Fit Indices Research Articles

Impact of being a relative of a patient with epilepsy on the association of attitudes toward epilepsy and disease knowledge levels

ObjectiveThe social prognosis for individuals with epilepsy is often poorer than their clinical prognosis, highlighting the significant influence of social factors on the progression of the disease. Relatives of patients with epilepsy (RPEs) generally have more positive attitudes towards epilepsy compared to the general population. This study aimed to examine the effect of being an RPE on the relationship between attitudes toward epilepsy and levels of disease knowledge. MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study included 217 adult participants, comprising 93 RPEs and 124 controls (non-RPEs), selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire that included sections on socio-demographic characteristics, the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale, and the Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) Scale. Path analysis was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood method. Due to the non-normal distribution of exogenous variables, the robust Huber/White/sandwich estimator method was used to calculate confidence intervals and fit indices. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 34.7 ± 11.5 years, with 128 (59.0 %) being female. RPEs scored an average of 26.8 ± 9.9 on the PATE Scale, which was significantly lower than the average score of 29.7 ± 11.0 for non-RPEs (p = 0.047). Path analysis indicated that being an RPE indirectly fosters a positive attitude through increased knowledge levels. While the direct effect of being an RPE on attitudes was not statistically significant, the indirect effect mediated by knowledge was significant. SignificanceThis study highlights that the level of knowledge about epilepsy, a key predictor of positive attitudes, remains important even among RPEs. In kinship contexts where neurobiological and psychosocial factors are at play, the primary determinant of attitudes toward epilepsy is still the level of knowledge about the condition. Consequently, focusing on increasing knowledge about epilepsy should be the main strategy to promote positive attitudes, providing a more promising avenue for future research and interventions.

Pilot Study-Estimated VO2max via Modified Harvard Step Test (MHST) in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Patients Undergoing Pre-Op Rehabilitation

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury ranging from partial to full thickness tear causes much dysfunction physically and psychologically. It affects both daily & sporting activities with potential of creating long term complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee, functional limitations, increase in body mass index (BMI) and loss of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important indicator for functional and fitness capacity and VO2max is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. VO2max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during a vigorous exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is usually done on a treadmill with gaseous exchange system, a process that is time consuming, expensive and difficult to assess and not available in our public health setting. Modified Harvard step test is easy to do, cost friendly and allows mass testing to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) however there are inadequate data on ACL injury and its influence on cardiorespiratory fitness using modified Harvard step test. Method: A prospective study was done using patients attending Sports Medicine Gym Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar 2023 and data from 20 patients who were undergoing pre-ACL reconstruction rehabilitation were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to post trauma duration; (<6 months of injury and rehabilitation and >6 months injury and rehabilitation). Patients were required to do modified Harvard step test and translated into VO2max scores. Anthropometric data were also taken from patients. Results: The mean age for our study is 21.9±4.3 years. The mean VO2max for the entire participant was 43.2ml/kg/min. Mean VO2max for groups <6 months injury rehabilitation and >6 months injury rehabilitation was at 35.4±1.8 ml/kg/min and 49.0± 5.8ml/kg/min respectively. We report difference in both groups VO2max Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness is often reduced during earlier phase of injury due to inability to perform aerobic exercises. Progressive rehabilitation can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, aid in patients return to sports and reduces morbidity post operatively. Modified Harvard step test is a reliable and cost-effective method to test VO2max. It is also important to increase cardiorespiratory fitness to maintain healthy BMI.

Serious game for cognitive assessment. Validation of a psychometric embedded test

The evaluation of performance in serious video games is crucial when it comes to providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of this type of educational tools. In turn, the design of psychometric tests demands specific procedures aimed at estimating validity levels. This paper presents the validation process of a psychometric test embedded in a video game, for the assessment of executive functions, understood as a set of cognitive processes associated with the functioning of the frontal lobes, including planning, inhibition, flexibility and monitoring. The sample consisted of 171 participants aged between 5 and 12 years (Mean=8.27; SD=1.589), students at elementary school. The analyses performed included Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega internal consistency indexes and an Exploratory Factor Analysis. The results indicate good levels of reliability and excellent fit indices for a two-factor model

Translation and Validation of the Korean Version of the Global Interprofessional Therapeutic Communication Scale: A Study of the Psychometric Properties among Korean Nurses

Purpose: This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Global Interprofessional Therapeutic Communication Scale (K-GITCS), with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic communication and patient engagement among Korean nurses.Methods: The study rigorously adhered to the original authors’ translation guidelines. A sample of 300 registered nurses from a tertiary hospital in South Korea participated in this research. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the tool’s validity, and Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficients were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency of the K-GITCS.Results: The instrument’s reliability was substantiated by an adequate comparative fit index (0.984) and a high Cronbach’s ⍺ coefficient (0.94). The empirical results supported the three-factor structure of the K-GITCS, which comprised trust and rapport building, power sharing, and empathy.Conclusion: The study confirms that the K-GITCS is a valid, reliable, and culturally sensitive instrument for assessing therapeutic communication skills among nurses in Korea. It also highlights the importance of culturally tailored therapeutic communication training, particularly for promoting empathy in patient care. The study emphasizes the potential of the K-GITCS to significantly enhance nurses’ therapeutic communication practices, thereby improving the quality and safety of patient care. It is recommended to apply this tool among nursing students, academic institutions, and interprofessional healthcare providers to facilitate structured educational interventions that will improve therapeutic communication.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Brief-COPE Inventory and Exploration of Factors Associated with Perceived Stress among Peruvian Nurses.

This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Brief-COPE Inventory and to determine its concurrent validity by examining its association with perceived stress among Peruvian nurses. A psychometric study was conducted with 434 Peruvian nurses to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brief-COPE Inventory through confirmatory factor analysis. Three stepwise variable selection regression models were implemented. The three-factor model of the Brief-COPE Inventory demonstrated adequate fit indices (root mean square error of approximation = 0.052, standardized root mean square residual = 0.068, and both the comparative fit index and the Tucker-Lewis index = 0.95). Additionally, the factors were significantly correlated (p < 0.001), and the reliability was adequate (ω = 0.90). Nurses reported a medium level of perceived stress, with associated factors including having received stress management training, fear of COVID-19, and problem-focused coping strategies (p < 0.05). This study confirms that the Brief-COPE Inventory is a valid tool for measuring coping strategies among Peruvian nurses due to its good model fit, excellent reliability, and concurrent validity with perceived stress. However, further research is needed to assess its validity in the specific areas of performance perceived by nursing professionals.

Path analysis of COVID-19 cognition, social support, and mental health of pregnant women with interventional prenatal diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic based on structural equation modeling.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cognition, social support, and mental health among pregnant women proposed for undergoing interventional prenatal diagnosis in Sichuan Province during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 2270 pregnant women (2232 valid) who were proposed to undergo interventional prenatal diagnosis at a tertiary hospital prenatal diagnosis center in Sichuan Province from January to December 2022 were selected by Convenience sampling and surveyed using a self-administered general information questionnaire, social support rating scale, mental health questionnaire (including: Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale), and self-administered COVID-19 cognition questionnaire. Structural equation modeling showed that social support negatively predicted anxiety (β = -0.34, t = -14.98, P < .001) and negatively predicted depressive status (β = -0.21, t = -9.57, P < .001); COVID-19 cognition negatively predicted anxiety (β = -0.76, t = -5.34, P < .001) and depression (β = -0.40, t = -2.99, P < .01); anxiety positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.73, t = 37.34, P < .001). The overall knowledge rate of COVID-19 cognition among 2232 pregnant women who were to undergo interventional prenatal diagnosis was 76.40%. The fit indices of the model were: CMIN/DF = 3.071, GFI = 0.999, AGFI = 0.993, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.030, NFI = 0.998, and TLI = 0.992, indicating that the model had a good fit and the model was scientifically valid. Pregnant women in Sichuan province who are to undergo prenatal interventional diagnosis have a medium level of COVID-19 awareness, and their level of COVID-19 awareness and social support will directly affect their anxiety and depression level, and their anxiety level will also affect their depression level. We should give more attention to pregnant women, especially those in particular situations such as advanced age, poor maternal history, family history of genetic disease, etc, they should be given adequate care and social support, and multiple channels and types of health education should be provided for the COVID-19 to improve the pregnant women's knowledge of COVID-19, which is important for improving the mental health of pregnant women.

Epilepsy knowledge scale for parents (EKS-P): Development and psychometric evaluation in Turkish sample

BackgroundEpilepsy is the most prevalent chronic neurological condition in childhood, affecting approximately 0.5%–1% of children worldwide. ObjectiveThis study aimed to (1) develop an “Epilepsy Knowledge Scale for Parents”, (2) evaluate the content validity of the scale, and (3) assess its psychometric properties. MethodsThis methodological study was conducted in a tertiary hospital's pediatric neurology outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study comprised two stages involving 500 parents of children with epilepsy. The first stage included validity and reliability analyses, while the second stage involved the calculation of the scale scoring. ResultsExploratory Factor Analysis for the preliminary scale development with 36 items based on expert opinions yielded 29 items and three dimensions. The factors explained 62.83% of the total variance, and the scale exhibited high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.885). Confirmatory Factor Analysis, it was determined that the fit indices were at acceptable (CFI = 0.957, NFI = 0.932) or good level (χ2/df = 2.32, RMSEA = 0.048, GFI = 0.951). Consequently, a final structure comprising 29 items and three dimensions was obtained. The scale score's cutoff value was set at 15.50 points, with scores above this value indicating diagnostic value with 55.6% sensitivity and 80.2% specificity. ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the “Epilepsy Knowledge Scale for Parents (EKS-P)”, designed to assess parents' knowledge of epilepsy, is a reliable and valid measurement tool for the Turkish population. Implications for practiceThis scale (EKS-P) developed for parents is recommended to be used in clinical settings and both experimental and non-experimental research.

Exploring the Components of Multicultural Competence among Pre-Service Teacher Students in Thailand: An Approach Utilizing Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

The aim of this study is to examine the components of multicultural competence among pre-service teacher students in Thailand and to develop and assess the reliability of a model of multicultural competence for pre-service teacher students in Thailand. Multistage stratified random sampling was utilized to recruit 600 pre-service teacher students from undergraduate education programs at the Faculty of Education in Thailand. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires. The data analysis employed descriptive statistics and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings indicate that multicultural competence among pre-service teacher students comprises three components: cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, and personal skills. Furthermore, this study identified that the model of multicultural competence among pre-service teacher students demonstrated good fit indices for the modified model (χ2 = 30.902, df = 21, p-value = 0.0753, χ2/df = 1.472; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.028; standardized root means square residual (SRMR) = 0.013; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.996; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.999). Based on these findings, effective teaching in diverse environments necessitates a thorough understanding of multicultural competence.

Myths about suicide - validating the Hungarian version of the Literacy of Suicide Scale (H-LOSS) on a community sample

BackgroundSuicide was exceptionally high in Hungary in the last century. According to Eurostat, Hungary ranks second in the EU in death by suicide and was among the few countries where the suicidal tendencies increased in 2020. Primary tasks of suicide prevention programs are to develop suicide literacy and dispel myths and misconceptions about suicide. Therefore, the goal of our research was the Hungarian validation of the 26-item Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS). Methods: 749 people (382 female (51.0%), 364 male (48.6%), 3 identify as non-binary or other (0.4%); 4 identifying as transgender (0.5%)) participated in our online cross-sectional survey with a mean age of 32.4 years (SD = 14.5 years). The H-LOSS questionnaire was adapted using the 2PL (two-parameter logistic) model with WLSE (weighted least squares) estimation in item response theory method, similarly to the original English version.ResultsScale unidimensionality was confirmed. Model fit indices and internal reliability indicators were acceptable. Item infit and outfit values were adequate, item discrimination values were within range, but one item had extremely high and three items had extremely low item difficulty parameters. Few items had differential item functioning by age, gender and own suidice attempt.ConclusionsThe H-LOSS scale deemed to be appropriate for assessing suicide literacy in Hungarian speaking samples.

Enhancing Employee Retention through Ergonomic Practices: Examining the Moderating Effect of Work-Life Balance

This study investigates the impact of various ergonomic and workplace factors on employee retention, aiming to understand how organizations can foster a supportive work environment to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover. Using structural equation modeling, the research examines key variables, including workstation design, proper lifting techniques, task rotation, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic tools and equipment, break scheduling, and work-life balance. The findings reveal that these ergonomic factors significantly influence employee retention, with proper lifting techniques and ergonomic tools showing the strongest positive associations. The analysis demonstrates that employees who experience a supportive ergonomic environment are more likely to stay with their organization, thus emphasizing the importance of these factors in retention strategies. Additionally, work-life balance is shown to moderate the relationship between ergonomic practices and retention, suggesting that employees who feel their organization values their personal well-being are more likely to remain committed. Fit indices, such as the RMSEA, CFI, TLI, SRMR, and GFI, confirm the robustness of the model, indicating a good fit with the observed data. The study’s conclusions highlight the need for organizations to invest in ergonomic improvements and work-life balance initiatives to maintain a stable and productive workforce. While the study offers valuable insights, its limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on self-reported data, and the specific organizational context, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand on these findings by exploring additional variables and conducting longitudinal studies across diverse settings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of employee retention dynamics.

Integrating Generative AI and IoT for Sustainable Smart Tourism Destinations

This paper aims to develop a groundbreaking approach to fostering inclusive smart tourism destinations by integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) with natural language processing (NLP) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into an intelligent platform that supports tourism decision making and travel planning in smart tourism destinations. The acquisition of this new technology was conducted using Agile methodology through requirements analysis, system architecture analysis and design, implementation, and user evaluation. The results revealed that the synergistic combination of these technologies was organized into three tiers. The system provides information, including place names, images, descriptive text, and an audio option for users to listen to the information, supporting tourists with disabilities. Employing advanced AI algorithms alongside NLP, developed systems capable of generating predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and conducting real-time, multilingual communication with tourists. This system was implemented and evaluated in Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage sites in Thailand, with 416 users participating. The results showed that system satisfaction was influenced by (1) the tourism experience, (2) tourism planning and during-trip factors (attention, interest, and usage), and (3) emotion. The relative Chi-square (χ2/df) of 1.154 indicated that the model was suitable. The Comparative Fit Index (CFI) was 0.990, the Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) was 0.965, and the model based on the research hypothesis was consistent with the empirical data. This paper contributions significant advancements in the field of smart tourism by demonstrating the integration of Gen AI, NLP, and the IoT and offering practical solutions and theoretical insights that enhance accessibility, personalization, and environmental sustainability in tourism.

The Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire: Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version

Social support research in sports has attracted considerable attention in recent years. There are limited sport-specific support perception measurements to measure Turkish athletes' support perceptions. The present study was conducted to adapt the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire developed by Freeman et al. (2011) into Turkish and examine the measurement's psychometric properties. A total of 300 athletes aged between 18-22 years were included in the study. The factor structure of the measurement was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The obtained data revealed significant factor loadings and produced acceptable fit indices. Both internal consistency and composite reliability values were found to be high, thus supporting the validity and reliability of the measurement. The results show that the measurement retains its original structure consisting of 4 dimensions (esteem support, emotional support, information support, and tangible support) and 16 items, each containing four items. Accordingly, it was concluded that the Perceived Accessible Support in Sport Questionnaire is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish athletes.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Abdominal Bloating Social Support Scale.

Abdominal bloating (AB) is a common, bothersome symptom that negatively affects most adults. Although social support may help people suffering from AB, limited validated questionnaire is available. This study aimed to validate the newly developed Abdominal Bloating Social Support (SS-Bloat) scale for the Malaysian context. We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we used purposive sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. Based on the literature review, experts' input and in-depth interviews, new items were generated for SS-Bloat scale. Content validity was assessed by experts and pre-tested with 30 individuals with AB. Construct validity was determined based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was determined based on Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR). During the development stage, eight items were generated for SS-Bloat scale and remained the same after content validity and pre-testing. A total of 152 participants with a mean age of 31.27 years old (68.3% female, 32.7% male) completed the questionnaire. Based on the EFA, three problematic items were removed. The total variance explained was 35.6% with acceptable reliability (α = 0.66). The model was then tested using CFA. The initial model did not fit the data well. After several model re-specifications, the final measurement model of SS-Bloat scale fit the data well with acceptable fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.994 and Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.984). The CR was satisfactory with value of 0.84. SS-Bloat scale was deemed valid and reliable for assessing the level of social support among AB patients. The questionnaire can be useful for both research studies and clinical purposes, as it is easy to use.

Adaptation of the quiet quitting scale for teachers to Turkish culture: An empirical psychometric investigation

The study aims to introduce to the Turkish culture a measurement tool that has proven validity and reliability in determining the level of quiet quitting among teachers. It involves the analysis of the validity and reliability of the Quiet Quitting Scale, as the scale is adapted to the Turkish culture. The scale, originally developed in English, was adapted to Turkish using data from teachers employed in public schools who were selected through convenience sampling. Confirmatory factor analysis was initially used to assess the construct validity of the original structure of the scale within the Turkish context. The findings indicated a good fit to the four-factor model, supported by adequate factor loadings and fit indices, thus confirming the scale’s validity within the Turkish culture. Reliability evaluation included internal consistency coefficients, test-retest stability, and composite reliability, all exceeding the threshold values. The test-retest analysis confirmed the stability of the scale, while the composite reliability analysis further supported its reliability. Measurement invariance across gender and tenure was examined, confirming that the scale can provide reliable comparisons across these demographic groups. Overall, these results demonstrate the successful adaptation of the Quiet Quitting Scale to Turkish culture and are supported by strong evidence of its validity and reliability.

Psychological flexibility and self-critical rumination: A serial mediation between adverse childhood experiences and mental well-being in adulthood

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may affect individuals' neurological and cognitive development and may cause some mental health challenges later in adulthood. Previous research show emotionally abused children may internalize self-critical tendencies, leading to an increased display of self-critical rumination. And one way to cope with self-criticism might be through psychological flexibility. This cross-sectional study investigated the serial mediation of psychological flexibility and self-critical rumination in the ACES-adult mental well-being link in a sample of 450 Turkish adults with the average age of 30.5. The results showed that psychological flexibility and self-critical rumination fully mediated the path from ACEs to mental well-being. The goodness of the fit indexes indicated a good fit. ACEs were associated with an increased tendency towards self-critical rumination, potentially perpetuating a cycle where individuals who were subjected to abuse in childhood may internalize and replicate harmful behaviors in adulthood. However, through psychological flexibility, adults with ACEs possess the capacity to confront and acknowledge these traumatic events and their effects. By embracing psychological flexibility, individuals may tap into their mental resources, facilitating a pathway towards healing and well-being. Thus, fostering psychological flexibility might be a significant factor in promoting mental well-being among adults with a history of ACEs.

Evaluating the Reliability and Model Fit of the 13-Item and 10-Item Big Five Inventory (Malay Version) among Malaysian Firefighters.

Lengthy instruments for assessing personality traits may not be applicable in certain research settings. In situations where time is scarce, a briefer measurement is preferable. However, the reliability of a briefer measurement of the Big Five Inventory (BFI) among firefighters in Malaysia has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and model fit of the Malay version of the BFI with 13 items (BFI-13) and 10 items (BFI-10) among Malaysian firefighters. A cross-sectional study using cluster sampling was conducted in a state in Malaysia. Each respondent completed BFI-10 and BFI-13 using an online survey with a 1-month interval between each response. Reliability testing was evaluated using internal consistency and a 2-week interval test-retest. The model fit of these two BFI questionnaires was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 124 firefighters participated in the study, with a zero-dropout rate. The Malay version of BFI-13 exhibited higher reliability by displaying good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.919, 0.838, 0.871 and 0.896 for the domains conscientiousness, neuroticism, agreeableness and extraversion, respectively, and acceptable test-retest reliability with moderate to good intraclass correlation (0.588-0.806). The CFA model also indicated that BFI-13 has a better model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.993; Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.991; standardised root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.029; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.035). The Malay version of BFI-13 is reliable and applicable enough to be supplementarily used in surveys among Malaysian firefighters. By using a brief personality assessment, it will reduce the cognitive and emotional burden on respondents.

TURKISH VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE POUND SATISFACTION SCALE IN STROKE PATIENTS UNDERGOING REHABILITATION

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the Pound Satisfaction Scale (PSS). Methods: For the adaptation of the PSS to Turkish (PSS-Tr), the translation and back-translation process was carried out by following the international guidelines. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to measure structural validity. The relationship between PSS-Tr and the Patient Satisfaction Scale in Physiotherapy (PSSP) and the SF-36 was assessed for construct validity. Convergent validity was evaluated computing by the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Composite reliability (CR) for internal consistency of the PSS-Tr and Bland-Altman plot and test-retest reliability analysis for temporal consistency were used. Results: The study included 130 stroke patients. The fit index values of the CFA showed that the structural validity of the PSS-Tr was appropriate (χ2/sd=1.779, RMSEA=0.075, GFI=0.911, AGFI=0.853, CFI=0.955, NFI=0.905). A high correlation was found between the PSS-Tr total score and the PSSP (p=0.001, r=0.672). A moderate correlation was found between the hospital satisfaction sub-dimension of PSS-Tr, and the sub-dimensions of SF-36 (p=0.001, r=0.484-0.609), while a low correlation was found between the home satisfaction sub-dimension of the PSS-Tr and the physical functioning (p=0.002, r=0.266) and physical role (p=0.035, r=0.180) sub-dimensions of SF-36. And also the PSS-Tr was found to have good internal (Cronbach alpha= 0.895, CR=0.94) and temporal consistency (ICC = 0.976). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Pound Satisfaction Scale (PSS-Tr) is reliable and valid. The PSS-Tr may be useful for clinicians and researchers in assessing satisfaction with rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Validity of the Physical activity scale for the elderly: results from the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Background. Adequate physical activity is essential to healthy aging. This study aimed to examine the construct validity of the Persian version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) among community-dwelling adults, which would be used as a screening tool at the Neyshabur longitudinal study on the aging (NELSA) Center. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Neyshabur, Iran, as a pilot phase at the NELSA center between May and January 2019. The sampling method was a stratified random method. For explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), 300 and 650 community-dwelling adults aged 50 and older were selected, respectively. EFA was used with the principal component extraction method, and Varimax rotation and CFA were performed with the maximum likelihood estimation method. Results. Of the 950 participants, 445 (46.8%) were male, and 505 (53.2%) were female. The mean age of participants was 63 ± 8.6 years. The mean physical activity score was 89.7 ± 70.7. According to the percentage of variance explained in EFA, all five extracted factors explained 62.7% of the total variance. The results of CFA showed that all item-scale relationships were significant (P &lt; 0.05), except for household activity (Q8) and leisure time activity (Q2) (P &gt; 0.05). The values of the fit indices showed that the model fits well with the data. Conclusion. The EFA and CFA confirmed the construct validity of the Persian version of PASE. This questionnaire is suitable for measuring the physical activity level of older Persian adults. Practical Implications. The Persian version of PASE is suitable for measuring the physical activity level of older Persian adults.

Covid-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS): A Validity and Reliability Study.

In this study, our aim was to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine the social anxiety level of people regarding COVID-19. A total of 420 people participated in the research. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the validity and reliability of the scale. As a result of the explanatory factor analysis, it was determined that the scale consisted of 22 items and four sub-dimensions. These sub-dimensions were named "negative thinking", "sociability", "fear" and "vaccination". In examination of the fit indices obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis results, it was seen that the four-factor scale structure was high and acceptable. Based on these results, we concluded that the COVID-19 social anxiety scale (CAS) was valid and reliable for examining the level of social anxiety of people during the pandemic periods.

Toward a more culturally nuanced approach to assessing athletic and exercise identities in sport psychology research: a confirmatory factor analysis approach with South Korean male student-athletes

ABSTRACT The identities of “athlete” and “exerciser” share conceptual similarities but can be differentiated by the ways in which their respective objectives, motivations, and intentions significantly diverge. However, there is a gap in the literature addressing the ambiguity and inconsistent use of these terms in the context of South Korea. The linguistic discrepancy in how these terms are conceptualised and operationalised has important implications for the study of athletes’ long-term health and well-being, where a nuanced perspective on identity is necessary for understanding physical activity behaviour and health outcomes through the transition out of competitive sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to refine the terminology used in the previously translated versions of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale and Exercise Identity Scale and examine whether refined questionnaires appropriately represent similar but distinct concepts. Using software program R, this aim was addressed through a two-factor confirmatory factor analysis of the measurement scales within a sample of South Korean male student-athletes (N = 232, Mage = 19.93 ± 1.22 years). Global fit indices of the final model demonstrated acceptable fit χ2 (101) = 208.512, p < .01, CFI = .95, RMSEA = .07 (90% Confidence Interval: .06 – .08), SRMR = .06 and the local fit indices further supported convergent and discriminant validity of the scales within the sample. Recognition of cultural differences and nuances related to the terms “athlete” vs. “exerciser” and “sport” vs. “exercise” is important for fostering a comprehensive understanding of these identities within sport and exercise psychology research.