Construct Validity Hypotheses Research Articles

Psychometric validation of the Psoriasis Symptom Diary using Phase III study data from patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

This analysis aimed to confirm the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Psoriasis Symptom Diary (PSD) using data from two Phase III studies in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Data from two randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase III studies (n = 820) assessing the efficacy and safety of secukinumab were used. The PSD (24-h recall; 0-10 numeric rating scale) was electronically administered each evening. Test-retest reliability was determined using intraclass correlations. Construct validity hypotheses were evaluated via correlations with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health Status Questionnaire, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Discriminating ability and responsiveness were evaluated by estimating mean differences and effect sizes between known groups (using the PASI and IGA). Phase II-derived, anchor-based PGIC thresholds and cumulative distribution function (CDF) plots described meaningful change. Items on the PSD yielded high intraclass coefficients (>0.90). Correlations were in the anticipated direction and by week 12 were moderate to strong (0.41-0.73) in magnitude, demonstrating construct validity. Average PSD item scores differed predictably and significantly between known groups. Responsiveness effect size estimates were moderate to large (0.6-1.5), and CDF plots showed the percentage of responders to be consistently higher in treatment than in placebo arms across the range of change in PSD scores. The PSD is reliable, valid, and responsive, and represents a valid tool to enhance treatment decisions in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Development and validation of a questionnaire assessing the perceived control in health care among older adults with care needs in the Netherlands.

Purpose In response to the increased emphasis placed on older people’s self-reliance in many welfare societies, we aimed to develop and validate a measurement instrument, assessing perceived control in health care among older adults with care needs. The target group consists of older people who live (semi-)independently and use professional health care, with or without informal care.MethodsPhase I (development) of the study consisted of the construction of the instrument based on the input from a variety of stakeholders. Phase II (validation) entailed a quantitative study in a sample of 247 respondents selected from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, to assess the instrument’s construct validity (structural validity and hypotheses testing) and reliability (internal consistency).ResultsThe questionnaire consists of 29 items, related to organizing professional care, communication with care professionals, health management in the home situation, planning (more) complex care in the future, and perceived support from the social network. Based on a factor analysis, we identified three subscales: (I.) ‘perceived personal control in health care’; (II.) ‘anticipated personal control regarding future health care’; and (III.) ‘perceived support from the social network,’ with internal consistencies varying from Cronbach’s α = .71 to .90. Factor I was associated with mastery, self-efficacy, self-esteem (r = .31–.35) and factor III with social loneliness (r = −.42). Factor II correlated less strongly with mastery, self-efficacy, and self-esteem (r < .30).ConclusionOur questionnaire revealed sufficient construct validity and internal consistency. The instrument provides a basis for further quantitative research regarding control, especially in relation to health care-related outcomes.

The Chinese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia was cross-culturally adapted and validated in patients with low back pain

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to obtain a cross-cultural adaptation and evaluation of a Simplified Chinese (SC) version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) for use in patients with low back pain (LBP). Study Design and SettingThe TSK was translated and adapted cross-culturally following international guidelines. It was administered to 150 patients with LBP along with the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form Health Survey, and a pain visual analog scale assessment. Measurement properties, including content validity, construct validity (structural validity and hypotheses testing), internal consistency, and test–retest reliability, were tested. ResultsThe final analysis included data from 142 patients. Content validity analysis led to the exclusion of four reverse-scored items due to low item–total correlation. Structural validity analysis favored a three-factor structure: somatic focus, activity avoidance, and avoidance belief. Construct validity analysis confirmed 9 of 11 a priori hypotheses. Both the 17-item and 13-item versions of the SC-TSK had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.74 and 0.82, all values, respectively) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86, 0.90). ConclusionTSK was adapted successfully into an SC version with excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability and with acceptable construct validity. A 13-item, three-factored SC-TSK structure was deemed to be a good fit for Chinese patients and appropriate for clinical and research use in mainland China.

Measurement Properties of the Spinal Function Sort in Patients with Sub-acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders.

Purpose To extensively analyze the measurement properties the Spinal Function Sort (SFS) in patients with sub-acute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Methods Three-hundred-two patients with WAD were recruited from an outpatient work rehabilitation center. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s α. Construct validity was tested based on eight a priori hypotheses. Structural validity was measured with principal component analysis (PCA). Test–retest reliability and agreement was evaluated in a sub sample (n = 32) using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement (LoA). The predictive validity of SFS for future work status at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up was determined by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics. Non-return to work (N-RTW) was defined with two cut-off points: workcapacity <50 and <100 %. Results N-RTW decreased from 50 %, 1 month follow-up, to 14 %, 12 months follow-up. Cronbach’s α was 0.98, PCA revealed evidence for unidimensionality. ICC was 0.86, LoA was ±33 points. Seven out of eight hypotheses for construct validity were not rejected. AUC reduced with a longer follow-up from 0.71 for 1 month to 0.61 at 12 months, for cut-off point <50 %. For cut-off point <100 % these values were 0.71 and 0.59. Conclusion In patients with sub-acute WAD test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct- and structural validity of the SFS were adequate. LoA were substantial. Sensitivity to accurately predict N-RTW was poor. The predictive validity of the SFS for N-RTW of patients with sub-acute WAD from an outpatient work rehabilitation setting was only sufficient for the short term (1 month).

Cross-cultural translation and validation of the Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with total knee replacement

Purpose: Aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the developed Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. Methods: Psychometric properties of the Greek version of KOOS were evaluated according to the Consensus-based Standards Measurements Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Patients’ pre-operative clinical status and post-operative outcomes at two occasions (at discharge and 10–12 days post-operatively) were evaluated using the KOOS, KOS-ADL and SF-12 Health Survey. Results: A comprehensive Greek KOOS was piloted and well accepted by patients and therefore administered to 60 consecutive TKR patients (mean age 72.2 ± 7.2 years, 39 women). Excellent Internal consistency, good test–retest reliability of KOOS and KOOS 5 subdomains, respectively [ICC(2-1) 0.76, 95% CI = 0.235–0.902 and 0.89, 95% CI = 0.843–0.927] was yielded. A priori hypotheses for construct validity were confirmed with KOOS score and subdomains for pain, symptoms and Everyday Living function (ADL) correlating moderately with KOS-ADL. Responsiveness for KOOS subdomains of Pain and Symptoms yielded moderate effect size (ES = 0.4). Conclusion: The Greek KOOS was found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties. It is therefore, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice.Implications for RehabilitationThe Greek version of KOOS is an essential assessment scale to evaluate not only acute injuries but also chronic knee associated conditions in a holistic perspective.The Greek KOOS has been found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice.KOOS Greek version (downloadable at the official site http://www.koos.nu/koosgreek.pdf) was used in the validity study.

A novel clinical approach for assessing hop landing strategies: a 2D telescopic inverted pendulum (TIP) model.

Single leg hop for distance is used to inform rehabilitation and return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, impairment of landing mechanics may persist after the recommended performance parameter (hop distance) has been met; therefore, alternative methods are required. This study follows the COSMIN guideline to investigate the measurement properties of data from a new instrument (2D TIP). This is a simple motion analysis instrument to assess landing strategy based on more complex biomechanical modelling. Data collected in the clinical setting from 30 subjects with chronic ACL deficiency (mean 15.5, SD 4.3 months following injury) before and 6 months after ACL reconstruction and a healthy control group were analysed. Reliability and measurement error were calculated using two repeated measures from three independent raters. Construct validity was assessed by hypothesis testing, and known groups validity and responsiveness were defined by differences between groups. The data demonstrate excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.81-1.00) and intra-rater (ICC = 0.85-1.00) reliability with low measurement error. Of the eight construct validity hypothesis, six were fully and two partially supported. Between-group differences were significant (P < 0.05) supporting the validity and responsiveness hypothesis. 2D TIP is a simple and inexpensive instrument for assessing landing strategy that has demonstrated appropriate reliability, validity and responsiveness in the ACL-injured population. The instrument will now be used to identify altered movement strategies and develop novel rehabilitation interventions that target strategy and performance. Prospective diagnostic study, Level II.

Consumer participation in online product recommendation services: augmenting the technology acceptance model

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the complex role of consumer participation by empirically testing a theoretical model within the online context of consumer using product recommendation agents (RAs) that integrates consumer participation into the technology acceptance model (TAM). Recent research starts questioning whether consumer participation is a double-edged sword, although its positive effects have been widely documented in the services marketing literature. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 243 respondents comprising both genders with varied age groups, education levels, household income and ethnicities. Participants interacted with an existing RA, searching product information for a simulated purchase involving either high or low financial risk. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Structural equations modeling (SEM) were used for assessing construct validity and testing hypotheses, respectively. Findings – Consumer participation was found to positively affect enjoyment but negatively affect perceived ease of use of an RA, which was exacerbated when the purchase was of high financial risk. Predictions based on TAM were all supported in this study. Research limitations/implications – This research evidenced consumer participation’s dual-effect and identified financial risk as a moderator of consumer participation’ negative effect. Future research could employ a different design such as using controlled lab settings and conducting longitudinal studies to replicate the study. Practical implications – Findings from this research provide guidance to RA design regarding the amount of consumer participation, consumer perceptions of RA use (ease of use, usefulness and enjoyment) and financial risk involved in the purchase. Originality/value – This research sheds new light on the role of consumer participation through uncovering its dual-effect, thus complementing the services marketing and RA literature.

Reliability and Validity of the IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC for Patients With Meniscal Injuries

Background: Several patient-reported outcome measurements are used to measure functional outcome after treatment of meniscal injuries. However, for comparison of study results, there is a need for a uniform and standardized approach of measuring functional outcome. Selection of the instrument should be based on the quality of its measurement properties, and only the best instrument can be justified to be used. Purpose: This study aimed to determine and compare the measurement properties of the Dutch-language versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) in a homogeneous group of patients with meniscal tears. Study Design: Cohort study (design); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients on the waiting list for meniscal surgery and patients between 6 weeks and 6 months after meniscal surgery were included (n = 75). Patients were excluded if they received an arthroplasty or had surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), measurement error (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), content validity, construct validity (factor analysis and hypothesis testing), and floor and ceiling effects were determined. Results: Results for the IKDC, KOOS dimensions, and WOMAC dimensions, respectively, were as follows: Cronbach alpha = .90, .72-.95, and .84-.95; ICC = 0.93, 0.84-0.89, and 0.77-0.89; SEM = 5.3, 7.0-12.6, and 7.3-12.2; SDD = 14.6, 19.4-35.0, and 20.2-33.9; hypotheses testing confirmation = 100%, 86%, and 85%. Floor effects within the SDD from the minimum score were found for the KOOS Sports/Recreation and Quality of Life dimensions. Ceiling effects within the SDD from the maximum score were found for the KOOS Activities of Daily Living and for all WOMAC dimensions. Conclusion: The IKDC showed the best performance on all measurement properties, implying that the IKDC, rather than the KOOS or WOMAC, should be used to assess functional outcome in patients with meniscal tears.

Measurement properties of the Client-centered Care Questionnaire (CCCQ): factor structure, reliability and validity of a questionnaire to assess self-reported client-centeredness of home care services in a population of frail, older people

The increasing and specific use of home care services by frail, older people asks for the evaluation of the client-centeredness of these services. To our knowledge, no instrument that measures client-centeredness of home care from this group's unique perspective exists. We therefore tested the factor structure, reliability, content validity and acceptability of the Client-centered Care Questionnaire (CCCQ), an existing instrument developed for general home care users, in a population of frail, older people in the Netherlands. We used data from a 2-year clinical trial. frail, older people who received home care. Data were collected at baseline (n=600) and 24-month measurements (n=389); retest data (n=67) were collected 7-14days after the 24-month measurements. We performed confirmatory factor analysis, investigated reliability and validity parameters and assessed acceptability. The factor analysis yielded a bifactor model with essential unidimensionality. Internal consistency was high (omega total .88). We found a test-retest reliability of total test scores of .81; the standard error of measurement was 2.61 (total score range 15-75) and the limits of agreement were -7.03 and 7.86. We rejected three out of four hypotheses for construct validity. The CCCQ is sufficiently unidimensional to permit the use of total test scores. We found acceptable reliability values, but considered our results on construct validity inconclusive. Respondents found the CCCQ questions challenging to answer, which is indicative of a high degree of respondent burden. Future instruments that measure client-centeredness of home care from the frail, older client's perspective should therefore be tailored to the specific circumstances of this population.

Measurement properties of performance-based outcome measures to assess physical function in young and middle-aged people known to be at high risk of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

To systematically appraise the evidence on measurement properties of performance-based outcome measures to assess physical function in young and middle-aged people known to be at high risk of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Electronic searches were performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus in May 2013. Two reviewers independently rated the measurement properties using the 4-point COSMIN checklist. Best evidence synthesis was made using COSMIN quality, consistency and direction of findings and sample size. Twenty of 2736 papers were eligible for inclusion and 24 different performance-based outcome measures knee or obese populations were evaluated. No tests related to hip populations were included. Twenty-five measurement properties including reliability (nine studies), construct validity (hypothesis testing) (nine studies), measurement error (three studies), structural validity (two studies), interpretability (one study) and responsiveness (one study) were evaluated. A positive rating was given to 12.5% (30/240) of all possible measurement ratings. Tests were grouped into two categories based on the population characteristics. The one-legged hop for distance, followed by the 6-mtimed hop and cross over hop for distance were the best-rated tests for the knee-injured population. Whereas the 6-min walk test was the only included test for the obese population. This review highlights the many gaps in knowledge about the measurement properties of performance-based outcome measures for young and middle-aged people known to be at high risk of hip and/or knee OA. There is a need for consensus on which outcome measures should be used and/or combined when assessing physical function in this population. Further good quality research is required.

Social participation in older adults with joint pain and comorbidity; testing the measurement properties of the Dutch Keele Assessment of Participation

ObjectiveThe Keele Assessment of Participation (KAP) questionnaire measures person-perceived participation in 11 aspects of life. Participation allows fulfilment of valued life activities and social roles, which are important to older...

Construct validity of functional capacity tests in healthy workers.

BackgroundFunctional Capacity (FC) is a multidimensional construct within the activity domain of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF). Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are assessments of work-related FC. The extent to which these work-related FC tests are associated to bio-, psycho-, or social factors is unknown. The aims of this study were to test relationships between FC tests and other ICF factors in a sample of healthy workers, and to determine the amount of statistical variance in FC tests that can be explained by these factors.MethodsA cross sectional study. The sample was comprised of 403 healthy workers who completed material handling FC tests (lifting low, overhead lifting, and carrying) and static work FC tests (overhead working and standing forward bend). The explainable variables were; six muscle strength tests; aerobic capacity test; and questionnaires regarding personal factors (age, gender, body height, body weight, and education), psychological factors (mental health, vitality, and general health perceptions), and social factors (perception of work, physical workloads, sport-, leisure time-, and work-index). A priori construct validity hypotheses were formulated and analyzed by means of correlation coefficients and regression analyses.ResultsModerate correlations were detected between material handling FC tests and muscle strength, gender, body weight, and body height. As for static work FC tests; overhead working correlated fair with aerobic capacity and handgrip strength, and low with the sport-index and perception of work. For standing forward bend FC test, all hypotheses were rejected. The regression model revealed that 61% to 62% of material handling FC tests were explained by physical factors. Five to 15% of static work FC tests were explained by physical and social factors.ConclusionsThe current study revealed that, in a sample of healthy workers, material handling FC tests were related to physical factors but not to the psychosocial factors measured in this study. The construct of static work FC tests remained largely unexplained.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Cushing’s Quality-of-Life Questionnaire

Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare disorder of chronic hypercortisolism due to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary corticotroph adenoma. Because hypercortisolism symptoms are wide ranging, it is important to assess a variety of outcomes including both clinical factors, such as cortisol levels, and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), to better understand the severity and impact of CD on patients and the potential efficacy of CD treatment. Pasireotide, a somatostatin analog that targets somatostatin receptors on the pituitary adenoma, is under development as a treatment for CD. A phase III clinical trial was conducted to investigate its safety and efficacy in patients with CD. In this trial, HR-QOL was assessed with the Cushing's Quality-of-Life (CushingQOL) questionnaire, specifically developed and validated in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Reliability, validity, the ability to detect change, and a minimal important difference (MID) were evaluated for the CushingQOL questionnaire using data from patients diagnosed with CD who participated in the phase III clinical trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of different doses of pasireotide. Adult patients (n=162) with CD participated in a randomized, double-blind, multinational, phase III clinical trial. Patients received subcutaneous pasireotide (600μg or 900μg) twice daily for 3months (double blind). After 3months, some patients were unblinded based on their mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) levels and were given the chance to increase their dosage, while the other patients remained blinded. At month 6, an open-label 6-month period began. The CushingQOL questionnaire was self-administered four times (baseline [n=160], and at months 3 [n=134], 6 [n=113], and 12 [n=76]). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. Reliability estimates were calculated for internal consistency (coefficient alpha) and test retest (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) for patients with stable hypercortisolism at month 3 and month 6. Construct validity hypotheses (correlations), mean differences in known groups (ANOVAs), and responsiveness effect sizes (Guyatt's) were estimated based on measures of cortisol, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, weight, facial rubor (redness), striae (stretch marks), bruising, supraclavicular fat pad, dorsal fat pad, and results of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). The half-standard deviation distribution method was used to estimate MID. CFA loadings supported a one-factor solution for the CushingQOL questionnaire items. Internal consistency reliability (0.87-0.88) and ICCs (0.87) were high. Construct validity hypotheses were in the anticipated direction. Changes in CushingQOL scores were moderately correlated with changes in mUFC levels, in BMI, and in weight. Mean scores for minimally depressed patients were significantly higher (indicating better HR-QOL) than for severely depressed patients. Moderate Guyatt's responsiveness effect sizes were observed for patients who achieved reductions in weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Using the half-standard deviation method, an estimate of the MID was computed as 10.1. This study provided evidence within the context of a longitudinal design that the CushingQOL questionnaire is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for the assessment of HR-QOL in adults with CD in accordance with recommendations set forth by regulatory agencies in the USA and Europe.

Validation of the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) for Patients with a Degenerative Meniscal Tear

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is the most common orthopaedic procedure and is often carried out to treat a degenerative meniscal lesion. The purpose of the present study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET) for patients with an arthroscopically verified degenerative meniscal tear. Four hundred and eighty-five patients with an arthroscopically verified degenerative meniscal tear were included. Two groups of patients were formed: one consisted of 385 patients for the purpose of psychometric testing of the WOMET and the other consisted of 100 patients for the assessment of criterion validity. The reliability of the WOMET questionnaire was assessed by determining both internal consistency and test-retest repeatability; for the latter, a subgroup of forty patients completed the form two weeks preoperatively and again on the day of the operation. Validity assessment included determination of content validity (floor and ceiling effects), criterion validity (completion of the WOMET, the Lysholm knee score, and a generic quality-of-life questionnaire by a group of 100 patients), and construct validity (hypothesis testing). Finally, the responsiveness of the WOMET was determined with two successive assessments (on the day of surgery and six months postoperatively). The WOMET showed acceptable internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, criterion validity (agreement with both Lysholm and 15-D scores), and construct validity (all hypotheses were significant). The WOMET was also found to be responsive to change. The WOMET score demonstrated acceptable psychometric performance as a patient-administered outcome measure for patients with an arthroscopically verified degenerative meniscal tear.

IT 전문직 근로자의 교육훈련 적정성과 조직몰입간의 관계에 대한 연구: 조직신뢰와 인재우대의 조절효과

고도의 전문적 지식, 기술, 능력을 갖춘 전문직 근로자들은 기업의 지속적 경쟁우위의 원천으로, 이들에 대한 조직 내 육성은 기업들의 중요한 과제로 인식되고 있다. 본 연구는 전문직 근로자들에게 주어지는 교육훈련의 조직몰입 효과를 일차적으로 검증하며, 이들 관계를 보다 정적으로 강화시킬 수 있는 요인으로 조직신뢰와 핵심인재우대를 조절변수로서 분석하였다. 본 연구는 직업능력개발원의 인적자본 기업패널자료 3차년도 데이터(2009년) 중 IT 및 소프트웨어 분야의 전문직이 응답한 설문자료만을 분석대상으로 삼았으며, 그 결과 교육훈련의 적정성이 조직몰입에 미치는 영향에 대해서는 긍정적인 영향이 있는 것으로 파악되었으며, 두 가지 조절변수 검증에 있어서는 인재우대에 대한 변수에서는 긍정의 강한 조절효과를 보였으나, 조직신뢰에 대해서는 조절효과가 검증되지 않아 기각되었다. 이상의 연구결과를 바탕으로 연구의 논의와 시사점을 제시하였다. The professional workers with a sophisticated knowledge, skill and ability are core human resources to sustain firm's competitiveness. It is very crucial to provide professional workers with an appropriate education and training to get them have organizational commitment. Thus, this study examines the relationship between appropriateness of education/training for IT professionals and organizational commitment, and explores the moderating effects that top talent management and trust have on the association between appropriateness of education/training (AET) and organizational commitment (OC). The 379 responses from firm panel survey of human capitals, which was conducted by KRIVET on 2009, were used to assess construct validity and research hypotheses. The findings show that appropriateness of education/training has a positive impact on organizational commitment. It is also found that respecting top talent has a moderating effect on the AET-OC relationship whereas trust doesn't moderate the AET-OC relationship.

Developing and Testing a Measure of Social Support With Mexican-Origin Pregnant Adolescents and Their Mother Figures

The current study describes the development and psychometric testing of the Global Support From Mother Figure During Pregnancy Scale (GSMF-P). The measure is developed in both Spanish and English to assess social support provided to adolescents during their pregnancies. The current study examines the reliability, cross-language equivalence, and validity of the scale with a sample of 207 pregnant, Mexican-origin adolescents ( M age = 16.2, SD = 0.98) and their mother figures ( M age = 40.9, SD = 7.01). The scale demonstrates strong internal consistency across reporters and language versions. Furthermore, findings provide support for the measurement equivalence of the English and Spanish versions. Finally, all construct validity hypotheses are supported, providing initial evidence that the GSMF-P appears to be assessing the construct of mother figure social support from both adolescents’ and mother figures’ perspectives.

The relationship between market orientation, brand orientation and perceived benefits in the non-profit sector: a customer-perceived paradigm

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ‘market orientation’, ‘brand orientation’ and ‘perceived benefits’ in the non-profit sector from the perspective of the customers. Data were collected from a number of church organizations in Australia using a self-administered questionnaire. The tests for construct reliability, validity and research hypotheses were conducted using structural equation modelling. Findings reveal that ‘market orientation’ is significantly associated with both ‘perceived brand orientation’ and ‘perceived benefits’. An alternative model also reveals significant relationship between ‘brand orientation’ and ‘perceived benefits’ through ‘market orientation’ as the mediating variable. The study contributes to the body of literature and provides practical implications for non-profit managers and church leaders alike. An organization that endeavours to build a strong brand and deliver relevant benefits to its members should ensure that it has sufficient understanding of its members and utilizes the various resources of the organization to deliver superior values to its existing and prospective members.

Validation and Comparison of EuroQol and Short Form 6D in Chronic Prostatitis Patients

Objective Generic, preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments is increasingly used in health-care decision-making process. However, to our knowledge, no such HRQoL instrument has been validated or used in chronic prostatitis. We therefore aimed to assess and compare the psychometric properties of EuroQol (EQ-5D) and Short Form 6D (SF-6D) among chronic prostatitis patients in China. Methods Consenting patients were interviewed using EQ-5D and SF-6D. Convergent and discriminative construct validities were examined with five and two a priori hypotheses, respectively. Sensitivity was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and relative efficiency (RE) statistics. Agreement between instruments was assessed with intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plot, while factors affecting utility difference were explored with multiple liner regression models. Results In 268 subjects, mean (SD) EQ-5D and SF-6D utility scores were comparable at 0.73 (0.15) and 0.75 (0.10), respectively. Five of the seven hypotheses for construct validity were fulfilled in both instruments. The areas under ROC of them all exceeded 0.5 ( P < 0.001). SF-6D had 9.7–19.9% higher efficiency than EQ-5D at detecting the difference in chronic prostatitis symptom severity. Despite no significant difference in utility scores between two instruments, lack of agreement was observed with low intraclass correlation coefficient (0.218–0.630) and Bland–Altman plot analysis. Chronic prostatitis symptom severity significantly ( P < 0.05) influenced differences in utility scores between EQ-5D and SF-6D. Conclusions Both EQ-5D and SF-6D are demonstrated to be valid and sensitive HRQoL measures in Chinese chronic prostatitis patients, with SF-6D showing better HRQoL dimension coverage, greater sensitivity, lower ceiling effect, and more rational distribution. Further research is needed to determine longitudinal response and reliability.

Reliability and Validity of the Thai “Global Person Generated Index”, an Individualised Measure of Quality of Life

The “Global Person Generated Index” (GPGI) is an individualised measure of global quality of life (QoL). Individualised measures have been used within a health context, however until recently have been rarely used to explore global QoL. This paper establishes the GPGI’s validity and reliability in Thailand. Data were collected from participants in two sites in Northeast Thailand. Participants completed the Thai GPGI, the “Satisfaction with Life Scale”(SWLS), a modified “Positive and Negative Affect Scale” (PANAS) and provided demographic data. 81 participants provided data at T1. 70 participants completed data for test-retest (two week interval) reliability comparisons. Test-retest reliability correlation was 0.678 (p < 0.001) for participants reporting no change in QoL. GPGI correlated moderately with SWLS (0.381, p < 0.01) and PANAS scales (0.291 and −0.378, both p < 0.01), indicating validity. GPGI scores were related to health and correlated to a moderate degree with income (0.379, p < 0.05). GPGI scores did not show the expected differences in scores based on gender, although this may be owing to cultural issues. Areas nominated as important to QoL included family, money, house, health and employment, which mirrors items on other QoL scales and previous work with individualised measures. The Thai GPGI is reliable for group comparisons and valid. The difficulties of designing cross-cultural construct validity hypotheses are acknowledged. Areas nominated as important to QoL were diverse and largely asset based. The GPGI is recommended for use to explore global QoL and potentially useful for needs assessment and exploration of response shift.

Cultural adaptation and validation of a questionnaire for use in hepatitis B patients

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important aspect of the overall management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The major challenge is to find a valid and reliable disease-specific HRQoL instrument designed specifically for measuring health status in hepatitis B patient. Consequently, this study was undertaken to adapt culturally the Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQ) and assess its suitability for use in English-speaking hepatitis B virus-infected (HBV) patients in Singapore. Two patient focus groups were conducted to facilitate the cultural adaptation of the HQLQ. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients. Item-to-scale correlation was assessed using Spearman's rank correlations (rho) between scale scores and their constituent items. Convergent and divergent construct validities were tested in three and two a priori hypotheses, respectively, and the correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rho). The culturally adapted questionnaire was tested in 298 HBV patients. The test-retest reliability was supported with 10 of the 12 scales showing acceptable correlation coefficients (i.e. alpha>0.7). Item-to-scale correlations were good with most items highly correlated with their hypothesized scales. Convergent and divergent construct validities were supported by the presence of hypothesized correlations between the HQLQ and the EQ-5D domains (eight of 10 sub-hypotheses for convergent construct validity and all hypotheses for divergent construct validity were fulfilled). In conclusion, our results showed that the culturally adapted HQLQ has good validity and reliability, making it a potentially useful outcome measure in the evaluation of HBV patients in Singapore.