Internal Consistency Cronbach's Alpha Research Articles

Investigation of Higher Education Students' Computational Thinking Skill Levels

Computational thinking skill is a skill that has its origins in ancient times but has gained importance today. The competences provided to individuals by computational thinking skills are also of great importance for the education system. Therefore, it is important for students to acquire and develop these skills in order to adapt to the requirements of the modern world. Based on this, in this study, the level of information processing thinking skills of higher education students was examined and the level of this skill was investigated in line with different variables. 'Computational Thinking' scale was used as a data collection tool in the study. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale. 96 was calculated as. Demographic characteristics such as gender, department, class and education level were taken into consideration. Quantitative research method was used in the study. The research was conducted with 298 participants studying in higher education. In the analysis of the data, independent t-test and ANOVA analyses were applied to determine the score differences between the groups. As a result of the study, higher education students were found to have high levels of computational thinking skills. Gender was found to be effective on computational thinking skills. As the level of education increased, it was determined that computational thinking skills increased. It was seen that the education given in different departments had an effect on computational thinking skills. Finally, it was found that there were significant changes in students' computational thinking skills as their grade level increased.

The standard assessment of global everyday activities is a valid and reliable scale to assess both physical and cognitive functionality in Turkish older adults

Aim This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Standard Assessment of Global Everyday Activities (SAGEA) scale in older adults. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional, methodological design. The SAGEA scale was administered twice, with a two-week interval for test-retest reliability. The study examined correlations between the SAGEA and other functional measures including the Activities of Daily Living (BADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results The participants were 307 community-dwelling older adults who underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment at a university hospital. The average age of the participants was 74.93 years. SAGEA scores showed strong correlations with BADL (−.620), IADL (−.802), TUGT (.613), and MMSE (−.784). The Cronbach alpha for internal consistency was .79, and the test-retest reliability was high (r=.99, p<.001). Conclusion The Turkish version of SAGEA (TSAGEA) is a quick, reliable, and validated scale that can be easily used in clinical practice without additional training. It effectively assesses both physical and cognitive functionality in older adults, aiding in early intervention and disability prevention.

Development and Validation of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure of the Impact of Chronic Hand Eczema on Health-Related Quality of Life: the Hand Eczema Impact Scale (HEIS).

Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) is an inflammatory skin disease that causes significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Hand Eczema Impact Scale (HEIS) is a new patient-reported outcome(PRO) measure designed to assess the impact of CHE on key domains of HRQoL. This study aimed to develop and evaluate content and psychometric validity of the HEIS. The HEIS was initially developed on the basis of a literature review and concept elicitation interviews. Qualitative cognitive debriefing interviews (n = 20) were conducted with patients with CHE to assess relevance and understanding of items, response options, and recall period. Psychometric properties (item performance, dimensionality, reliability, validity, responsiveness, and estimation of meaningful change thresholds) were then assessed using data (n = 258) from a phase 2b trial (NCT03683719). Cognitive debriefing confirmed all items were understood and relevant to patients. Inter-item correlations (all > 0.50) and confirmatory factor analysis (factor loadings ≥ 0.80) supported unidimensionality of the HEIS score, and mostly provided support for the HEIS Proximal Daily Activity Limitations (PDAL) score, with only one item loading below the prespecified threshold. Item properties and previous qualitative work supported retaining this item in the total score but removed from the HEIS PDAL domain. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.89) and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient ≥ 0.79) results were very strong. Strong correlations with concurrent measures (0.66-0.87) and significant differences between severity groups (p < 0.001) supported construct validity. Large effect sizes for mean change scores in participants that improved and significant differences between groups indicated ability to detect change. Anchor-based analyses supported within-individual responder definitions of ≥ 1.3 points for improvements in both HEIS score and HEIS PDAL score (covering three items) and of ≥ 1.5 points for HEIS embarrassment with the appearance of hands (Emb) score (covering two items). The 9-item HEIS is the first CHE-specific PROmeasure developed and validated according to regulatory guidance for assessment of the impact of CHE on key domains of HRQoL. This article provides evidence of strong content and psychometric validity and shows improvements of ≥ 1.3 points in HEIS score and HEIS PDAL score, and improvements of ≥ 1.5 points in HEIS Emb score represent clinically meaningful, important changes. NCT03683719.

Turkish adaptation of the fear of cancer scale: validity, measurement invariance and reliability study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Turkish cultural and psychometric properties of the cancer fear scale developed by Feng et al. This methodological study was conducted between January and April 2024 with students from a university in eastern Turkey. Data were collected from two different sample groups (sample 1:350, sample 2:245). Personal information form and cancer fear scale were used. In the adaptation process of the scale, language validity, content validity, construct validity, and reliability were examined. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance and convergent-divergent validity were used to determine construct validity. Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient, test-retest and corrected item-total correlation were used for reliability. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the fear of cancer scale had a two-factor structure with factor loadings between 0.58 and 0.70. As a result of the confirmatory factor analysis performed on the two-factor structure of the fear of cancer scale, it was determined that the model goodness-of-fit indices were acceptable and had an excellent fit. It has been determined that measurement invariance findings across genders support configural, metric and scalar invariance. The Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient of the fear of cancer scale was 0.93, and the corrected item total correlation values were between 0.45 and 0.73. The Turkish version of the fear of cancer scale was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Psychometric Quality of the Work Content Questionnaire Applied to Nursing Staff to Identify Job Stress

Objective: To demonstrate the reliability and construct validity of Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), which measures psychological demands, job control and social support, in nursing personnel. Theoretical Framework: In Mexico, the Federal Labor Law specifies that psychosocial risks must be kept at low or zero levels to prevent work-related stress in nursing staff. Method: The Job Content Questionnaire was applied to a sample of 181 nursing professionals from a population of 200 people. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was examined using the Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient, the construct validity of the questionnaire was identified through the fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis, using the maximum likelihood method. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed [synthesize the main results of the research]. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The Job Content Questionnaire presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha=.80) and construct validity in the sample; the structural equation model presented an adequate fit: GFI=.73, RMSEA=.066, NNFI= .93, CFI=.94, PNFI=.78. These findings affirm that the Job Content Questionnaire is valid and reliable to evaluate psychosocial factors among workers who perform nursing activities in Mexico. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the reliability and validity of the Job Content Questionnaire in nursing in Mexico. Its effectiveness is confirmed to evaluate psychological demands, work control and social support, critical aspects to mitigate stress and improve the quality of work life. The results can influence labor policies and institutional practices, promoting healthier work environments, reducing stress and improving the quality of care in the health sector, which benefits both workers and patients.

Validation of the Short Parallel and Extra-Short Form of the Heidelberg Figural Matrices Test (HeiQ).

Figural matrices tests are frequently used to measure fluid intelligence. The HeiQ-an operation-oriented figural matrices test-was developed to tackle limitations of previous matrices tests, mainly the possibility of excluding distractors based on superficial features instead of actively solving the items. However, allowing for a total administration time of 60 min for the assessment of one construct is not feasible in many study designs. Thus, the goal of this study was to develop three short forms of the existing HeiQ. Two parallel 20-item short forms (the HeiQ-S A and HeiQ-S B) that are comparable in content as well as on a psychometric basis and a 6-item short form (the HeiQ-XS) were generated. All tests showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha ranging from α = 0.82 to α = 0.86) and good criterion-related validity (correlations with high school grade (Abitur) ranging from r = -0.34 to r = -0.38); construct validity (correlations with the global intelligence scores of the Intelligence Structure Test 2000R were between r = 0.58 and r = 0.71). Further, all test versions showed to be Rasch-scalable, implying a uniform underlying ability. Thus, we conclude that all three newly developed short versions are valid tools for assessing fluid intelligence.

Quality-of-life evaluation in hidradenitis suppurativa in Australia: Validation and outcomes of the HiSQOL questionnaire.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease with significant impact upon quality of life. Generic quality-of-life measures suffer from decreased face validity and content validity, leading to the development of disease-specific quality-of-life measures such as the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQOL) outcome measure. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the HiSQOL in the Australian population and evaluate the quality-of-life impact in HS patients in Australia. A total of 301 patients were recruited and consented to be involved in this study. All participants were invited to complete the HiSQOL questionnaire along with basic demographic and disease information, the DLQI and HADS anxiety and depression scale. Participants were then asked to repeat the questionnaires 14 days later to assess test-retest reliability. The mean HiSQOL score was 46.5 out of a possible total score of 76 (SD = 24.2) indicating a very large impact on quality of life. Based upon the published validity bands this corresponds to a very large impact on quality of life. Validation statistics indicated a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.956) with expected levels of convergent validity and excellent test-retest reliability (p = 0.95). Multiple regression analysis indicated individuals with a younger age of onset and positive family history had significantly greater quality-of-life impact as measured by the HiSQOL. The HiSQOL is a valid, reliable measure for assessing the quality-of-life impact of HS. Significant factors influencing quality of life include age of onset and family history. Longitudinal measurements will enable evaluation of the impact of therapy upon QOL in the Australian context.

Psychometric properties of the revised internalized skin bias questionnaire.

The psychological impacts of skin disease are well documented, with patients reporting increased anxiety, depression and poorer quality of life. More recent studies suggest that adverse psychopathology is associated with re-direction of skin-disease-related social stigma towards oneself or internalized skin bias (ISB). To refine the Internalized Skin Bias Questionnaire (ISBQ) to reflect the construct of ISB with additional skin-specific biases as well as to evaluate its psychometric properties in a diverse sample of individuals with various skin conditions. Two-part observational design including consensus-building surveys among a dermatology expert group and a cross-sectional survey among participants with self-reported dermatological conditions to assess instrument psychometric properties. Eligible participants completed an online survey comprised of the revised ISBQ (ISBQ-R), the Questionnaire on Experiences with Skin Diseases-Short Form (QES-SF), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Burns Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Overall, 33 experts participated including 22 (66.7%) dermatologists or dermatology researchers and 11 (33.3%) patients. Except for three items in the first round, all items received high agreement for inclusion from the expert group. The revised survey was completed by 214 participants who identified mostly as female (n = 185; 86.9%), White (n = 182; 85.5%) and non-Hispanic/Latino (n = 200; 93.4%). Adding and modifying new items resulted in an instrument with stronger internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures (QES-SF; ρ = 0.72). The ISBQ-R is a modified instrument with stronger internal consistency and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures. Additionally, the study further expanded upon previous research by exploring a two-factor structure, suggesting that the ISBQ-R could be used as a single- or a dual-factor instrument depending on investigator goals.

Validation and reliability of the Chinese version of the Friendship Scale (FS-C) in family caregivers of people with severe mental illness

Social isolation has been shown to contribute to negative health outcomes. Within a Chinese cultural context where people highly value social relationships, family caregivers of people with severe mental illness are prone to experience social isolation due to demanding caregiving tasks and prevalent social stigma. However, an instrument that could comprehensively measure social isolation in Chinese family caregivers is lacking. The six-item Friendship Scale was designed to measure social isolation but it has not previously been validated for use in the Chinese context. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Friendship Scale – Chinese version (FS-C) in family caregivers of people with severe mental illness (SMI) (N = 200). Confirmatory factor analysis affirmed FS-C's single-factor structure. FS-C demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.74) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.72). Convergent validity was supported by moderate to strong correlations with social networks (r = 0.342, p < 0.01) and loneliness (r = −0.608, p < 0.01). Divergent validity was confirmed by a weak correlation with perceived social stigma (r = −0.190, p < 0.01). FS-C is a reliable and valid tool for assessing social isolation among Chinese family caregivers of people with SMI.

Development and validation of the Thai Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (T-HALT): an evaluation of psychometric properties.

Halitosis appears to have significant impacts on quality of life, necessitating reliable assessment tools. The Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) has been validated in various populations, but not among Thai people. While HALT provides a valuable foundation, there is a need for a culturally adapted and expanded instrument for the Thai context. Consequently, this study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations, incorporating a Thai version of HALT (T-HALT) as a core component. This cross-sectional study involved 200 dental patients at Mahidol University. The original HALT was translated into Thai using forward-backward translation. Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of T-HALT were evaluated through multiple approaches. Content validity was ensured through expert reviews, while face validity was assessed by patient feedback. Reliability was examined via test-retest and internal consistency measures. Criterion and discriminant validity was evaluated by correlating T-HALT scores with self-perceived halitosis and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) measurements, respectively. VSCs were quantified using the OralChroma™ device, which analyzes breath samples collected directly from patients' mouths. Construct validity was assessed through exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), providing insights into the questionnaire's underlying structure. T-HALT demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas = 0.940-0.943) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.886). Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and self-perceived halitosis (r = 0.503, P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was confirmed by the absence of a significant correlation between T-HALT scores and VSC levels (r = 0.071, P = 0.32). EFA revealed a four-factor structure, which was subsequently confirmed by CFA. However, Items 1 and 7 were excluded due to poor standardized factor loadings. T-HALT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing halitosis-related quality of life in Thai populations. It performs well as a unidimensional measure, but its multidimensional application requires modifications. Future research should validate a modified version excluding Items 1 and 7 across diverse Thai populations, potentially enhancing its cultural specificity.

The Immigration‐Related Political Ideology Scale: Development, factor structure, and validity evidence

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to develop and validate the Immigration‐Related Political Ideology Scale (IRPIS), designed to measure diverse political perspectives on immigration among US voters. The IRPIS was developed following a series of focus groups and refined through a systematic item‐generation process involving expert panels. The scale was validated using a two‐step factor analysis with a nationally representative sample of 1292 US voters, divided into exploratory (n = 632) and confirmatory (n = 660) sub‐samples. The exploratory factor analysis identified seven distinct factors: conservative views, welcoming attitudes, world regions, flexibility, assimilationist expectations, multicultural expectations, and undocumented immigrant rights. Confirmatory factor analysis provided an acceptable fit (CFI = .901; RMSEA = .050), and the scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas ranging from .89 to .97). Inter‐factor correlations varied, with strong links observed among welcoming attitudes, flexibility, and multicultural expectations (r’s &gt; .80), confirming a polarization between liberal and conservative stances on immigration. These findings suggest that the IRPIS is the first scale specifically designed to assess immigration‐related political orientations in a polarized US context. This tool has important implications for political strategy and policymaking, especially in the context of rising immigration rates and political polarization.Public Significance StatementThe present study validates the Immigration‐Related Political Ideology Scale (IRPIS) using a nationally representative sample of 1292 US voters. Immigration remains a highly polarizing issue, with deeply entrenched ideological differences influencing policy preferences and public discourse. Exploratory factor analysis identified seven distinct factors and confirmed a clear polarization between liberal and conservative views on immigration. The IRPIS represents a critical tool for research, political strategy, and policymaking.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Central Sensitization Inventory in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a patient-reported screening instrument that can be used to identify and assess central sensitization (CS)/Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS)-related symptoms. The aim was to translate the CSI into Arabic (CSI-Ar) and to subsequently validate its psychometric properties. Cross-sectional. The CSI was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Arabic, and validated following international standardized guidelines. This study included patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (n = 264) and healthy control participants (n = 56). Patients completed the CSI-Ar, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-21), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and 5-level EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Patients completed the CSI-Ar twice to assess test-retest reliability. To evaluate discriminative validity, healthy controls participants completed the CSI-Ar. Statistical analyses were conducted to test the internal consistency, reliability, and structural, construct and discriminant validity of CSI-Ar. The CSI-Ar showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.919) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.874). The CSI-Ar scale had significant correlations (P < 0.001) with all PCS subscales and total score (Spearman's rho = 0.459-0.563, P < 0.001), all DASS-21 subscales and total score (Spearman's rho = 0.599-0.685, P < 0.001), the TSK (Spearman's rho = 0.395, P < 0.001), and the EQ-5D (Spearman's rho = -0.396, P < 0.001). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed a statistically significant difference between the patient group and the healthy control group (P < 0.001), with the healthy controls displaying a lower average CSI-Ar score (12.27 ± 11.50) when compared to the patient group (27.97 ± 16.08). Factor analysis indicated that the CSI-Ar is a unidimensional tool. The CSI-Ar is a reliable and valid screening tool that can be used to assess CS/CSS-related symptoms in Arabic-speaking people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Personal Mastery Scale Among Italian Nurses: Assessing Personal Mastery in the Nursing Profession.

Background and Purpose: Personal mastery is essential in the nursing profession, as it directly impacts the quality of care and the well-being of the nurses themselves. However, there is a lack of psychometrically reliable tools to measure it among nurses. This study evaluates the applicability of the Personal Mastery Scale (PMS) among Italian nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed Italian nurses using self-administered questionnaires, including the PMS. A total of 209 healthcare workers, primarily nurses, from various operational units participated in the study. The majority of respondents (84.2%) were nurses. The gender distribution was predominantly female (83.3%). Results: Statistical analyses, including factor analyses, assessed the scale's reliability and validity. The scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .670) and construct validity. Conclusions: The Italian version of the PMS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing personal mastery among nurses. Understanding personal mastery is crucial for promoting resilience and delivering quality care. Further research should explore its relationship with outcomes and intervention effectiveness.

The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale has a Good Test-Retest Reliability in Well-Trained Athletes With and Without Previously Self-Identified Gastrointestinal Complaints.

Athletes often report gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. Standardized validated tests validated in athletes are lacking. The objective of the current study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS), a disease-specific instrument of 15 items to quantify the severity of various GI symptoms. For this purpose, a 3-week repeated measurements design was used. The mean difference (Wilcoxon signed rank test), associations (Spearman correlations), and systematic difference using Bland-Altman calculations for repeated measurements, as well as its internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) on testing day 1 and day 2 were analyzed, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. A total of n = 70 well-trained athletes (26.1 ± 5.4years, of which 40% were female) were included. A high Cronbach's α for GSRS was found on testing day 1 (0.825), and day 2 (0.823), suggesting a good and comparable internal consistency of the questionnaire. When assessing the multilevel temporal stability for total GSRS scores (28.0, IQR 22.0-36.3 vs 26.5, IQR 18.0-35.0), there was a small but significant difference (Z = - 2.489, and p = 0.013), but a fair correlation between day scores (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), and a Bland-Altman reporting difference between questionnaires within 10% of the total GSRS score, without significant reporting bias (p = 0.38). In most cases, except for hunger, burping, and loose stools, the individual GSRS items were reported in line with total scores and similar for sex. In conclusion, the GSRS is reliable when used with athletes, with good internal consistency for most symptoms independently of sex, except for hunger, burping, and loose stools.

The McMaster Cough Severity Questionnaire (MCSQ): a cough severity instrument for patients with refractory chronic cough.

Cough severity represents an important endpoint to assess the impact of therapies for patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC). To develop a new patient-reported outcome measure addressing cough severity in patients with RCC. Phase 1 (item generation): A systematic survey, focus groups, and expert consultation generated 51 items. Phase 2 (item reduction): From a list of 51 items, 100 patients identified those they had experienced in the previous year and rated their importance on a 5-point scale. The MCSQ included items reported to occur most frequently and that had the highest importance scores. Patient feedback on the MCSQ led to elimination of redundant items. Another 100 patients completed the MCSQ, from which we performed an exploratory factor analysis and a Rasch analysis to further refine items on the MCSQ. Phase 2 led to selection of 15 items from the initial 51. Patient feedback on the 15 items led to elimination of 5 redundant items. An exploratory factor analysis of the 10-item MCSQ led to selection of two domains, elimination of one item that demonstrated cross-loading, and another that had high inter-item correlations. A Rasch analysis of the 8-item MCSQ confirmed that the response options functioned in a logically progressive manner and that no items exhibited differential item functioning. The final 8-item MCSQ has a one-week recall period and includes two domains (intensity and frequency). The 8-item MCSQ had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.89), proved able to distinguish different levels of cough severity (Pearson separation index, 0.89), and demonstrated high cross-sectional convergent validity (Pearson's correlation, 0.76 [95% CI 0.66 to 0.83]) with the 100-mm cough severity visual analogue scale. Initial evidence supports the validity of the MCSQ, an 8-item instrument measuring cough severity in patients with RCC. Future studies should evaluate its properties in measuring change over time.

CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION TO SPANISH OF THE PANELVIEW INSTRUMENT TO EVALUATE THE HEALTH GUIDELINES DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The PANELVIEW questionnaire identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the process and methods used for developing health guidelines from the guideline development group's perspective. To expand its use, PANELVIEW ideally should be available in different languages. We aimed to cross-culturally adapt PANELVIEW into Spanish and assess its acceptability, validity, and reliability. To translate and culturally adapt PANELVIEW to Spanish, we followed ISPOR's Translation and Cultural Adaptation Good Practice Principles guidelines. The process consisted of 1) forward and back translation, 2) input from an expert panel, and 3) cognitive debriefing interviews. We assessed the content validity with experts in guideline development who rated instrument items for relevance to determine the item and scale content validity index (I-CVI; S-CVI). We tested the reliability with health guidelines panels from Spanish-speaking countries and measured internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). We examined acceptability through the number of missing responses for each item. The content comparison between the back-translation and the original version showed that most items (24/34) were conceptually equivalent but with grammatical differences. Through the cognitive interviews, we identified six items with wording issues, ten with clarity issues, and two with applicability issues. I-CVI ranged from 0.77 to 1.00, with two items needing revision. S-CVI was 0.92, showing excellent content validity. The PANELVIEW Spanish version demonstrated very good reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.96). Panel members responded to all items, showing good acceptability. The PANELVIEW Spanish version was conceptually equivalent to the original version and provided satisfactory evidence of acceptability, validity and reliability.

What can I do for my low back pain? The Work In Progress questionnaire!

There is growing evidence on Commitment Therapy for people with low back pain (LBP). A self-reported questionnaire is lacking which evaluates commitment by relying on the most recommended actions, the most important core outcome domains, and the most evidenced treatment options. To describe the development and psychometric validation of the Work In Progress (WIP) questionnaire. Development and psychometric validation of the WIP questionnaire in the context of people with LBP, as a means to evaluate Commitment. Outpatient facilities. People with LBP. The new instrument was created by item generation and selection. Face validity, appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility were investigated. Psychometric testing was carried out in a cross-sectional study and included: 1) exploratory factor analysis; 2) reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest measurement (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient, ICC<inf>2.1</inf>); and 3) construct validity by hypothesis testing the correlation of the WIP questionnaire with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a pain intensity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (Pearson's r correlations). The WIP questionnaire was successfully developed based on international guidelines and the testing of face validity, appropriateness, acceptability and feasibility were satisfactory. The instrument was administered to 102 people with LBP (39 females, mean age of 49.7±14.6 years [range 20-80], pain median duration of 42.1 weeks [range 3-360]). Factor analysis revealed a two-factor 10-item solution (57% of explained variance). The internal consistency was good (α=0.70-85) and test-retest assessment was excellent (ICC<inf>2.1</inf>=0.91-94). Construct validity was good, as ≥75% of hypotheses were confirmed. The WIP questionnaire is a self-reported tool to evaluate commitment in persons with LBP showing satisfactory psychometric properties. It can be recommended for clinical and research purposes. This study adds original new data to the existing knowledge in the field of Commitment within the bio-psychosocial paradigm for disabled people. It is expected to contribute to the evaluative, clinical and rehabilitative approach of individuals with low back pain.

Turkish Adaptation of Health Literacy Sensitive Communication Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study

PurposeThe objective of this study is to adapt the Health Literacy Sensitive Communication Scale (HL-COM) for Turkish society and to evaluate its validity and reliability. MethodThe scale's psychometric properties were evaluated including reliability and construct validity, through measures such as internal consistency, item-total correlation coefficients and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), respectively. A sample of 221 patients with diabetes was selected to participate in the study. FindingsThe HL-COM displayed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha values.95) and time based stability (ICC values.98). Item-total score correlations revealed moderate associations between each item and the scale, with all items adequately representing the construct. The content validity index (CVI) was.93. According to the findings of confirmatory factor analysis obtained from the validity analysis, the fit index of the scale was found to be χ2/df =2,21 and the scale had a one factor structure. In addition, other good fit indexes of the model also show that the proposed model is acceptable [GFI=.94, RMSEA=.074, CFI=.98, AGFI=.90, NFI=.97] ConclusionThe findings indicate that Turkish version of the HL-COM is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the health sensitive communication proficiencies of healthcare professionals from the perspective of patients with diabetes.

Mabrouk's Measure of Adolescent Optimism: Development and Validation of a New Scale of Adolescent Optimism.

Several measures of adolescent optimism exist. However, none of these measures have been developed in the African setting, and only a few of the available measures have been validated for use in this setting. We aimed to develop and validate a culturally appropriate measure for this context. We employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design using a five-step approach to tool development, comprising literature reviews, construct clarification, item development, piloting, and scale evaluation. We constructed a six-item scale, the Mabrouk's Measure of Adolescent Optimism (MMAO). In a sample of 1616 adolescents from Kenya, the MMAO demonstrated adequate internal consistency (both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's Omega > 0.80) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.46). Factor analysis supported a unidimensional scale with adequate criterion and divergent validity as well as measurement invariance across sex, age (younger vs. older adolescents), residence (rural vs. urban), schooling status (in-school vs. out-of-school adolescents), and language of administration (Swahili vs. English). We report on the development and validation of a new scale of adolescent optimism that can be used to assess optimism among adolescents in Kenya and similar contexts. Preliminary evidence shows support for this new measure's reliability and validity, although additional tests are needed.

A Psychometric Evaluation of the Revised Version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale in Chinese Adolescents.

Adolescent-specific ADHD self-report screening measures can greatly increase the likelihood of correct diagnosis and timely treatment of ADHD in adolescents. This study provides preliminary evidence for evaluating the reliability and validity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-Revised (ASRS-R) in a school-based sample of Chinese adolescents. The ASRS-R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were administered to 867 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years (Mage = 13.08 years). Construct validity was assessed using correlation analysis of the ASRS-R with the SDQ. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the scales were examined by gender. CFA showed a two-dimensional factor structure of the ASRS-R, and the model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 4.370, RMSEA = 0.062, TLI = 0.932, CFI = 0.940, GFI = 0.927, AGFI = 0.907, and SRMR = 0.038). The ASRS-R scale was invariant across gender and had satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .934) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .874). The construct validity, as calculated using the SDQ, was also acceptable. The ASRS-R can be a psychometrically reliable self-report instrument and provide preliminary support as a simple tool for identifying ADHD symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The findings provide evidence for extending the application of the ASRS, previously limited to adults, to the adolescent populations.