Knowles (2004) developed a 40-item version of the Ego State Questionnaire-Revised (ESQ-R), which was the readjustment of the original 60-items version (1997). The present study evaluates an Italian version of the ESQ-R scale, completed by a sample of 483 subjects (204 males, and 279 females) and demonstrates acceptable construct validity and reliability in its five subscales of Critical Parent, Nurturing Parent, Adult, Free Child, and Adapted Child. Exploratory factor analyses suggested five factors as referred to in the original ESQ-R scale; items loaded at .30 or below were excluded and additional study showed an Italian version ESQ-RI with 33-items to have a good construct validity as an objective measure of the five ego states entities according to transactional analysis theory. Implications for future research are included.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With a Left Ventricular Assist Device (QOLVAD) Questionnaire: Initial Psychometrics of a New Instrument.

Patients with a left ventricular assist device are a unique and growing population who deserve their own valid, reliable instrument for health-related quality of life. We developed and tested the Health-Related Quality of Life with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (QOLVAD) questionnaire. In a prospective, descriptive study, patients from 7 sites completed the QOLVAD and comparator questionnaires. Construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was tested using correlations of QOLVAD scores to well-established measures of subjective health status, depression, anxiety, and meaning/faith. Reliability and test-retest reliability were quantified. Patients (n = 213) were 58.7 ± 13.9 years old; 81.0% were male, 73.7% were White, and 48.0% had bridge to transplant. Questionnaires were completed at a median time of 44 weeks post ventricular assist device. The 5 QOLVAD domains had acceptable construct validity (root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, comparative and Tucker-Lewis fit indices > 0.90, weighted root mean square residual = 0.95). The total score and domain-specific scores were significantly correlated with the instruments to which they were compared. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable for all subscales (α = .79-.83) except the cognitive domain (α = .66). Unidimensional reliability for the total score was acceptable (α = .93), as was factor determinacy for multidimensional reliability (0.95). Total test-retest reliability was 0.875 (P < .001). Our analysis provided initial support for validity and reliability of the QOLVAD for total score, physical, emotional, social, and meaning/spiritual domains. The QOLVAD has potential in research and clinical settings to guide decision making and referrals; further studies are needed.

Technology acceptance model and multi-user virtual reality learning environments for Chinese language education

ABSTRACT Virtual reality is a rapidly developing technology and its applications are being explored in a variety of educational fields. While an increasing amount of attention is being paid to VR as a language learning tool, there remains less research on using VR with languages other than English. Adapting the Technology Acceptance Model, this study investigated learner attitudes towards Hubs by Mozilla, a multi-user VR learning environment, for the purpose of learning Chinese as an additional language. Data were collected by means of a post-participation questionnaire that measured seven constructs. It was hypothesized that the unique features of virtual reality technology would have a statistically significant positive association with the constructs of technology acceptance. Structural Equation Modeling was used to explore the relationships between the constructs. Results indicate varying degrees in significance between the impacts of different constructs, but an overall agreeable attitude towards using the virtual environment for Chinese language learning. Furthermore, difficulties in interaction within the virtual environment seemed to affect the learners’ perceived ease of use of the technology, suggesting that increased consideration for the design of VR learning environments and for the virtual literacies of learners may help this technology be more successful in the classroom.

Psychometric Properties and Factor Analysis of Hindi Version of the Meta-Emotion Scale

This study was carried out to establish the construct, convergent and predictive validity of Hindi translation of Meta-emotions Scale in Hindi speaking Indian cultural context. For the purpose 16 to 78 years old 1324 men and women participants with High School education from Chowk and adjoining areas of Varanasi city of Uttar Pradesh, India, completed the Hindi version of 28-items Metaemotions Scale (MES). Factor analysis (principal components) on Hindi version of MES (MES-H) by applying Varimex rotation method with the loading equal to or more than 0.400, Eigen value equal to 1.00, and Scree plot suggested two to three factors, and finally, confirmatory factor analysis by AMO Sindicated a two factor model with an acceptable goodness of model fit on 19 items. The content of 10 items of the first factor and 9 items of second factor yielded two behavioral components, i.e., Positive Meta-emotions and Negative Meta-emotions. The psychometric properties of the MES-H demonstrated good internal consistency with acceptable reliability, construct and convergent validity. The gender and age differences analyses also indicated that women manifested significantly higher positive meta-emotions and negative meta-emotions in comparison to men, and older as compared to younger participants demonstrated significantly high levels of positive meta-emotions indicating good predictive validity. These findings indicated that the MES-Hindi may be considered as a reliable and valid measurement of meta-emotions in Hindi speaking Indian cultural context.

Measurement properties of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY) Tools.

The Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY) Tools are a suite of tools to assess an individual's physical literacy. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the PLAY Tools, including inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, validity and the associations between the tools. In this study, 218 children and youth (aged 8.4 to 13.7years) and a parent/guardian completed the appropriate physical literacy assessments (i.e., PLAYbasic, PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself) and the Bruiniks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). Inter-rater reliability for PLAYfun was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94). The PLAYbasic, PLAYfun total, running and object control scores, and PLAYparent motor competence domain were higher in males than females, and PLAYfun locomotor skills were lower in males than females (p < 0.05). Age was positively correlated with PLAYbasic and PLAYfun (r = 0.14-0.32, p < 0.05). BOT-2 was positively correlated with PLAYfun and PLAYbasic (r = 0.19-0.59, p < 0.05). PLAYbasic is a significant predictor of PLAYfun (r2 = 0.742, p < 0.001). PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself were moderately correlated with one another. PLAYfun, PLAYparent and PLAYself demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.74-0.87, ω = 0.73-0.87). The PLAY Tools demonstrated moderate associations between one another, strong inter-rater reliability and good construct and convergent validity. Continued evaluation of these tools with other populations, such as adolescents, is necessary. Novelty: In school-age children, the PLAY Tools demonstrated strong inter-rater reliability, moderate associations with one another, acceptable internal consistency and good construct and convergent validity. The results suggest that that PLAY Tools are an acceptable method of evaluation for physical literacy in school-age children.

Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Emotional Style Questionnaire.

Emotions play a central role in scientific models of decision-making, human development, interpersonal processes, psychopathology, and well-being. The Emotional Style Questionnaire (ESQ) is a novel and multifaceted psychometric scale that assesses the dimensions of individual’s emotional styles. The present study evaluated the validity and factor structure of the Persian ESQ. The original version of the ESQ was translated and back-translated into Persian, followed by a pilot study. A sample of university students and staff participated in a survey (n = 822) which included the ESQ, Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results showed that the Persian ESQ had very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.84; Composite reliability = 0.89) and adequate test-retest reliability after four weeks (intraclass coefficient, r = .71 with 95% CI [.63, .77]). The confirmatory factor analysis model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 2.86, CFI = .970, SRMR = .046, PCLOSE = .85 > .05, RMSEA = .048, 90% CI [.043, .053]). Also, measurement invariance indicated the ESQ had acceptable construct validity among different groups. As for criterion-related validity, the ESQ positively correlated with scores on the WHOQOL-BREF (r = .76) and PANAS-positive affect (r = .62), and negatively correlated with the scores on the OASIS (r = −.68), DERS (r = −.39), and PANAS-negative affect (r = −72). The findings provide evidence that the ESQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing healthy emotionality among Persian speaking individuals. The Persian ESQ can be used in psychological intervention and clinical research in Iran and other Persian-speaking countries.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-020-01205-1.

The Measure of Activity Performance of the hand (MAP-Hand) – A reliable and valid questionnaire for use in patients with hand osteoarthritis with specific involvement of the thumb

Cross-sectional methodological study with test-retest design. The Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand (MAP-Hand) is an assessment tool measuring hand-related activity limitations. To assess reliability, validity, and interpretability of the MAP-Hand in patients with hand osteoarthritis with specific involvement of the thumb (CMC1). One hundred-and-eighty patients referred to surgical consultation for hand osteoarthritis affecting the CMC1 were included in the evaluation of validity and interpretability. Among these, 59 stable patients were included in reliability analyses, completing the questionnaire twice with a 2-week retest interval. The MAP-Hand has 18 predefined and 5 optional patient-specific items, scored on a 4-point scale (1=no difficulty to 4=not able to do). Relative (ICC2.1) and absolute (SDC95%ind) reliability were calculated. An ICC of >0.70 was considered acceptable. Nine (75%) or more of 12 predetermined hypotheses had to be confirmed for acceptable construct validity. Interpretability was assessed using floor and ceiling effects and considered present if 15% scored at eitherend of the scale. Mean (SD) age was 63 (8) years, and most patients were women (79%). The mean total score of predefined items showed acceptable reliability (ICC2.1 0.74, SDC95%ind 0.60) and construct validity. The mean total score of the patient-specific items did not reach acceptable reliability. Ceiling effect was found for the predefined items. We found that the mean total score of the predefined items on MAP-Hand had acceptable reliability and construct validity but a ceiling effect in patients with hand osteoarthritis with CMC1 affection.

Validation of the Nepali versions of the Neck Disability Index and the Numerical Rating Scale for Neck Pain.

A cross-sectional study with a test-retest design. To translate and culturally adapt the numerical rating scale (NRS) for neck pain intensity and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and asses their measurement properties in a Nepalese neck pain population. Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in Nepal. Research on neck pain disorders has been hampered by lack of standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in Nepali language. Therefore, we aimed at validating a Nepali version of the NDI and NRS neck pain. At Dhulikhel hospital in Nepal, 150 patients with neck pain and/or cervical radiculopathy completed the translated self-administered questionnaires. We had made one cultural adaption of the NDI driving item in the final Nepali version. Relative reliability was analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2.1) and absolute reliability with the smallest detectable change (SDC). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach alpha. Construct and discriminative validity was assessed by Spearman correlation for a priori hypotheses, receiver-operating characteristics curves, and analysis of variance. Time spent and assistance needed to complete the questionnaires were used to assess feasibility. Test-restest reliability was excellent with ICC (95% confidence intervals) of 0.87 (0.66, 0.94) for NDI and 0.97 (0.94, 0.99) for NRS neck pain. The absolute reliability was acceptable (a SDC of 1.6 for NRS and 9.3 for NDI) and a Cronbach alpha (internal consistency) of 0.70 for NDI, as well as acceptable construct validity, discriminative validity, and feasibility. The Nepali versions of the NRS neck pain and NDI can be recommended for assessing pain and disability among patients with neck pain and cervical radiculopathy, but their responsiveness to change remains to be tested.Level of Evidence: 2.

Symptom experiences in post-treatment cancer survivors: associations with acceptance and commitment therapy constructs.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has improved symptom and quality-of-life outcomes in pilot research with post-treatment cancer survivors. To further test the ACT model, the present study examined relationships between ACT constructs and subgroups of post-treatment survivors based on the severity of common symptoms. Survivors who had completed primary treatment for stage I or II cancer (N = 203) participated in this one-time survey. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of survivors based on the severity of fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regressions employing Vermunt's 3-step approach were used to examine ACT constructs (e.g., mindfulness, acceptance, values progress) as correlates of survivor subgroups based on symptoms. The LCA showed three survivor classes: (1) mild-to-moderate levels of all symptoms except for normal pain intensity; (2) mild anxiety, moderate fatigue, and normal levels of all other symptoms; and (3) normal levels of all symptoms. Lower mindfulness, acceptance, and values progress and higher cognitive fusion, psychological inflexibility, and values obstruction were associated with a greater likelihood of being in class 1 or 2 than in class 3. Findings are consistent with the ACT model. Survivors with greater symptom burden reported greater withdrawal from personally meaningful activities and less acceptance of their cancer diagnosis and internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, feelings, symptoms). Findings provide strong justification for further testing of ACT to reduce symptom-related suffering in cancer survivors.