Cronbach's Alpha Scores Research Articles

Transcultural adaptation of the Malayalam version of the diabetic foot ulcer scale-short form

IntroductionAmong Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients, Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is the most prevalent complication that affects the patients' quality of life (QoL). The present study aims to translate, validate, and test the reliability of the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale-Short Form (DFS-SF) in the Malayalam language. MethodologyThe DFS-SF questionnaire was translated Malayalam language using the Mapi Research Trust translation guidelines. The content validity index (CVI) and reliability was assessed for the translated DFS-SF Malayalam questionnaire. The construct validity was assessed using the EQ-5D and VAS. ResultsThe average CVI score for the DFS-SF Malayalam questionnaire was 1.00. The reliability of the DFS-SF Malayalam version questionnaire has shown an excellent Cronbach's alpha score. There is a positive correlation between dependence and VAS (r = 0.538, p = 0.014), bothered by ulcer care and VAS (r = 0.494, p = 0.027). ConclusionThe newly translated DFS-SF Malayalam questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing the QoL among DFUs in Malayalam patients.

SKALA KEBAHAGIAAN REMAJA MUSLIM

This study was designed to create a psychological measuring instrument with a variable of happiness in Muslim adolescents named the “Muslim Youth Happiness Scale” (MYHS). Questionnaires were given to 114 participants who met the characteristics of adolescent boys or girls aged between 12-24 years. The research method used is the construction method of psychological measuring instruments (psychometry). The item scale is built by 5 item makers by creating each scale. The initial points are then recapitulated and internal constructors are eliminated with a total of 14 people consisting of psychology students, psychology study program lecturers, and psychology. The results of this study are a psychological scale consisting of three aspects with 18 items, where each aspect contains 9 items with 3 items per indicator. This aspect consists of Past Positive Emotions, Present Positive Emotions, and Future Positive Emotions. Aiken's V and Cronbach's Alpha scores on the scale are 0.68-0.93 and 0.838, respectively. This adolescent happiness scale shows the reliability and validity of the content which is quite good for assessing happiness in Muslim adolescents. The abbreviated version of the Muslim adolescent happiness scale developed and validated in this study can be used to measure the happiness of Muslim adolescents in the community and other research areas.

Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Women Towards Screening Mammography.

Breast cancer is a major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. The mortality rate of breast cancer is high in India due to late detection, and lack of knowledge about the screening mammography. The objective of this study was to develop and establish the psychometric properties of the tool. A qualitative method was used to carry out the development and validation of a tool to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of women towards screening mammography using a cross-sectional study design. Data analyzed using the SPSS 16 were descriptive, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to standardize the tool. The pilot test, content validity, and internal consistency reliability of the final 25 items were found to be highly adequate. Intra- class correlations of this questionnaire were considered acceptable. Cronbach's alpha score was 0.825. A valid scale has been developed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of women toward screening mammography. The scale is adequately responsive to test the knowledge and possesses strong internal consistency. Lack of knowledge among the general population about the screening mammography. It is recommended to conduct an educational program to enhance knowledge about screening mammography. The questionnaires can be used for evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and perception of women toward screening mammography. Broadening the concept for further questionnaires tool development of knowledge, attitude, and perception of women towards screening mammography in other geographical areas.

Effectiveness of international virtual training on biorisk management in the context of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in enormous increases in laboratory activities to keep pace with diagnostic testing and research efforts. However, traditional training, technical assistance, and capacity-building approaches were disrupted by the travel and movement restrictions put in place to control the spread of the disease. To address the needs of laboratorians and managers to conduct laboratory activities safely and securely during the pandemic, a highly interactive virtual training (IVT) workshop on biorisk management during COVID-19 was conducted through active learning strategies that connected speakers with participants. The objective of the training was to increase the basic knowledge and standards of biosafety and biosecurity practices, risk assessment, and control measures with reference specifically to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and apply a rigorous evaluation methodology to assess the effectiveness of the IVT. The training covered a broad range of topics and encompassed national to international guidelines. Participants were selected through official channels at the national level, focusing on institutions within Pakistan. The sessions included lectures from international experts in biorisk management concepts, and incorporated poll questions as well as pre- and post-tests and feedback on the speakers' knowledge and presentation skills, to increase interactivity. The pre- and post-test comprised similar multiple-choice questions and provided to every participant to ascertain the impact of the training on awareness and knowledge of biorisk management topics and concepts, and results were compared using paired t-tests. For feedback on the speakers, participants were asked to submit their ratings measured on a five-point Likert scale. The reliability of the Likert scale was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. In total, 52 individuals from different laboratories across Pakistan and Pakistani students from abroad (China) as well participated in at least one session of the IVT. The participants' pre- and post-test scores showed a significant increase in knowledge and awareness (p < 0.001). The obtained Cronbach's alpha score was >0.8, indicating high reliability of the generated feedback on the IVT approach and speakers. The IVT on biosafety and biosecurity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic proved beneficial for laboratory professionals and could be a useful model to continue in the future for raising awareness and knowledge.

The Effect of Sleep Time and Learning Duration on Student’s Achievement

The study was conducted to determine the relationship between study time and sleep time with the Grade Point Average (GPA). Data collection used as many as 103 respondents with a student background majoring in Industrial Engineering at Bina Nusantara University. The results of descriptive statistics show that the average respondent uses 1 to 2 hours of study time per day. The results of descriptive data processing show that the average respondent uses 5 to 7 hours of sleep per day. Inferential statistical results with a correlation test show that there is a correlation between learning activities and sleep with the GPA of Industrial Engineering students at BINUS University. The reliability test showed that there was a correlation between the frequency of sleepiness and the concentration level of students with the acquisition of a Cronbach Alpha score of 0.7277. The reliability test shows that there is a correlation between hours of sleep and the frequency of using the alarm with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.6363. The reliability test shows that there is a correlation between GPA and the duration of student self-study with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.6575.

Effects of Socio-economics Status on Athletes’ Motivation mediated by Coach Behaviour: A Case of University’s’ Students

The main focus of present study was to examine effect of socio-economic status (social and financial support) upon the motivation of student-athletes of all public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The present study has also been focused upon mediating role of coach behavior in motivation the student-athletes. Cross-sectional research design was used for present study. The 1754 male and 190 female student-athletes were selected as population of the study. Three different extracted variables from the literature i.e. Socio-economic status (predictor) athlete motivation (criterion) and coach behavior (mediator). The polite testing was practiced for the purpose of reliability with help of Cronbach alpha coefficient. The Cronbach alpha score of socio-economic status scale was .729, coach behavior .729 and athlete motivation .843 which is fall in good zone. Personal visit was made for data collection by researcher. The return rate of responses was observed 90% (151 out 171). The process of Baron and Kenny approach was used for mediation with help of SPSS version 26 for analyses. The results of the current study indicated that there is a significant role of the coach behavior as mediator between the socio-economic status and athlete motivation of student-athletes. The results of the study also determined that socio-economic status have significant impact on athlete motivation level.

The Nexus between Sustainable Behaviour of Tourists from Generation Z and the Factors That Influence the Protection of Environmental Quality

In a context in which tourism is considered to favour the degradation of the environment, it is important to promote forms of travel with low environmental impact. Globally, studies have shown a good understanding and increased receptivity to the practice of sustainable forms of travel among tourists. Therefore, this study proposes an analysis of the nexus between sustainable behaviour of tourists from Generation Z and the factors that influence the protection of environmental quality. The research methodology included the development and application of a questionnaire on a sample of 492 tourists belonging to Generation Z, with travel experience. The results showed nexus among the analysed factors and the Cronbach Alpha score for the latent variables: cultural factors (α = 0.769), personal factors (α = 0.829), psychological factors (α = 0.809), technological factors (α = 0.800), sustainable behaviour of young tourists (α = 0.910), social factors (α = 0.857) and conservation of the environmental quality (α = 0.906). The hypothesis regarding the testing of tourists’ sustainable behaviour in nexus with the protection of the environment quality was confirmed, even if the results of testing the nexus between the social factors and sustainable behaviour of Generation Z Romanian tourists could not be considered statistically significant. However, the study represents a contribution to the literature in a field concerned with this aspect of sustainability and interest, which is constantly growing, and for which, at least until now, there have been no studies in the literature pertaining to Romanian space.

Turkish version of the pregnancy experience scale-brief: validity and reliability study

Aim: To identify the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Pregnancy Experience Scale-Brief Version (PES-Brief). Design: A methodological study. Methods: The sample of this methodological research consisted of 201 pregnant women. Face, language, content, construct, and convergent validity analyses were used. The retest was administered to 40 randomly selected pregnant women in the sample after four weeks from the first data collection. Results: The Cronbach alpha score of PES-Brief for uplifts was 0.77 and 0.87 for the retest. The Turkish version was found to be grouped under two factors. Conclusion: Turkish translated version of PES-Brief is a valid and reliable instrument to assess pregnant women&#8217;s positive or negative perceptions. The PES-Brief may be a time-saving tool to assess negative and positive pregnancy experiences.

Modification and Validation of an mHealth App Quality Assessment Methodology for International Use: Cross-sectional and eDelphi Studies.

BackgroundOver 325,000 mobile health (mHealth) apps are available to download across various app stores. However, quality assurance in this field of medicine remains relatively undefined. Globally, around 84% of the population have access to mobile broadband networks. Given the potential for mHealth app use in health promotion and disease prevention, their role in patient care worldwide is ever apparent. Quality assurance regulations both nationally and internationally will take time to develop. Frameworks such as the Mobile App Rating Scale and Enlight Suite have demonstrated potential for use in the interim. However, these frameworks require adaptation to be suitable for international use.ObjectiveThis study aims to modify the Enlight Suite, a comprehensive app quality assessment methodology, to improve its applicability internationally and to assess the preliminary validity and reliability of this modified tool in practice.MethodsA two-round Delphi study involving 7 international mHealth experts with varied backgrounds in health, technology, and clinical psychology was conducted to modify the Enlight Suite for international use and to improve its content validity. The Modified Enlight Suite (MES) was then used by 800 health care professionals and health care students in Ireland to assess a COVID-19 tracker app in an online survey. The reliability of the MES was assessed using Cronbach alpha, while the construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsThe final version of the MES has 7 sections with 32 evaluating items. Of these items, 5 were novel and based on consensus for inclusion by Delphi panel members. The MES has satisfactory reliability with a Cronbach alpha score of .925. The subscales also demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Similarly, the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a positive and significant factor loading for all 32 items in the MES with a modestly acceptable model fit, thus indicating the construct validity of the MES.ConclusionsThe Enlight Suite was modified to improve its international relevance to app quality assessment by introducing new items relating to cultural appropriateness, accessibility, and readability of mHealth app content. This study indicates both the reliability and validity of the MES for assessing the quality of mHealth apps in a high-income country, with further studies being planned to extrapolate these findings to low- and middle-income countries.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers.

BackgroundAs unprecedented and prolonged crisis, healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing psychological disorders. We investigated the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study randomly recruited 439 HCWs in Hunan Cancer Hospital via a web-based sampling method from June 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to assess the presence and severity of PTSD. Fear was measured by modified scale of SARS. Data were collected based on these questionnaires. Differences in fear, anxiety, depression and PTSD among HCWs with different clinical characteristics were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. The Cronbach's alpha scores in our samples were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of HADS, fear scale and PCL-5.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in HCWs was 15.7, 9.6, and 12.8%, respectively. Females and nurses were with higher fear level (P < 0.05) and higher PTSD levels (P < 0.05). Further analysis of female HCWs revealed that PTSD levels in the 35–59 years-old age group were higher than that in other groups; while married female HCWs were with increased fear than single HCWs. The internal consistency was good, with Cronbach's α = 0.88, 0.80 and 0.84 for HADS, fear scale, and PCL, respectively.ConclusionGender, marital status, and age are related to different level of psychological disorders in HCWs. Clinical supportive care should be implemented for specific group of HCWs.

TRANSLATION, CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF URDU VERSION OF FALLS EFFICACY SCALE- INTERNATIONAL IN COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Background and Aim: The Fear of Falling Scale (FES-I) was created to investigate people's concerns of falling. It has 16 elements that should be translated into comprehensible Language to avoid misperceptions. The purpose of this research was to provide an Urdu translation of the fall's effectiveness scale-International and evaluate its psychometric characteristics. Methodology: The FES-I was translated using Beaton standards. A final FES-I was produced once forward and backward translations were completed. Adults aged 60 and up from the community of Lahore's old houses were recruited. Internal consistency and test re-test reliability were evaluated. The Urdu version of the FES-I was compared to the Berg Balance Scale and the Time Up and Go Test to determine its validity. Results: With 100 respondents, the Urdu – FES-I shows a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.989). With a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.989, FES-I-U has high internal consistency. The construct validity between the FES-I-U and Time Up and Go revealed a good positive correlation when Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. There is a substantial negative correlation between the FES-I-U and the Berg Balance Scale. Conclusion: The FES-I in Urdu is a clear, valid, and reliable instrument for measuring fear of falling among older Pakistani community.

Developing measures of immersion and motivation for learning technologies in healthcare simulation: a pilot study.

Introduction: Medical education has benefitted from the introduction of new technology within recent years. Immersive devices, such as, 360-degree films and virtual reality have become new ways of simulating clinical experiences. The aim of the study was to validate and test reliability of a new measure of engagement.Methods: A between-participants design of 2 groups viewing a clinical consultation on a 360-degree headset or 2D monitor was conducted following computer random allocation of 40 healthcare professionals recruited from scheduled teaching. Twenty-three were assigned to 360-degree and 17 to 2D Medias. Adapted Immersion Experience Questionnaire (AIEQ) and Abridged Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (AIMI) were modified to match factors relating to clinical encounters. AIEQ and AIMI were utilised as the data collection tool by each group following video viewing. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess relationship between immersion and motivation. Comparisons between 360-degree and 2D media responses were made using Wilcoxon’s signed ranks test. Internal reliability coefficients of adapted measures were calculated with Cronbach alpha scores.Results: Total immersion scores were statistically higher in those experiencing 360 (p<0.05), with a median difference of 14.50 (95% CI 6.50-22.00). A positive correlation existed between the total AIEQ and total score of the AIMI in both groups (rs =0.88, n=17, p<0.001). Internal consistency and reliability was demonstrated with a high Cronbach alpha score for the AIEQ (α= 0.91). AIMI subscale alpha value was also high at (α= 0.95) which shows the measures to be of high internal reliability.Conclusions: Adaptation and validation of existing measures for use in healthcare education can be used to quantify levels of immersion and motivation. Standardising measures for use in evaluating new Technology Enhanced Learning is a step to aid understanding on how we develop these tools in medical education and how we might learn from immersive technology.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Epilepsy Disclosure Scale – Youth and Parent Versions

AimDue to reactions, such as being ridiculed, blamed, or rejected, children with epilepsy and their families may consider epilepsy as something to be ashamed of, and therefore both the child and parents hide the disease from other people. No valid and reliable measurement in Turkish language that evaluates the level of this behavior, which will greatly affect the management of epilepsy, in both children and parents has been found in the literature. This study was carried out to test the validity and reliability of the Epilepsy Disclosure Scale (EDS) – Youth and Parent Versions in Turkey. Materials and methodA descriptive, comparative, correlational, and methodological design was used in the study. The study was carried out with 200 youth with epilepsy between the ages of 8 and 18, who were registered in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of a university hospital located in the western region of Turkey, and their parents. The study data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Turkish version of the EDS-Y and the EDS-P. The data were evaluated using content validity index, explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha, split-half, and item-total score correlation. FindingsThe total explained variance of the Turkish version of the EDS-Y consisting of one sub-dimension and six items was determined as 53.55%, and the total explained variance of the Turkish version of the EDS-P consisting of one sub-dimension and six items was determined as 59.39%. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.864 for the overall Turkish EDS-Y and 0.881 for the EDS-P. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the model fit indices of both scales were found to be above 0.90 and the factor loads of all items were greater than 0.40. ConclusionThe Turkish versions of the EDS-Y and EDS-P scales have acceptable internal consistency reliability and content and construct validity and can be used by health professionals to evaluate the concealment of epilepsy from the perspectives of both young people and parents.

Validation of the Dyspnoea-12 and Multidimensional Dyspnea profile among older Swedish men in the population

BackgroundThe Dyspnoea-12 (D12) and Multidimensional dyspnea profile (MDP) are commonly used instruments for assessing multiple dimensions of breathlessness but have not been validated in older people in the population. The aim of this study was to validate the D12 and MDP in 73-years old men in terms of the instruments’ underlying factor structures, internal consistency, and validity.MethodsA postal survey was sent out to a population sample of 73-years old men (n = 1,193) in southern Sweden. The two-factor structures were evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha, and validity using Pearson´s correlations with validated scales of breathlessness, anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical/mental quality of life, body mass index (BMI), and cardiorespiratory disease.ResultsA total 684 men were included. Respiratory and cardiovascular disease were reported by 17% and 38%, respectively. For D12 and MDP, the proposed two-factor structure was not fully confirmed in this population. Internal consistency was excellent for all D12 and MDP domain scores (Cronbach's alpha scores > 0.92), and the instruments’ domains showed concurrent validity with other breathlessness scales, and discriminant validity with anxiety, depression, physical/mental quality of life, BMI, and cardiorespiratory disease.ConclusionsIn a population sample of 73-years old men, the D12 and MDP had good psychometrical properties in terms of reliability and validity, which supports that the instruments are valid for use in population studies of older men.

WHITEBOARD ANIMATION IN FIQH LEARNING ON STUDENTS OF MI MUTIARA BUNDA’S STUDENTS

To support the success of education in schools, technology, methods, strategies, media are needed in learning in the classroom so that students can quickly understand and be motivated in learning but the reality in the field is different. This study aims to apply whiteboard animation learning media to measure students' critical thinking in Fiqih lessons. The research method used is quantitative field experiments. The subjects of this study were students at MI Mutiara Bunda Surabaya, 20 samples were taken consisting of 10 students in the control class and 10 students in the experimental class. The four stages of trials that have been carried out, include: First, a questionnaire test with tcount &gt; ttable (11,831 &gt; 2,262) for the control class and (33,541 &gt; 2,262). Significance 0.000, since the significance of &lt; 0.05 then Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted. Second, an oral test with tcount greater than ttable (6,497 &gt; 2,262), then Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted. The three questionnaire tests with a score of tcount &gt; ttable (148,500 &gt; 2,262) then Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted. The four reliability and validity tests with Cronbach's alpha score of 0.768 &gt; 0.60, then as the basis for decision making in the reliability test above. The conclusion is that the learning medium of whiteboard animation is very well used against students' critical thinking in Fiqh subjects.

Development of an Electronic Interdisciplinary Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Proforma (E-ICP) to Improve Interdisciplinary Guideline Adherence in the Emergency Department: Modified Delphi Study.

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease guideline non-adherence is associated with a reduction in health-related quality of life in patients (HRQoL). Improving guideline adherence has the potential to mitigate fragmented care thereby sustaining pulmonary function, preventing acute exacerbations, reducing economic health burdens, and enhancing HRQoL. The development of an electronic proforma stemming from expert consensus, including digital guideline resources and direct interdisciplinary referrals is hypothesised to improve guideline adherence and patient outcomes for emergency department (ED) patients with COPD.AimThe aim of this study was to develop consensus among ED and respiratory staff for the correct composition of a COPD electronic proforma that aids in guideline adherence and management in the ED.MethodsThis study adopted a mixed-method design to develop the most important indicators of care in the ED. The study involved three phases: (1) a systematic literature review and qualitative interdisciplinary staff interviews to assess barriers and solutions for guideline adherence and qualitative interdisciplinary staff interviews, (2) a modified Delphi panel to select interventions for the proforma, and (3) a consensus process through three rounds of scoring through a quantitative survey (ED and Respiratory consensus) and qualitative thematic analysis on each indicator.ResultsThe electronic proforma achieved acceptable and good internal consistency through all iterations from national emergency department and respiratory department interdisciplinary experts. Cronbach’s alpha score for internal consistency (α) in iteration 1 emergency department cohort (EDC) (α = 0.80 [CI = 0.89%]), respiratory department cohort (RDC) (α = 0.95 [CI = 0.98%]). Iteration 2 reported EDC (α = 0.85 [CI = 0.97%]) and RDC (α = 0.86 [CI = 0.97%]). Iteration 3 revealed EDC (α = 0.73 [CI = 0.91%]) and RDC (α = 0.86 [CI = 0.95%]), respectively.ConclusionElectronic proformas have the potential to facilitate direct referrals from the ED leading to reduced hospital admissions, reduced length of hospital stays, holistic care, improved health care and quality of life and improved interdisciplinary guideline adherence.

Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of Attitudes Towards Intellectual Disability Questionnaire-Short Form (A-ATTID-S).

PurposePositive attitudes toward intellectual disability contribute to the effective inclusion of people with intellectual disability (PWID) in society, thereby enhancing their quality of life. The literature on tools for measuring attitudes towards PWID in Arabic is limited. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Attitudes towards Intellectual Disability Questionnaire-Short Form (ATTID-S) using an Arab population to assess its factor structure and reliability.Materials and MethodsA total of 812 Arabic native speakers who lived in Tunisia were recruited. The exploratory sample consisted of 223 subjects divided into male (n = 121, 54.26%) and female (n = 102, 45.74%) with an age range of between 18 and 64 (mean = 32.7 ±9.2 years). The confirmatory sample comprised 589 participants, male (n = 357, 60.61%) and female (n = 232, 39.38%), with a mean age of 31.61 (SD = 12.43). A cross-cultural translation of ATTID-S was carried. The Arab attitudes towards intellectual disability scale (A-ATTID-S) was tested using exploratory factor analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsExploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution explaining up to 68.74 of the total variation, with items having lambda factor loadings ranging from 0.53 to 0.9. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis, which used a wide range of goodness-of-fit indices that met the recommended standards, confirmed the measure’s robustness. The internal consistency reliability of each of the subscales was investigated using reliability analysis. Cronbach’s alpha scores for the subscales and total score were satisfactory. Moreover, differences in the A-ATTID-S scores between male and female with age as covariate were demonstrated.ConclusionThe A-ATTID-S is a good psychometric scale that can be used to assess the attitude of a general population towards intellectual disability in the Arabic-speaking world.

Design and Validation of the Academic Research Aptitude Scale

Abstract :Universities across the world have now started focusing on creating and nurturing academic researchers. While the importance and benefits of a strong research mindset have been understood, the process of identifying and developing researchers lacks a sense of structure. The current study attempts at filling this gap by proposing and testing the Academic Research Aptitude Scale. The scale was created and tested using the DeVellis (2016) method. The initial pool of items consisted of 29 items that were generated in the course of a brainstorming session. The discussion with experts and literature review resulted in a 22-item instrument which was then reduced to 21 items, post the item analysis. The analysis was carried out on a sample of 303 research scholars and researchers. The exploratory factor analysis helped in the identification of the dimensions and the same was then checked using confirmatory factor analysis. The scale fulfilled the validity requirements and showed high reliability, as shown by Cronbach's alpha score. The final scale consists of 21 items. Keywords: researchers; research scholars; academics; India

Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Hill Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale to Nepalese Language.

BackgroundControl of high blood pressure and prevention of cardiovascular complications among hypertensive patients depends on patients’ adherence to therapy. The Hill–Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (HBCTS) is one of the most popular scale to assess hypertensive patients’ adherence behaviour. Unfortunately, no questionnaire in the Nepalese language is available to date to assess adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy.AimTo translate, culturally adapt and validate the English original version of the HBCTS into Nepalese language to measure treatment adherence of Nepalese hypertensive patients.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted to translate, culturally adapt and validate the HBCTS into Nepalese version. The standard translation process was followed and was evaluated among 282 hypertensive patients visiting selected primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) of Kathmandu district, Nepal. Cronbach’s alpha was measured to assess the reliability of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to evaluate structural validity.ResultsThe mean±SD age of 282 participants was 58.49±12.44 years. Majority of participants were literate (75.2%), and consumed at least one anti-hypertensive medication per day (85.5%). Nearly half (42.2%) of the participants had a family history of hypertension, and almost half (48%) of them had comorbid conditions. Mean ±SD score for overall adherence was 17.85±3.87 while those of medication taking, reduced salt taking, and appointment keeping subscales were 10.63±2.55, 4.16±1.12 and 3.06±1.07, respectively. Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) was found to be 0.877. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-component structure; however, the loading of components into medication adherence, reduced salt intake and appointment keeping constructs were not identical to the original tool. Cronbach’s alpha score for the entire HBCTS scale was 0.846.ConclusionThe translated Nepali version of the HBCTS demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity to measure adherence to antihypertensive therapy among hypertensive patients in clinical and community settings in Nepal.

Prospective Madrasah Teachers' Scientific Competencies Integrated with Scientific Literacy through the STEM Approach

This study aims to measure the scientific competence of prospective teachers of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah integrated scientific literacy through a STEM approach. The research method used was descriptive quantitative with a sample of 40 students from the same study program at two different universities. The selected sample has taken basic science courses with a minimum score of B. This research used a purposive sampling technique, where the sampling actively participates in learning activities. Data were collected using a set of instruments to analyze the prospective teachers’ scientific competence. The instruments were declared valid based on expert judgment and showed a Cronbach Alpha score of 0.68 before being used. Scientific competence data were obtained from the results before and after the essay, practicum, multiple-choice test, and questionnaire instruments. Data were analyzed descriptive quantitative using inferential statistics with a T-test. Inferential statistical analysis revealed differences in scientific competence of prospective madrasah teachers in Study Program A and Study Program B (t = 5.98 1.83). The measurement results of the test of science content mastery aspect with an average of 58.3 and 50.8. The practicum mastery of science process skills results from the problem-solving skills test are 48.4 and 39.6. From the questionnaire results on scientific literacy, students still need to improve their independence in studying science, scientific thinking skills, the ability to use scientific knowledge in problem-solving, and integrating the STEM approach. From the findings, it can be concluded that the analysis of the scientific competence of prospective madrasah teachers shows an apparent and significant difference. The prospective madrasa teachers’ scientific competence is needed to prepare students as prospective teachers who are STEM literate.