Internal Consistency Criterion Research Articles

Turkish day-to-day impact of vaginal aging questionnaire: reliability, validity and relationship with pelvic floor distress.

We aimed to translate the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) Questionnaire into Turkish, adapt it culturally, and investigate its reliability and validity. Another aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the impacts of vaginal symptoms and pelvic floor symptoms on quality of life (QoL). We hypothesized primarily that the the Turkish DIVA had good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct and criterion validity. Our secondary hypothesis was that the effects of vaginal symptoms and pelvic floor symptoms on QoL would be positively related. A total of 218 postmenopausal women were included. In the reliability analyses, Cronbach α coefficients, item-total correlation coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used. Construct validity was investigated with explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses. Criterion validity and the relationship between the effects of vaginal symptoms and pelvic floor symptoms were examined by Pearson correlation analysis. While the Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged between 0.87 and 0.96, the item-total score correlation coefficients were 0.60-0.91. ICCs ranged from 0.90 to 0.99. It was found with confirmatory factor analysis that the model fit the data. Moderate-strong correlations (r = 0.47-0.73) were observed between DIVA scores and the scores of other scales (p < 0.001). The Turkish DIVA is a reliable and valid tool that comprehensively evaluates the impact of vaginal symptoms on women's QoL. The positive relationship between the impacts of vaginal and pelvic floor symptoms on functionality and well-being of women suggests a holistic view in pelvic health care.

Validation of the Rowlands Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) to detect major neurocognitive disorder among elderly people in Ethiopia, 2020

BackgroundThe Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is currently widely used for research and clinical purposes in many countries. However, its applicability and validity have not been evaluated in the Ethiopian context so far. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the reliability and validity of Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale to detect major neurocognitive disorder among older people in Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected older people residing in Macedonia institutional care center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The gold standard diagnosis was determined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for major neurocognitive disorders. Stata v16 statistical software was used for data analysis. Receivers operating curve analysis, correlations, linear regression, and independent t-test were performed with statistically significant associations declared at a p-value of <0.05. Inter-rater, internal consistency reliabilities, content, criterion and construct validities were also determined.ResultsA total of 116 individuals participated in the study with a 100% response rate. Most (52.7%) of the participants were male and the mean age in years was 69.9± 8. The Cronbach’s alpha for RUDAS was 0.7 with an intra-class correlation coefficient value of 0.9. RUDAS has an area under the receivers operating curve of 0.87 with an optimal cutoff value of ≤ 22. At this cutoff point, RUDAS has sensitivity and specificity of 92.3 and 75.3 with positive and negative likelihood ratios as well as positive and negative predictive values of 3.7, 0.1, 65.5%, and 91.5%, respectively. There has also been a significant difference in the mean scores of RUDAS among the two diagnostic groups showing good construct validity.ConclusionThe Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale has been demonstrated to be a valid and reliable tool to detect major neurocognitive disorder. Policy makers and professionals can incorporate the tool in clinical and research practices in developing countries.

Adaptation of the collective effectiveness questionnaire in sports for Russian sports teams

In the literature of recent years on the psychology of sports, there is a shortage of data on the psychological prerequisites for the effectiveness of sports teams. In Russian psychology, research in this area is constrained by the lack of diagnostic tools necessary for them. This article presents the results of adaptation and preliminary testing of the Collective Effectiveness Questionnaire for Sports – Collective Efficiency Questionnaire for Sports (hereinafter - CEQS). Preference was given to (CEQS) Short, Sullivan, Feltz (2005). The main difference between CEQS and other collective performance questionnaires is that CEQS is adapted to the functioning of team sports in general and, therefore, can be used in all sports. The appearance of any new well-tested diagnostic methodology for compliance with psychometric criteria will contribute not only to improving the effectiveness of psychological research, but also to obtaining more reliable data. Goal: Conducting the first stage of adaptation of the methodology of the «Collective Efficiency Questionnaire for Sports» («Collective Efficiency Questionnaire for Sports»). The abbreviated name of the CEQS methodology. Research methods. The first stage of adaptation of the methodology consisted in checking the reliability of its Russian version according to the criterion of internal consistency, which was carried out by determining the Kronbach coefficient, as well as determining the correlation coefficients between the values of the scores on the questionnaire items. related to a certain indicator with a total score for this indicator. The study involved 140 athletes-representatives of team sports of qualification from the 3rd junior category to the MSMC. The questionnaire was translated from English into Russian. CEQS consists of 20 points divided into 5 scales, athletes expressed their opinion using a 10-point Likert-type scale with scores from 1 to 10. The results of the study. The obtained values indicate the internal consistency of the Russian version of CEQS. The application of the methodology for assessing the collective effectiveness of various sports teams has shown that it allows us to assess the differences in the ratio of indicators of collective effectiveness in individual teams.

Systematic Literature Review on Self-Assessment Inventory for Quality Teaching among Islamic Education Teachers

The impact of teaching behavior towards teaching quality and self-assessment has become an emerging drift in education, providing an option for teachers’ development. However, studies on teaching behavior and self-assessment are still scarce, despite their importance in improving education. Thus, this review thoroughly identifies the aspects of teaching behavior and teaching quality, as well as the instruments of self-assessment in the teaching profession. Initially, 116 articles published on Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus between 2017 to 2021 were identified, and 10 out of 116 articles were retained for review, based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria. The criteria include the significant findings listed the aspects of teaching behavior and teaching quality. Second, the approaches of self-assessment are emphasized in teaching. Third, the reliability of the instruments used for self-assessment mostly achieved the internal consistency criteria. These three criteria imply the importance of self-assessment for quality teaching and teacher development. In general, this review could help teachers cultivate quality teaching behavior and perform reflective practice for their personal development.

Validation of the Chinese Version of Relaxation Sensitivity Index: A Tool for Predicting Treatment Effect in Mindfulness Interventions.

Background: The Relaxation Sensitivity Index (RSI) measures relaxation-related fears developed and validated in western samples. The RSI captures three facets of fear regarding relaxation: physical, cognitive, and social concerns. This study aimed to translate and identify the factor structure of the Chinese version of the RSI.Methods: In a preliminary study, 26 items were generated mainly by translation and modified from the original RSI. In Study 1, factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis were conducted on separated half samples of 597 Chinese college students. In Study 2, test-retest reliability, convergent, and predictive criterion validity were examined based on 465 Chinese college students.Results: Fourteen items were selected based on the factor loading and item prevalence in the preliminary study. Factor analysis based on Study 1 identified three factors: Social appealing, Social performance, and Physical concerns. In general, the RSI demonstrated good internal consistency (αs = 0.750–0.860), convergent validity and predictive criterion validity, while the test-retest reliability is relatively low (rs = 0.525–0.685). Notably, less related to the other two factors, Social performance concerns may be a unique factor solely predicting social anxiety (p <0.001), but not relaxation-induced anxiety (p = 0.442).Conclusion: The Chinese version of the RSI possesses a factor structure different from the western population. The robustness of factor structure and test-retest reliability was not as good as expected. Further research is warranted to explore the validity of the RSI in Chinese samples.

Ok Google: Using virtual assistants for data collection in psychological and behavioral research

Because of the increasing popularity of voice-controlled virtual assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, they should be considered a new medium for psychological and behavioral research. We developed Survey Mate, an extension of Google Assistant, and conducted two studies to analyze the reliability and validity of data collected through this medium. In the first study, we assessed validated procrastination and shyness scales as well as social desirability indicators for both the virtual assistant and an online questionnaire. The results revealed comparable internal consistency and construct and criterion validity. In the second study, five social psychological experiments, which have been successfully replicated by the Many Labs projects, were successfully reproduced using a virtual assistant for data collection. Comparable effects were observed for users of both smartphones and smart speakers. Our findings point to the applicability of virtual assistants in data collection independent of the device used. While we identify some limitations, including data privacy concerns and a tendency toward more socially desirable responses, we found that virtual assistants could allow the recruitment of participants who are hard to reach with established data collection techniques, such as people with visual impairment, dyslexia, or lower education. This new medium could also be suitable for recruiting samples from non-Western countries because of its wide availability and easily adaptable language settings. It could also support an increase in the generalizability of theories in the future.

Chinese version of the Precursors to Boredom Scales: Evaluation and psychometric properties

We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Chinese Precursors to Boredom Scales (C-PBS) with a sample of Chinese college students. The results show that the C-PBS had acceptable internal consistency reliability and criterion validity, and that the eight-factor model fit the data well. We also investigated the characteristics of precursors to boredom in Chinese college students. Apart from one factor (being underchallenged), all precursors were significantly and negatively correlated with students' self-efficacy for self-regulated learning, and with academic achievement. It is notable that low-income (vs. high-income) students who were bored during mathematics classes felt less monotomy, lack of meaning, and oppurtunity costs. The C-PBS is, thus, a relevant instrument for the investigation of precursors to boredom in Chinese college students.

The revised suicide crisis inventory (SCI-2): Validation and assessment of prospective suicidal outcomes at one month follow-up

Background and AimThe Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS) is an evidence-based pre-suicidal cognitive and affective state predictive of short-term suicide risk. The most recent SCS formulation, proposed as a suicide-specific DSM diagnosis, features a feeling of Entrapment accompanied by four additional symptom clusters: Affective Disturbance; Loss of Cognitive Control; Hyperarousal; and Social Withdrawal. The aim of the present study was to revise the Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI; Barzilay et al., 2020), a self-report measure assessing the presence of the SCS,in accordance with the current SCS formulation, as well as to assess the psychometric properties and clinical utility of its revised version, the Suicide Crisis Inventory—2 (SCI-2). MethodsThe SCI-2, a 61-item self-report questionnaire, was administered to 421 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients at baseline. Prospective suicidal outcomes including suicidal ideation, preparatory acts, and suicidal attempts were assessed after one month. Internal structure and consistency were assessed with confirmatory factor analysis, convergent, discriminant, and current criterion validity. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves with Area under the Curve (AUC) were used to examine the predictive validity of the SCI-2 to prospective outcomes. Exploratory analyses assessed the predictive validity of the five SCI-2 dimensions. ResultsThe SCI-2 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.971), good convergent, discriminant, and current criterion validity. The SCI-2 significantly predicted all three outcomes, and was the only significant predictor of suicidal attempts with AUC = 0.883. DiscussionThe results of this study indicate that the SCI-2 is a valid and reliable tool to assess the presence and intensity of the Suicide Crisis Syndrome and to predict short-term prospective suicidal behaviors and attempts among psychiatric outpatients and inpatients regardless of patients’ readiness to disclose suicidal ideation.

Arabic validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the 5C scale for assessment of COVID-19 vaccines psychological antecedents.

In the Arab countries, there has not been yet a specific validated Arabic questionnaire that can assess the psychological antecedents of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population. This study, therefore, aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the 5C scale into the Arabic language. The 5C scale was translated into Arabic by two independent bilingual co-authors, and then translated back into English. After reconciling translation disparities, the final Arabic questionnaire was disseminated into four randomly selected Arabic countries (Egypt, Libya, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia). Data from 350 Arabic speaking adults (aged ≥18 years) were included in the final analysis. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was determined by concurrent, convergent, discriminant, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Age of participants ranged between 18 to 73 years; 57.14% were females, 37.43% from Egypt, 36.86%, from UAE, 30% were healthcare workers, and 42.8% had the intention to get COVID-19 vaccines. The 5 sub-scales of the questionnaire met the criterion of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.7). The predictors of intention to get COVID-19 vaccines (concurrent validity) were young age and the 5C sub-scales. Convergent validity was identified by the significant inter-item and item-mean score of the sub-scale correlation (P<0.001). Discriminant validity was reported as inter-factor correlation matrix (<0.7). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy measure was 0.80 and Bartlett's sphericity test was highly significant (P<0.001). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the 15 items of the questionnaire could be summarized into five factors. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the hypothesized five-factor model of the 15-item questionnaire was satisfied with adequate psychometric properties and fit with observed data (RMSEA = 0.060, GFI = 0.924, CFI = 0.957, TLI = 0.937, SRMR = 0.076 & NFI = 906). The Arabic version of the 5C scale is a valid and reliable tool to assess the psychological antecedents of COVID-19 vaccine among Arab population.

Psychometric Properties of the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F) at the Emerging Adulthood

Perpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F) in students.MethodologyIn a descriptive-correlation and validation study, 216 and 226 graduate students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad selected through multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using the Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Ryan & Connell, 1989), Basic Need Satisfaction in Relationships (LaGuardia, et all, 2002) and Subjective Vitality Scale-State level Version (Ryan & Frederick, 1997). Internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and criterion validity were analyzed.FindingsThe results showed that the scale had four-factor structure with the variance explained 67.20%. The confirmatory factor analysis was confirmed. The scale had good construction reliability. The criterion validity confirmed in relation to basic need satisfaction in relationships and subjective vitality in friendship (P≤0.01).ConclusionThe Friendship Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-F) had good internal consistency as well as exploratory and confirmatory validity in students. This questionnaire can be used as a valid instrument in future studies.

Autistic traits in Indian general population and patient group samples: distribution, factor structure, reliability and validity of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient

PurposeThe Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a widely used tool to quantify autistic traits in the general population. This study aims to report the distribution, group differences and factor structure of autistic traits in Indian general population. The work also assesses the criterion validity of AQ across three patient group samples – autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, psychometric properties of the adapted AQ were assessed among 450 neurotypical university students matched for age. Confirmatory factor analysis was done to see if the adapted AQ fits the original factor structure. Test–retest, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity were found out. Group differences (gender and field of study) in AQ were also assessed.FindingsAutistic traits were found to be continuously distributed in the population, and patterns of group differences were consistent with previous studies. The adapted AQ had five factors resembling the original factor structure with a good fit, and 38 items instead of the original 50 items. Acceptable reliability coefficients were demonstrated along with criterion validity across clinical groups.Originality/valueThis work is the first to present the pattern of distribution and factor structure of autistic traits among neurotypical adults from Eastern India, a culturally different population, as well as a reliable and valid tool to assess autistic traits in Bengali, a language with 300 million speakers. The findings add to the growing literature on AQ measurement and the concept of autism as a quantitative trait, examined outside of the western samples.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales among elderly residents in long-term care facilities with joint contractures

BackgroundJoint contractures, which affect activity, participation, and quality of life, are common complications of neurological conditions among elderly residents in long-term care facilities. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales in a population with joint contractures.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. The sample included elderly residents older than 64 years with joint contractures in an important joint who had lived at one of 12 long-term care facilities in Taiwan for more than 6 months (N = 243). The Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales for joint contractures was generated from the English version through five stages: translation, review, back-translation, review by a panel of specialists, and a pretest. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were evaluated, and the results were compared with those for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.ResultsThe Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales had excellent reliability, with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.975 (mean score, 28.98; standard deviation, 17.34). An exploratory factor analysis showed three factors and one factor with an eigenvalue > 1 that explained 75.176 and 62.83 % of the total variance in the Activity subscale and Participation subscale, respectively. The subscale-to-total scale correlation analysis showed Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.881 for the Activity subscale and 0.843 for the Participation subscale. Pearson’s product-moment correlation revealed that the correlation coefficient (r) between the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule was 0.770, whereas that for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale was − 0.553; these values were interpreted as large coefficients.ConclusionsThe underlying theoretical model of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales functions well in Taiwan and has acceptable levels of reliability and validity. However, the Chinese version must be further tested for applicability and generalizability in future studies, preferably with a larger sample and in different clinical domains.

Psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index in a sample of family dementia caregivers

Study objectivesFamily caregivers of people with dementia frequently report sleep problems that are linked to depressive and anxious symptoms. However, data are needed regarding the psychometric properties of specific measures of sleep problems in caregiving populations. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI; Morin, 1993) in a Spanish dementia caregiver sample. Methods271 participants took part in face-to face interviews where, along with sociodemographic variables, caregivers' sleep problems, depressive and anxious symptoms were measured. The psychometric properties of the ISI were analysed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and analysis of the internal consistency and convergent and criterion validity. ResultsThe Spanish version of the Insomnia Severity Index showed adequate indices of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78) in our sample of family caregivers of people with dementia. A one-factor structure provided a better fit to the data than two- and three-factor structures. The ISI was significantly associated with lower sleep quality, less average sleep time per day and lower self-perception of vitality, as well as with higher depressive and anxious symptoms. Differences in ISI scores were found between people with and without depressive and anxious symptoms. Statistically significant gender-based differences in sleep problems were also found, with female caregivers showing higher sleep problems. ConclusionsThe ISI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the subjective severity of sleep problems in the family dementia caregiver population and may be a useful instrument in intervention and research settings. Additional evidence was also provided of the importance of considering sleep problems in the studied population.

Psychometric properties of the Illness Attitude Toward COVID-19 Scale (IATCS).

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Illness Attitude Toward COVID‐19 Scale (IATCS). The IATCS was tested on a sample of individuals who were living in Kuwait during the COVID‐19 pandemic (n = 1413). The reliability and validity of the scale were examined to assess the scale's internal consistency reliability, criterion validity, and factorial validity. The results of the study showed alpha values that were satisfactory for the overall scale and for five subscales. The findings support the criterion and factorial validity of the scale. The findings also support the use of the scale in surveys and for educational and trainings purposes.

Factorial Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in Croatian Nurses

Introduction: The role of nurses in healthcare is of great importance for the well-being of patients. Nurses are exposed to daily stress in the workplace due to the lack of staff, irregular working hours, and lack of support from the management. Such conditions greatly affect the emotional and psychological health of nurses. This study aims to explore the factor structure of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) on the Croatian sample of nurses.Methods: A cross-sectional study on the sample of 119 nurses, using the MBI scale to assess burn-out in nurses.Results: The reliability of individual subscales expressed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients showed that all three scales meet the criterion of internal consistency of 0.832. The obtained coefficients of internal consistency are 0.860 for the dimension of emotional exhaustion, 0.809 for the dimension of depersonalization, and 0.791 for the dimension of personal accomplishment.Conclusion: According to this research and comparative research results, we can conclude that MBI 22 can be applied as a valid and reliable burn-out assessment indicator among nursing staff.

Developing instrument to measure entrepreneur skills of vocational school students based on sustainable development

Entrepreneurial activities require a variety of skills. Instruments that measure the entrepreneurial skills of vocational school students are still very limited. This article aims to develop and validate instruments in measuring the entrepreneurial skills of vocational school students based on sustainable development. The research population was vocational school students in Klaten. Stratified cluster random sampling is used for sampling. The research method used is a quantitative method with an explanatory type of study that is directed to analyze and produce an instrument for assessing entrepreneurial skills. The item analysis to determine the criteria of internal consistency used Pearson Product Moment regarding data collected from one hundred and sixty students. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The criteria of internal consistency from each component is relatively high. The lowest average degree is 0.556 in the component view of independence, and the highest average level is 0.605 in the seeing opportunities component. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the reliability test was 0.622 in the learning orientation component as the lowest degree and 0.819 in the result-oriented component as the highest degree. The results revealed that the entrepreneurial skills instrument is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the entrepreneurial skills of vocational school students.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the WHODAS 2.0 for people affected by leprosy

The International Classification of Functioning has an impact on the way clinical information related to functioning are thought and worked on. The use of instruments such as WHODAS 2.0 allows the practical and routine incorporation of an instrument based on the ICF in the health care of people affected by leprosy. For clinical and research purposes, measurement instruments need to be validated based on their psychometric properties. This study aimed to validate the WHODAS 2.0 for use in people affected by leprosy. The instruments used were WHODAS 2.0 version of 36 questions, World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) and Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA). Data were also collected on disability grade and eye–hand–foot score. The psychometric properties evaluated were internal consistency, convergent and divergent construct and criterion validity. Cronbach’s α coefficient ranged from 0.76 to 0.91, revealing good internal consistency. The convergent validity showed a moderate correlation between the total score of WHODAS 2.0 and WHOQOL-bref (rho = −0.67; p &lt; 0.05) and strong correlation between WHODAS 2.0 and SALSA (rho = 0.72; p &lt; 0.05). For related domains, the correlation was moderate to strong. An exception was the weak correlation with the Interpersonal Relations domain. The divergent validity showed weak correlations. The criterion validity showed a significant result between WHODAS 2.0 and disability grade (p = 0.01). The correlation between WHODAS 2.0 and eye–hand–foot score showed a weak but significant correlation (rho = 0.23 p = 0.003). WHODAS 2.0 has valid and reliable psychometric characteristics for use in people affected by leprosy.

A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties of Spirituality related Assessment Tools Published in Korean Journals

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of spirituality-related assessment tools published in Korean journals.Methods: The databases used to search the literature reporting use of the spirituality-related assessment tools were RISS, NDSL, DBpia, KoreaMed, and KISS. The quality of the measurement properties was evaluated based on the reported internal consistency, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, reproducibility, responsiveness, floor-ceiling effects and interpretability based on the tools review criteria suggested by Terwee et al.Results: Twenty-five assessment tools (including 7 original Korean versions) were identified from the 208 Korean studies published up to November, 2016. All of the 25 tools reported internal consistency and content validity; construct validity was reported in 21 tools while only six tools had reported on criterion validity. None of the studies reported on the reproducibility, responsiveness, and floor-ceiling effects. Among 25 spirituality-related assessment tools, the spiritual well-being scale was identified as the most commonly used tool for spirituality assessment.Conclusion: Among 25 spirituality-related assessment tools used in Korean studies, all of them satisfied only three criteria out of the eight criteria for measurement properties, internal consistency, content validity, and interpretability. The results of this study provide evidence to develop reliable and valid tools that will satisfy the criteria for measurement properties. In addition, standardized, reliable, and valid assessment tools must be chosen for spirituality-related study.

Development of a brief screening method for identification of depression in older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives To develop a brief, culturally appropriate screening tool for identifying late life depression (LLD), for use by non-specialist clinicians in primary and out-patient care settings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Background Depressive disorders are a leading contributor to the global health burden. LLD is common and cases will increase as populations’ age, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as those in SSA. A chronic mental health workforce shortage and the absence of culturally adapted LLD screening tools to aid non-specialist clinicians have contributed to a significant diagnostic gap. Design A systematic random sample of older people attending general medical clinics were interviewed using a 30-item LLD questionnaire, developed utilizing a Delphi consensus analysis of items from the Geriatric Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and questions developed from a study of lay conceptualisations of depression in Tanzania. The items were assessed for validity against blinded DSM 5 diagnosis of depression by a research doctor. Factor and item analysis were then used to refine the questionnaire. Results The 12-item Maddison Old-age Scale for Identifying Depression (MOSHI-D) was developed. It has good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.820) and construct and criterion validity (AUROC = 0.880). Conclusions On initial evaluation, the MOSHI-D showed good internal validity. It should be easy for non-specialists to administer. External validation and further refinement will be conducted. A culturally-appropriate LLD screen may improve mental health care integration into existing healthcare settings within SSA and facilitate greater patient access to care, in accordance with current WHO strategy.

FAWCETT ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION MODEL APPLIED TO THE THEORY OF CHRONIC SORROW

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the Theory of Chronic Sorrow, following the model of analysis and evaluation of Nursing theories proposed by Jacqueline Fawcett. Method: a reflective study, developed through the investigation of the Theory of Chronic Sorrow and its application in the nursing practice. The sample consisted of eighteen studies that used the theory as a reference. A Model for Analysis and Evaluation of Nursing Theories was used, which involved, in the first stage, a detailed examination of the referred theory in terms of scope, context and content. In the second stage - evaluation - the criteria of clarity, significance, internal consistency, parsimony, testability, empirical adequacy and pragmatic adequacy were used. Result: This is a mid-range theory that is predictive in relation to the scope. As for the context, it is based on the stress and adaptation model. The content presents well-defined and interrelated concepts. The concepts of meta-paradigm have significance, internal consistency and are operable. It features a usable instrument: The Chronic Sorrow Questionnaire, reliable as a tracking tool to detect the presence of chronic sorrow. The theory is parsimonious, it can be used with chronic diseases and directed to people in the final phase of life and their family caregivers. Conclusion: this study may contribute to indicate the use of the Theory of Chronic Sorrow and support nursing care in promoting effective strategies and, consequently, improve the comfort of patients and their families in coping with chronic sorrow.