Factor Solution Research Articles

Student self-ratings of social-emotional competencies: Dimensional structure and outcome associations of the WCSD-SECA among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White boys and girls in elementary through high school

School-based assessments of students' self-reported social-emotional competencies (SECs) are an essential part of social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. Few studies, however, have investigated whether such assessments align with the frameworks that inform SEL practices, especially for diverse populations. In the present study we investigated the dimensional structure of the 40-item Washoe County School District Social-Emotional Competency Assessment (WCSD-SECA), which was designed to measure the five domains of SECs defined by the widely used Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning framework (CASEL 5). Findings showed that a subset of 21 items fit a 3-factor solution that reflected Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Emotion-Focused competencies, a structure consistent with previous theorizing of broad SEC constructs. This 3-dimensional structure was partially invariant, with differences especially evident in item thresholds across subpopulations (defined by the intersection of grade level, gender, and race/ethnicity). Accounting for differences in item thresholds increased mean differences among subpopulations in the three domains. Across subpopulations, Intrapersonal scores were positively associated with students' standardized test scores and GPAs, and negatively related to the number of days they were absent from school, in multilevel models that adjusted for school-level clustering and included all three SEC scores and student demographic controls. Interpersonal scores were associated with fewer suspensions. Interpersonal and Emotion-Focused scores demonstrated unexpectedly negative associations with some outcomes in these models. Findings contribute to an emerging body of research that aims to deepen understandings of the content and structure of students' SECs as well as the factors that contribute to growth in these competencies.

Evidence for validity of the epidemic-pandemic impacts inventory (brief healthcare module): Internal structure and association with other variables

The COVID-19 pandemic has subjected healthcare workers to enormous stress. Measuring the impact of this public health emergency is essential to developing strategies that can effectively promote resilience and wellness. The Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory Supplemental Healthcare Module-Brief Version (EPII-SHMb) was developed to measure impacts among occupational cohorts serving on the front lines of healthcare. While this instrument has been utilized in COVID-19 related studies, little is known about its psychometric properties. This study collects evidence for validity of the EPII-SHMb by evaluating its internal structure and how its scores associate with other variables. Physicians and nursing staff across a large New York health system were cross-sectionally surveyed using an online questionnaire between June and November 2020. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution, identifying factors Lack of Workplace Safety (7 items), Death/Dying of Patients (3 items), and Lack of Outside Support (2 items). Internal consistency was high overall and within physician/nursing and gender subgroups (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.70 − 0.81). Median scores on Death/Dying of Patients were higher among those who directly cared for COVID-19 patients or worked in COVID-19 hospital units. These results are promising. Additional studies evaluating other dimensions of validity are necessary.

The Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES): A comprehensive examination of its factorial validity, with recommendations for researchers

The 16-item Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES) is widely used to assess the discrete emotions of guilt, shame, authentic pride, and hubristic pride. However, recent work has questioned the factorial validity of the BASES (i.e., the extent to which it truly assesses a discrete set of self-conscious emotions). In the present study, we re-assessed the factorial validity of the BASES using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM). An online sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 637) were asked to complete the BASES. Our analyses indicated that the original 4-factor CFA model had adequate fit but resulted in very high latent correlations between similarly valenced facets (Guilt/Shame and Authentic/Hubristic Pride, respectively). An alternative 2-factor CFA model (combining Guilt-Shame and Authentic-Hubristic Pride) had a less-than-ideal fit. Conversely, 4-factor and 2-factor ESEM solutions both resulted in a superior fit to the data than their CFA counterparts, and in reduced estimates of factor correlations. Both of these ESEM solutions were also fully invariant across gender. These results have important theoretical and practical implications for our understanding of body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions and how this construct is currently measured.

The Noetic Signature Inventory: Development, Exploration, and Initial Validation.

Noetic comes from the Greek word noēsis, meaning inner wisdom or direct knowing. Noetic experiences often transcend the perception of our five senses and are ubiquitous worldwide, although no instrument exists to evaluate noetic characteristics both within and between individuals. We developed the Noetic Signature Inventory (NSI) through an iterative qualitative and statistical process as a tool to subjectively assess noetic characteristics. Study 1 developed and evaluated a 175-item NSI using 521 self-selected research participants, resulting in a 46-item NSI with an 11-factor model solution. Study 2 examined the 11-factor solution, construct validity, and test–retest reliability, resulting in a 44-item NSI with a 12-factor model solution. Study 3 confirmed the final 44-item NSI in a diverse population. The 12-factors were: (1) Inner Knowing, (2) Embodied Sensations, (3) Visualizing to Access or Affect, (4) Inner Knowing Through Touch, (5) Healing, (6) Knowing the Future, (7) Physical Sensations from Other People, (8) Knowing Yourself, (9) Knowing Other’s Minds, (10) Apparent Communication with Non-physical Beings, (11) Knowing Through Dreams, and (12) Inner Voice. The NSI demonstrated internal consistency, convergent and divergent content validity, and test–retest reliability. The NSI can be used for the future studies to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variation of noetic experiences.

Assessing Positive Posttraumatic Changes Among Professionals Working With Trauma Victims: The Secondary Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

By providing constant help to trauma victims, the helpers themselves run the risk of secondary traumatization. As a rule, research focuses on the negative consequences of secondary trauma. Meanwhile, there are also positive changes in the form of Secondary Posttraumatic Growth (SPTG). The present study describes the design and testing of a new tool for measuring SPTG. Thirty items were presented to employees from five different professions constantly working with trauma victims (N = 580). A 4-factor solution (PCA) turned out to be clear and unambiguously interpretable. After excluding items based on their component loading and redundancy, the tool was pared down to 12 items. A separate sample used in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded good fit indexes. The four dimensions were given the following designations: 1. New challenges and an increase in professional competences, 2. Increase in spiritual experiences and a greater sense of responsibility for others, 3. Greater confidence in oneself and appreciating life, 4. Increased acceptance and actions for others. Cronbach’s alpha was .90. The inventory demonstrated high stability, as indicated by the two-month test–retest stability value (.78). The theoretical validity was estimated by comparing SPTGI scores with other measures which should be associated with secondary positive changes. The SPTGI is a new, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring positive posttraumatic changes among professionals exposed to secondary trauma. It can be useful in scientific research and in clinical practice.

Should We Use a Total Score, Two Subscale Scores, or Six Subscale Scores for the Self-Compassion Scale? A Multi-faceted Assessment Beyond Model Fit Indices

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to conduct a multi-faceted assessment of the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). In addition to the goodness-of-fit, we aimed to assess the strength and replicability of three factorial solutions, and the quality and effectiveness of the three scoring schemes of the scale (i.e., total scale score, two subscale scores, and six subscale scores).MethodsParticipants were 1508 Spanish-speaking community-dwelling adults (M = 34.94 years, SD = 15.02). Data were examined by means of a conjoint strategy using Rasch modeling, non-linear factor analysis, exploratory bifactor analysis, and parallel analysis. A procedure for selecting the optimal set of items that must be used to compute individual’s scores was used.ResultsThe unidimensional solution showed a marginal model fit (RMSR = .089), and both the bifactor two-group and bifactor six-group solutions showed a good fit (RMSR = .043 and .019, respectively). However, only the unidimensional and the bifactor two-factor solutions showed interpretable and replicable factor structures, and high-quality and effective scores to be used for measurement purposes. Subscale scores derived from the six primary factors did not show adequate psychometric properties. It was observed that the information provided by 10 items was redundant and had already been provided by the other 16 items.ConclusionsGood model fit is neither sufficient nor necessary to justify the use of a scoring scheme. Goodness-of-fit statistics should be complemented by an assessment of the metric properties of the resulting scores when proposing SCS scoring schemes.

"Dual use of alcohol and cannabis among college students: A reinforcer pathologies approach." Correction to Reed et al. (2021).

Reports an error in "Dual use of alcohol and cannabis among college students: A reinforcer pathologies approach" by Gideon P. Naudé, Derek D. Reed, Tyler J. Thornton and Michael Amlung (Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2021[Aug], Vol 29[4], 407-417). In the original article, in the Method section under Principal Components Analyses, it reads "We used a loading of ≥ 4.0 ... " when it should read "≥ 0.40." The correct loading criterion is listed in the Table 3 note. Analyses were run using the correct criterion. In Table 3, the loading for BP1 under the alcohol amplitude factor is "-0.4" when it should be "-0.04." The online version of this article has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2020-25392-001). The reinforcer pathologies model proposes 2 behavioral economic constructs interact in addiction: operant demand and delay discounting. These constructs manifest as behavioral markers of addiction in the form of excessive reinforcer value and strong preference for immediate access and consumption of this reinforcer despite suboptimal long-term outcomes. The first aim of this investigation was to identify the degree to which delay discounting (of money and alcohol) and demand for alcohol differ between college student drinkers (N = 185) who do and do not co-use cannabis. As a second aim, we sought to replicate the 2-factor solution for alcohol and cannabis demand within a college sample. Results suggest dual users have significantly stronger Persistence and Amplitude for alcohol, demonstrate steeper delay discounting of alcoholic drinks, and are at greater risk for alcohol use disorder than individuals who drink yet do not use cannabis. These results provide further support for the reinforcer pathologies model and contribute to the literature on dual-substance use in the college population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Factor Structure of the Agitated Behavior Scale in Traumatic Brain Injury During Posttraumatic Amnesia.

To investigate the factor structure of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in posttraumatic amnesia (PTA). Inpatient TBI rehabilitation ward in Victoria, Australia. A total of 364 patients aged 16 to 92 years meeting diagnostic criteria for TBI and PTA admitted between September 2013 and October 2020. Retrospective cohort study utilizing electronic medical record data. The ABS and the Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia Scale (WPTAS). Exploratory factor analysis uncovered 2 moderately correlated underlying factors (0.52), labeled Restlessness and Aggression/Lability. Two items failed to demonstrate sufficiently large loadings on either factor. Both factors demonstrated adequate reliability (Cronbach α = 0.87 and 0.81 for Restlessness and Aggression/Lability, respectively). Linear regression indicated that higher WPTAS scores were associated with lower levels of Restlessness (β = -.14, P < .001), supporting construct validity. Conversely, WPTAS scores were not significantly associated with Aggression/Lability (β = -.12, P = .08). Subgroup analysis indicated that a history of mood disorder was associated with greater severity of Aggression/Lability (P = .02). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated superior fit of the identified 2-factor solution when compared with previously explored 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-factor structures. This study suggests that the latent structure of the ABS is best explained by a single construct of agitation with 2 discrete facets reflecting Restlessness and Aggression/Lability. These subscales may be used in clinical practice to evaluate the severity of different aspects of agitated behavior, inform treatment decisions, and judge the efficacy of interventions over time. Further research is required to explain low factor loadings demonstrated by 2 items.

Development, Internal Construct, and Unidimensionality of the Tetraplegia Upper Limb Activities Questionnaire, TUAQ. Part 1

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a patient-reported outcome measure that focuses on relevant daily activities relying on upper extremity for individuals with tetraplegia. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingSpinal cord injury units in 2 countries. ParticipantsNinety-nine individuals (N=99) with C2-C8, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A-D tetraplegia, mean age 46 years, 1- 43 years post injury. InterventionsThirteen items included in the initial testing were chosen from 708 activity limitations identified by individuals with tetraplegia. Items were pilot tested for wording, response options, and relevance for both performance and satisfaction. Items were analyzed and reselected using exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis for local dependency, dimensionality, differential item functioning (DIF), threshold response, and targeting. Main Outcome MeasuresNot applicable. ResultsExploratory factor analysis supported a 2-factor solution for both performance and satisfaction. While data fit the Rasch model, there was evidence of local dependency and multiple disordered thresholds. Three items were removed because of high interitem correlation and DIF and the scale rescored to 5 response options. The remaining 10 items demonstrated fit to the Rasch model, with no local dependency, no multidimensionality, no item or person misfit, and minimal disordered thresholds. ConclusionsResults support the internal construct validity and unidimensionality of the Tetraplegia Upper Limb Activities Questionnaire (TUAQ), a 10-item, 5-response patient-reported outcome measure assessing performance and satisfaction with activities targeted to the upper extremity for individuals with tetraplegia. Further testing is required and ongoing to evaluate reliability and responsiveness of the TUAQ.

Development and validation of a tool to measure collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians from the perspective of community pharmacists: the professional collaborative practice tool

BackgroundCollaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians is becoming increasingly common. Although tools and models to explore collaborative practice between both health care professionals have been developed, very few have been validated for their use in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a tool for measuring collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians from the perspective of community pharmacists.MethodsThe DeVellis method was used to develop and validate the Professional Collaborative Practice Tool. A pool of 40 items with Likert frequency scales was generated based on previous literature and expert opinion. This study was undertaken in Spain. A sample of community pharmacists providing medication reviews with follow-up and a random sample of pharmacists providing usual care were invited to participate. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the tool’s reliability and content validity.ResultsThree hundred thirty-six pharmacists were invited with an overall response rate of 84.8%. The initial 40 items selected were reduced to 14 items. Exploratory Factor Analysis provided a 3-factor solution explaining 62% of the variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the three factors “Activation for collaborative professional practice,” the “Integration in collaborative professional practice,” and the “Professional acceptance in collaborative professional practice.” The tool demonstrated an adequate fit (X2/df = 1.657, GFI = 0.889 and RMSEA = 0.069) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.924).ConclusionsThe Professional Collaborative Practice Tool has shown good internal reliability and criterion validity. The tool could be used to measure the perceived level of collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians and monitor changes over time. Its applicability and transferability to other settings should be evaluated.

Climate Change Anxiety Assessment: The Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Climate Anxiety Scale.

The Climate Anxiety Scale (CAS) is a 13-item questionnaire for assessing climate anxiety (CA) as a psychological response to climate change. The CAS consists of two subscales, namely, cognitive impairment and functional impairment. This study aimed to validate the Polish version of the CAS. The sample included 603 respondents (344 females, 247 males, and 12 non-binary), aged 18–70 years (M = 25.32, SD = 9.59). Based on the exploratory factor analysis results, we proposed a 3-factor solution (i.e., intrusive symptoms, reflections on CA, and functional impairment), which seems to be theoretically more consistent with the content of the CAS statements. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original 2-factor solution and the 3-factor one had a satisfactory and a good fit to the data, respectively, as well as both were invariant across different gender, age, and educational level categories. Despite the fact that the 3-factor solution had the best-fit indices, we recommended to examine the CAS structure in different samples and use the overall CAS score in cross-cultural research. Cognitive and functional impairment subscales were positively correlated with personal experience of climate change, behavioral engagement, environmental identity, and environmental motives, but they were negatively correlated with climate change denial and sense of safety. The CAS subscales were correlated with depressive symptoms, but contrary to expectations, they were not associated with anxiety symptoms and any cognitive coping strategies. The Polish version of the CAS has satisfactory psychometric properties. Overall, we reported low CA levels in the Polish sample. Women and younger people experienced higher CA.

High levels of depressive symptoms and low quality of life are reported during pregnancy in Cape Coast, Ghana; a longitudinal study.

BackgroundSignificant rates of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and low quality of life (QoL) have been found among pregnant women in developed countries. These psychosocial disturbances have not been adequately assessed during pregnancy in many developing countries.MethodsWomen were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy (< 13 weeks; n = 116) and followed through to their 2nd (n = 71) and 3rd (n = 71) trimesters. Questionnaires were used to collect data on anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory; BAI), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Inventory; CES-D), and quality of life (RAND SF-36; QoL). Psychometric analyses were used to determine the reliability of the questionnaires in this context. The proportion of pregnant women with psychosocial disturbances at each trimester was determined. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine changes in psychosocial outcomes over time; and generalized estimating equation to determine if gestational age predicted the psychosocial outcomes whilst controlling for sociodemographic variables.ResultsParticipants were aged 27.1 ± 5.2 years, on average. Psychometric analyses revealed a 4-factor solution for BAI (18 items), 1-factor solution for CES-D (13 items) and 4-factor solution for RAND SF-36 (26 items). The prevalence estimate of psychosocial disturbances was 34%, 10%, 2% (anxiety), 49%, 31%, 34% (depressive symptoms), and 46%, 37%, 59% (low QoL) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively. Gestational age and food insecurity were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and QoL.ConclusionsIn this population of Ghanaian women, the levels of depressive symptoms and low QoL observed across pregnancy should be recognized as major public health problems and efforts to address these should be put in place. Addressing food insecurity may be a major step to solve not only the physical needs of the pregnant woman but also the psychological needs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13299-2.

Validity and Reliability of the Spence and Robbins Workaholism Battery: A Study in Malaysian Employees

This psychometric study aims to contribute to the evolving cross-cultural definition of workaholism by exploring the reliability and validity of using the Workaholism Battery (WorkBAT; Spence &amp; Robbins, 1992) in a sample of 183 full-time white-collar workers in Malaysia. Using data from online surveys, collected from full-time white-collar workers in the private and public sectors, factor analysis was used to indicate factor solutions contributing to the definition of workaholism based on the Spence and Robbins (1992) model of high work involvement, high work drive, and low work enjoyment. The study identified three factors and reassigned the items between them into work enjoyment, work drive, and work withdrawal. A 2-step cluster analysis identified four profiles of work adaptability as workaholics, enthusiastic workaholics, anxious workers, and moderate workers. Criterion validity with working hours was not established indicating workaholism as a distinct construct as suggested by previous studies. Our analysis produced a 3-factor solution suggesting a further syndromic view of the addiction to work. The addition of the third factor of work withdrawal indicates a further shift into looking at workaholism with a clinical lens.

Physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C): Arabic translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation in school-aged children in Saudi Arabia.

The validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) has been mostly studied in North America and Europe. We investigated the psychometric validation of the Arabic version of the PAQ-C in students in Saudi Arabia. The students (n = 327, age = 8–14 years) of six primary schools in the Majmaah region participated in the study. Participants completed the PAQ-C, and their demographics were recorded. The PAQ-C scores satisfied the following factor analysis assumptions: diagonal elements of the anti-image correlation matrix (>0.5), Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p < 0.001), determinant (>0.00001), Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test of sampling adequacy (>0.8), and communality (all values > 0.2). Exploratory factor analysis results were inconclusive, with two measures favoring a 2-factor solution (Kaiser’s criteria (Eigenvalue ≥ 1), and cumulative variance rule (>40%)); whereas, the scree test and the Monte Carlo parallel analysis favored a 1-factor structure. The confirmatory factor analysis favored a 1-factor solution: highest CFI, lowest RMSEA, non-significant χ2 statistics, and lowest χ2/df. The values of item-total correlation, corrected item-total correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha if an item was deleted, ranged from 0.20–0.57, 0.42–0.64, and 0.70–0.75, respectively. The PAQ-C showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74. A 1-factor structure of the Arabic version of the PAQ-C had adequate psychometric validity in schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia.

Adaptation and validation of the patient assessment of chronic illness care in United States community pharmacies

BackgroundRoles for United States (US)-based community pharmacists in caring for persons with chronic conditions have greatly expanded. The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) was developed to assess patients’ perspectives of care received. However, successful application of this instrument in community pharmacies is uncertain. The objective of this study was to adapt the PACIC for use in community pharmacies (CP-PACIC), assess validity of the CP-PACIC and examine CP-PACIC scale score differences relative to patient characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed chronically ill adults in Indiana, US who receive care from pharmacists in community pharmacies. The modified CP-PACIC scale consisted of 20-items, which were rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 (none of the time) to 4 (always). The total possible score ranged from 0 – 80. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to assess performance and dimensionality. CP-PACIC validity, including face validity, construct validity (via exploratory factor analysis) and internal consistency were assessed. Relationships between patient characteristics and scale scores were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.ResultsFive hundred forty-six respondents’ data were analyzed. EFA revealed a 2-factor solution (termed advanced pharmacy chronic illness care (AP) and traditional pharmacy chronic illness care (TP) subscales) accounting for 64.7% of variance; all 20 items were retained. The total 20-item CP-PACIC scale had a Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency) of 0.96; with a 12-item AP subscale Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97 and 8-item TP subscale Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89. Median total score was 12.0 [interquartile range = 27.3]. Median CP-PACIC sores varied across many respondent demographics (i.e., survey administration type, age, sex, education, health condition, number of pharmacy services received, community pharmacy type) such as whether respondents participated in one or more pharmacy service or not (29 vs. 10; p < .001).ConclusionsUnlike the original 5-subscale (patient activation, delivery system design, goal setting, problem solving, and follow-up/coordination) PACIC, analysis demonstrated a 2-factor (AP, TP) solution for the CP-PACIC scale with good internal consistency. As there are no standardized evaluation tools that exist, community pharmacies could find great value in using this CP-PACIC tool to benchmark performance and inform quality improvement strategies for patient care delivery.

French translation and validation of the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale

IntroductionPerceived parental self-efficacy (PSE) is thought to play a crucial role in parental well-being, the parent-infant relationship, and other aspects of infant development, particularly in the early postnatal period. The Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire designed for parents with infants aged 0–12months. ObjectiveTo explore the factor structure of a French translation of the KPCS and assess its psychometric qualities. MethodUsing a French-language translation of the KPCS (KPCS-F), 257 parents of children aged 0–12months were recruited via childcare structures (e.g. nurseries, community centers, mother and child protection centers). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to examine 2- and 3-factor solutions for the KPCS-F scale. Internal reliability and convergent validity were evaluated. ResultsThe best model was a two-factor solution (PSE “infant care” and PSE “parental role”) restricted to 12 items. Sound internal consistency was indicated, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.80 and a McDonald's omega coefficient of 0.80. Test-retest reliability was good. KPCS-F score was correlated with social support and psychological well-being scores. ConclusionThe KPCS-F showed substantial validity and reliability for this sample. The translated scale should therefore improve assessment and intervention processes for professionals working with parents of young children.

The Subjective Component of the Dutch Objective Burden Inventory: A Psychometric Analysis.

The reliability and validity of the subjective component of the Dutch Objective Burden Inventory (DOBI) are unknown. The validity and reliability of the subjective component of the DOBI were examined in caregivers of individuals with heart failure, using the original 38- and a 24-item version. In an online cross-sectional investigation, confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine factorial validity. In examining convergent validity, corrected item-dimension correlations assessed item performance and associations between subjective subscale scores and the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Cronbach's α examined internal consistency. The original 4-factor solution was retained and both the original and shorter versions of the subjective component of the DOBI supported adequate construct validity and internal consistency. Both the 38- and 24-item forms of the subjective DOBI supported construct validity and reliability. Further studies examining the usefulness of both versions are needed in carers of individuals with more severe HF.

Measuring Stigma Towards People with Opioid Use Problems: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid-Use Scale (OM-PATOS)

Many countries are experiencing an ongoing opioid crisis characterized by high rates of opioid use problems, overdose, poisoning, and death. Stigma has been identified as a central problem for seeking and receiving quality services from health providers and first respondents. The Mental Health Commission of Canada developed a scale that could be used to measure stigma in this population, as no such scale currently exists. This paper provides the results of psychometric testing of this new scale, known as the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Towards Opioid-Use Scale (OM-PATOS), using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis. EFA findings showed a 15 item 2-factor solution, with subscales of ‘attitudes’ (6 items) and ‘behaviours/motivation to help’ (9 items). The confirmatory factor analysis provided some preliminary confirmation of the factor structure suggested by the exploratory analyses, but further research with larger samples is needed to fully confirm the factor structure. Overall, results support the use of the 15-item scale with health professionals and first responders, with factors used for descriptive value rather than as calculated subscales until further research can be completed.

Construction of a Scale Assessing Patients' Perceptions Regarding Sanitation and Hygiene in a Clinical Setting.

This study attempted to develop a scale, hereby called HYGIENICCARE, that assesses patients' perceptions regarding sanitation and hygiene in a healthcare environment. It also evaluated the relationship between the new measure and a previously validated scale measuring healthcare quality. This study was a psychometric test in which we constructed a new survey and administered the survey to patients in wards and the outpatient departments of 5 hospitals in Accra North. A robust procedure, including a review of selected questions by an expert panel, was followed to determine the original bank of items of the instrument. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to select items for the scale, whereas confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess construct validity. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between the new scale and an existing measure of healthcare quality. A bank of 10 items was determined through a systematic review of the literature and the engagement of 7 expert reviewers. Through principal component analysis, the items were reduced to 9. Principal component analysis yielded 2 factors: "environment and equipment" and "personnel and process," which both explained 82% of the total variance and produced Cronbach α coefficients of 0.912 and 0.86, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 2-factor solution and produced satisfactory discriminant validity and convergent validity indicators. The 2 domains of the new scale were highly correlated with all dimensions of a scale measuring healthcare quality called HEALTHQUAL (r ≥ 0.76, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression, each of the 2 domains of HYGIENICCARE explained a total variance of 41% or greater in all domains of HEALTHQUAL (P < 0.001). We developed a brief scale measuring hospital hygiene and sanitation that correlated well with an existing measure of healthcare quality. This effort shows that the new tool is a valid measure of patient-perceived hospital hygiene and sanitation.

Measuring the Perceived Importance of Indicators of the Quality of Social Care Services

ABSTRACT Purpose We aimed to develop and validate an instrument measuring perceived importance of indicators of the quality of social care services in different groups of stakeholders. Method 671 respondents (249 representatives of public administration, 217 social service providers and 205 service users) completed a 40-item questionnaire developed on the basis of relevant quality assessment models. Results Item analysis was carried out and it was found that data were suitable for further analysis and no item removal was needed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed 5-factor solution which was subsequently affirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Scales derived from EFA exhibited high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.83 to 0.95. Discussion and Conclusion The study offers a novel approach to the development of a measure of the quality of social care service based on separate investigation of perceived importance and service satisfaction. Hence, it has relevance for ongoing scientific debate on importance weighting in service satisfaction research.