Good Construct Reliability Research Articles

Structural Validation for the Developmental Model of Computational Thinking

A prior study developed the Computational Thinking Scale (CTS) for assessing individuals’ computational thinking dispositions in five dimensions: decomposition, abstraction, algorithmic thinking, evaluation, and generalization. This study proposed the Developmental Model of Computational Thinking through validating the structural relationships among the five factors of the CTS. To examine the model, a questionnaire including the CTS was administered to 472 middle school students. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the construct of the measurements, and a PLS-SEM analysis was used to validate the structural relationships among the factors. The results confirmed that the 19-item CTS has good item reliability, internal consistency, and construct reliability for measuring computational thinking (CT). In the Developmental Model of CT, decomposition and abstraction significantly predict all other three CT dispositions, suggesting that they are the two fundamental factors required for CT development. Moreover, a significant linear prediction path was shown starting from algorithmic thinking, evaluation, until generalization. Thus, a multi-level model was confirmed for the conceptual framework of CT. This model suggests a possible sequence for CT development which may provide a guideline for the teaching objectives of CT for different learning stages in different school levels. Decomposition and abstraction are especially suggested to be emphasized in school curricula before teaching algorithmic thinking or algorithm designs.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the Modified Online Compulsive Buying Scale among Chinese Young Consumers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese translation of the modified online compulsive buying scale. A convenience sample of 539 Chinese university students were recruited in four major cities in China. The scale was translated from English to Chinese using forward-backward method. Performing a maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis revealed one factor consisting of 10 items, which was confirmed by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability, face validity, content validity, and construct validity of the scale were assessed. The Chinese version of the modified online compulsive buying scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .909), and good construct reliability (composite reliability = .911, maximal reliability = .919, McDonald’s omega = .910). Moreover, convergent validity of the scale was established (average variance extracted = .510). The validated instrument can be used in future studies to measure young consumers’ online compulsive buying behavior in China.

Validity and reliability of the perinatal anxiety screening scale in a brazilian sample of pregnant women

IntroductionThe Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale was translated and validated for European Portuguese (PASS-29; Pereira et al. 2019), from the original PASS (composed of 31 items; Somerville et al. 2014) to allow epidemiological and correlational research and early detection, which is an health policy imperative. This need also applies to Brazil, where a specific instrument to measure perinatal anxiety is not available.ObjectivesTo study the psychometric properties of the PASS Brazilian version factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency and pattern of correlations with mood states.Methods350 women (Mean age: 30.01±5.452) in the second trimester of pregnancy (Mean weeks =25.17±±6.55) completed the PASS and the Brazilian version of Profile of Mood States (POMS-25; Barros et al. 2021). SPSS and AMOS software were used.ResultsAfter deleting two items (1 and 2) and some errors correlated, CFA indicated a good fit for the second-order model (X2/df=2.987; CFI=.903; TLI=.889; GFI=.797, RMSEA=.075; p[rmsea≤0.01]<0.001). The Cronbach alpha was α=.937, and for the four dimensions (general anxiety and specific fear, perfectionism and control, social anxiety and adjustment disorder, acute anxiety and trauma.), were all α>.800. PASS total and dimensional scores significantly (p<.01) and moderately correlated with Profile of Mood States dimensions: negative affect (.471), Depression (.294), Anxiety (.548), Fatigue (.438) and Vigour (-.288).ConclusionsSimilarly, to what has been found for Portuguese version, the Brazilian PASS resulted in a 29-items-and-four-factors version, with good construct and convergent validity and reliability. In the near future we will determine the PASS cut-offs to screen for anxiety disorders in pregnancy and postpartum.

Academic Dishonesty and Academic Adjustment Among the Students at University Level: An Exploratory Study

The tendency to cheat is consubstantial to any kind of education and training process involving work and effort. The study was conducted on 194 participants, first- and second-year students from the bachelor and master’s programs from several engineering and humanities faculties from Brasov. The Academic Adjustment Questionnaire and the Academic Ethics Questionnaire (AEQ) were applied. The aim of the research was to highlight the internal structure of the two questionnaires and to investigate the associations between academic adjustment, academic dishonesty. Several demographic variables were taken into consideration. The results showed good construct validity and reliability for the scales and significant correlations between academic adjustment and academic dishonesty. Future research should examine to what extent AEQ is able to capture the impact of information technology on dishonest behavior or whether the matter requires a special approach or whether AEQ can support effective intervention programs to stop the phenomenon of academic dishonesty.

Measuring parents’ perceptions of inclusive school quality in China: the development of the PISQ scale

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a scale measuring inclusive school quality from parents’ perceptions (Parents’ perceptions of Inclusive School Quality, PISQ) and investigate the perceptions of Chinese parents of children with disabilities of inclusive school quality using the PISQ scale. Method: The data for 78 parents of children with disabilities were used to measure the reliability and analyse the items of the PISQ scale. The data for 255 parents of children with disabilities were used to verify the construct validity and internal consistency of the PISQ scale and investigate parents’ perceptions of inclusive school quality in China. SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 24.0 were used for the statistical analyses. Results: The newly developed PISQ scale was found to have good construct validity and reliability. The investigation of Chinese parents of children with disabilities indicated that parents’ perception of inclusive school quality in China was at a middle-high level and that the parents of children with ASD showed the lowest perception of inclusive school quality. Conclusion: This study reports the development process of the PISQ scale and presents a valid scale for measuring inclusive school quality in the future. Additionally, this study provides implications for improving the inclusive practices of regular Chinese schools.

An Empirical Investigation of Software Customization and Its Impact on the Quality of Software as a Service: Perspectives from Software Professionals

Although customization plays a significant role in the provision of software as a service (SaaS), delivering a customizable SaaS application that reflects the tenant’s specific requirements with acceptable level of quality is a challenge. Drawing on a pr-developed software customization model for SaaS quality, two fundamental objectives of this study were to determine whether different software customization approaches have direct impacts on SaaS quality, and also to assess the construct reliability and construct validity of the model. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 244 software professionals with experience in SaaS development. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the construct reliability, construct validity, and research hypotheses. The measurement model assessment suggested that the six-construct model with 39 items exhibited good construct reliability and construct validity. The findings of the structural model assessment show that all customization approaches other than the integration approach significantly influence the quality of SaaS applications. The findings also indicate that both configuration and composition approaches have positive impacts on SaaS quality, while the impacts of the other approaches are negative. The empirical assessment and evaluation of this model, which features a rich set of information, provides considerable benefits to both researchers and practitioners.

Cross‑cultural adaptation, construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Thai version of the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (Thai PRWHE).

To translate the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) which is widely used as the evaluation in healthcare and research system in wrist/hand disorder patients into Thai (Thai PRWHE) and to examine its psychometric properties. The PRWHE was translated to Thai, including cross-cultural adaptations, following standard guidelines. Psychometric properties were evaluated with 292 wrist/hand musculoskeletal disorder patients. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability over a 7-day interval. Construct validity was evaluated using two methods: Spearman's rank correlation of related and unrelated subscales and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Responsiveness was analyzed using the standardized response mean (SRM). All subscales had high Cronbach's alpha (0.91-0.96). Evaluation of the Pain subscale found good correlations with the Thai PRWHE and the Thai version of disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Thai DASH) questionnaire (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001) in related dimensions. Unrelated dimensions, the Total Function subscale of the Thai PRWHE, and the Mobility subscale of the Thai EQ-5D-5L had a weak correlation (r = 0.09, P < 0.12). Comparison of the one-factor solution and the bifactor model found the first-order three-factor solution fitted the data better than other models. The test-retest reliability with 61 patients in each subscale revealed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.94-0.96). In the assessment of responsiveness, the SRM with 54 patients was large (0.94). The Thai PRWHE has excellent internal consistency in all modules and good construct validity and reliability for Thai patients and provides a large standardized response mean after treatment.

A Measurement of Attitude toward Working with Robots (AWRO): A Compare and Contrast Study of AWRO with Negative Attitude toward Robots (NARS)

Organizations are increasingly relying on a workforce that includes humans and robots working collaboratively. Yet, many humans are reluctant to work with robots. To help identify and predict who is likely to want to work with a robot, this paper introduces a new scale called attitude toward working with a robot (AWRO). The author conducted a study to assess the AWRO scale’s construct validity and reliability along with its predictive power in relation to NARS. The AWRO scale was administered to 220 restaurant employees. AWRO demonstrated good construct validity and reliability and was also much more predictive of worker outcomes than NARS. Results of this study have implications for a workforce that includes humans and robots working collaboratively.

Psychometric Properties of Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE): Reliability and Factor Analysis Study in Turkish Sample.

Introduction:The Questionnaire Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) scale is a tool that is widely used because of its multi-dimensional assessment of ability for empathy and is currently available in many languages. The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of QCAE, which evaluates cognitive and emotional empathy with its multi-dimensional structure, and to bring it into the Turkish.Methods:The study was carried out in a Turkish population of 412 healthy volunteers. Internal consistency, confirmatory factor analyses and gender comparisons of the Turkish version of the scale were performed.Results:The Turkish version of QCAE had good construct validity and reliability for the five-correlated factors model (i. e., Emotion Contagion, Proximal Responsivity, Peripheral Responsivity, Perspective Taking and Online Simulation). Temporal reliability was high with a two week test-retest intra-correlation coefficient range of 0.69–0.79. A total of 3 models were tested with confirmatory factor analyses, including the models of the original investigation. Cognitive-Affective distinction was not supported by the pattern of correlations between the factors.Conclusion:Our results support that it is appropriate to compute and interpret the 5 sub-dimensions of the Turkish version of QCAE separately and totally, but the limitations in its use in the Cognitive Empathy and Affective Empathy sub-dimensions should be heeded.

Assessment of coping with cancer-related burdens: psychometric properties of the Cognitive-Emotional Coping with Cancer scale and the German Mini-mental Adjustment to Cancer scale

Abstract Objective: A proportion of cancer patients develop depression and anxiety as a consequence of the cancer diagnosis. The common-sense model of self-regulation is a theoretical framework focusing on cognitive-emotional processes that can explain associations between cancer and depression and anxiety. Based on this model, we constructed the Cognitive-Emotional Coping with Cancer scale (CECC) and assessed its psychometric properties. A secondary aim was to test the factorial structure of the German version of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC). Methods: Overall, 412 participants with a current cancer diagnosis or a cancer diagnosis in remission were included in an online survey study. The factorial structure of the CECC was studied via exploratory analysis, and the factorial structure of the German Mini-MAC was via a confirmatory factorial analysis. The construct validity of both scales was also investigated with multi-trait/multi-method analyses. The cutoff scores, internal consistency, and test-reliability of the CECC subscales were calculated. Results: The results illustrated that the CECC consists of 5 correlating subscales. These subscales had a very good construct validity and reliability. The construct validity of the Mini-MAC was good, and the confirmatory factorial analysis showed an adequate model fit of the 5-factor model. However, the internal consistency and the factor loading of 2 subscales of the German Mini-MAC are questionable. Conclusions: The CECC can be a useful tool to assess cognitive-emotional strategies to cope with cancer for researchers and practitioners. For the German Mini-MAC, the study confirmed factorial structures with questionable psychometric properties of 2 subscales.

Assessing attitudes and intention to work with older adults by American and Israeli nursing students: Adapting and testing a measure

BackgroundFinding workers to care for older adults in healthcare settings has become a priority, and research identifying factors influencing a nursing student's intention to make geriatrics a career choice is needed. This calls for the development of a reliable measure of students' perceptions and attitudes. ObjectivesTo determine the adaptability of Carolina Opinions on Care of Older Adults (COCOA) to assess nursing students' attitudes to older adults and their intentions to work with them in two countries. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingsNursing students enrolled in an introduction to gerontological nursing course in the United States and Israel. ParticipantsA convenience sample of 231 undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing in the United States (N=122) and Israel (N=109). MethodsStudents completed the COCOA instrument and basic demographics using an electronic platform. ResultsExploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) produced five factors explaining 59% of the variation, with the majority of the items (17, 71%) loading above 0.40 on subscales from the instrument's original structure. EFA led to the elimination of one subscale (Value of Older Adults) and the creation of a new subscale (Older versus Younger Adults) with three items. The reliability scores were good to acceptable for all subscales in both Israeli and American samples (α-Cronbach 0.80 to 0.60). Confirmatory FA supported the data's fit to the 21 items of the modified COCOA instrument (CMIN/DF=1.55, CFI=0.93, IFI=0.93, RMSEA=0.05). The analysis of model equivalence for American and Israeli samples revealed significant differences only on the Experience in Caring for Older Adults subscale. ConclusionsThe modified COCOA demonstrated good construct validity and reliability and can serve as estimation of nursing students' attitudes to older adults and their intention to make geriatrics a career choice. Future studies should further evaluate its predictive validity.

Attitudes and Intention to Work With Older Adults by USA and Israeli Nursing Students: Measure Adaptation and Testing

More nurses are needed to meet the healthcare needs of older adults. Valid and reliable measures are lacking that assess attitudes and intentions of nursing students to select a career in geriatrics. This paper discusses the applicability of the Carolina Opinions on Care of Older Adults (COCOA) instrument on attitudes towards and intention to work with older adults among nursing students. A cross-sectional survey design was used with samples of nursing students from the United States (N=122) and Israel (N=109). Students completed the COCOA instrument and the measure’s dimensionality, construct validity, reliability and equivalence among the nursing students was tested. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) produced 5 factors explaining 59% of the variation with most of the items (17, 71%) loading above 0.40 on subscales according to the instrument’s original structure. Four items loaded on different subscales than originally described. One original subscale was eliminated (Value of Older Adults), and one new subscale was created (Older versus Younger Adults). The reliability scores were good to acceptable for all subscales (.60 - .80). Confirmatory FA supported the data’s fit to the modified COCOA instrument (CMIN/DF=1.55, CFI=.93, IFI=.93, RMSEA=.05). The analysis of model equivalence for USA and Israeli samples revealed significant differences attributed to Experience in Caring for Older Adults subscale. The modified COCOA instrument demonstrated good construct validity and reliability and can serve as estimation of nursing students’ attitudes towards older adults and intention to choose geriatrics as a career. Further studies are needed to test its predictive validity.

Teaching Non-Italian Students: Italian Adaptation of the Questionnaire on Teachers’ Perspectives

The survey of teachers’ perspectives on the teaching of refugees and immigrant pupils by Kurbegovic (2016) is used to evaluate five dimensions of teachers’ self-perception: Selfefficacy, Implementation Practices, Cultural Competence, Competence/Preparation and Student Needs. The present study is aimed at analysing the self-awareness of primary school teachers of the teaching of refugee and immigrant students in Italy. The survey of Kurbegovic within its 30 items (Cronbach’s Alpha = .86) was conducted on a sample of 190 teachers who teach in primary schools in Rome. After removing 2 items that are cross loading, the exploratory factor analysis (Maximum likelihood method with Oblimin rotation) confirms a five-factor structure and shows a good construct validity and reliability. Current research reveals that the survey of teachers’ perspectives on refugee and immigrant populations is appropriately adapted to assess Italian primary school teachers’ views. This tool demonstrates its usefulness not only for research but also for pedagogical practice and can help to create an inclusive classroom environment that provide students with equal access to the curriculum and learning experiences.

Comparing the reliability and validity of the SF-36 and SF-12 in measuring quality of life among adolescents in China: a large sample cross-sectional study

ObjectiveWe compare the reliability and validity of the Short Form 36 (version 1, SF-36) and the Short Form 12 (version 1, SF-12) in adolescence, the period of life when a child develops into an adult, i.e., the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority (10–19 years), thus supplying evidence for the selection of instruments measuring the quality of life (QOL) and decision-making processes of adolescents in China.MethodsStratified cluster random sampling was adopted according to geographical location, and the SF-36 was administered to assess QOL. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to show correlation. Cronbach’s alpha and construct reliability (CR) were used to evaluate the reliability of SF-36 and SF-12, while criterion validity and average variance extracted (AVE, convergence validity) were used to evaluate validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to calculate the load factors for the items of the SF-36 and SF-12, then to obtain the CR and AVE. The Semejima grade response model (logistic two-parameter module) in item response theory was used to estimate item discrimination, item difficulty, and item average information for the items of the SF-36 and SF-12.Results19,428 samples were included in the study. The mean age of respondents was 14.78 years (SD = 1.77). Reliability of each domain of the SF-36 was better than for the corresponding domain of the SF-12. The domains of PF, RP, BP, and GH in SF-36 had good construct reliability (CR > 0.6). The criterion validities of some domains of the SF-36 were a little higher in some corresponding dimensions of the SF-12, except for PCS. The convergence validities of the SF-12 were higher than the SF-36 in PF, RP, BP, and PCS. The items of BP, SF, RP, and VT in the SF-12 had acceptable discrimination of items that were higher than in the SF-36. The items’ average amounts of information on BP, VT, SF, RE, and MH in the SF-36 and SF-12 were poor.ConclusionTwo component (PCS and MCS) measurements of the SF-12 appeared to perform at least as well as the SF-36 in cross-sectional settings in adolescence, but the reliability and validity of the 8 domains of the SF-36 were better than those of the SF-12. Some domains, for instance SF and BP, were not suitable for adolescents or need to be studied further.

Quality of life and related constructs in a group of infertile Hungarian women: a validation study of the FertiQoL

Quality-of-life measurement is a basic prerequisite for psychologically sensitive fertility care and the FertiQoL is a psychometrically sound outcome measure in this field. The aim of the present research was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Hungarian Core FertiQoL. Two independent samples of infertile women were merged (n = 320). While the model fit of the four-factor Confirmatory Factor Analysis was under the level of acceptability (χ2(246) = 626.36, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.070 [CI90 = 0.063–0.076], CFI = 0.878, SRMR = 0.071), the four-factor Exploratory Structural Equation Model showed much improved model fit (χ2(186) = 395.63, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.059 [CI90 = 0.051–0.067], CFI = 0.933, SRMR = 0.035). Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alphas 0.77–0.92) and construct reliability (0.75-0.95) were found for both factor structures. Depression correlated negatively with fertility-specific quality of life. Almost a quarter of the sample suffered from moderate-to-severe depression. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that Beck Depression Inventory categories (mild, moderate etc.) co-occurred with significantly distinct FertiQoL score ranges, leading to a possible, clinically meaningful threshold on the Core FertiQoL. Pearson coefficients showed secondary infertility, rural residency and pre-treatment status to be associated with better fertility quality of life.

A Thai version of the Michigan hand questionnaire (Thai MHQ): an investigation of the psychometric properties

BackgroundThe Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) is widely used to assess the hand/wrist conditions. We translated the original version into Thai (Thai MHQ) and evaluated its psychometric properties.MethodsAfter receiving permission, the original MHQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Thai following standard guidelines. Two hundred and seventeen patients who had hand/wrist injuries or disorders were included in the study. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman’s rank correlation among the subscales of Thai MHQ, Thai DASH and Thai EQ-5D-5L and also confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to explore construct validity. The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate the responsiveness of the Thai MHQ.ResultsAll subscales showed an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha (0.79–0.98). The test-retest reliability of each subscale was good (ICC = 0.83–0.95). In related dimensions, strong correlation was demonstrated between the Activities of daily living subscale of the Thai MHQ and the Common activities subscale in the Thai DASH (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). For unrelated dimensions, a weak correlation was found between the Aesthetics subscale in the Thai MHQ and the Mobility subscale in the Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = − 0.13, P = 0.05). The Thai MHQ had strong correlation with Thai DASH (r = − 0.79, P < 0.0001) and Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.63, P < 0.0001). CFA showed that the 6-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data. The SRM of the Thai MHQ was 0.78, indicating relatively large responsiveness. The MIC of Thai MHQ using distribution methods (SEM) was 5.2.ConclusionsThe Thai MHQ provides adequate internal consistency in all subscales as well as good construct validity and reliability for Thai patients and a relatively large standardized response mean at 2 months after treatment.

Measurement properties of the Rajka-Langeland severity score in children and adults with atopic dermatitis.

Multiple atopic dermatitis (AD) severity scales exist, with no gold standard for use in clinical practice. To determine the measurement properties of the Rajka-Langeland score and compare it with other clinician-reported outcomes in adults and children with AD. We performed a prospective dermatology practice-based study using questionnaires and evaluation by a dermatologist (n = 427). Rajka-Langeland had good concurrent validity with the Eczema Area and Severity Index (Spearman rho = 0·63), SCORing AD (SCORAD) (rho = 0·61), objective-SCORAD (rho = 0·52) and body surface area (rho = 0·51); good convergent validity with the numeric rating scale average-itch (rho = 0·60) and worst-itch (rho = 0·59), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (rho = 0·57), Dermatology Life Quality Index (rho = 0·53), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Itch Questionnaire (rho = 0·35-0·55) in adults and/or children; fair discriminant validity for patient- and physician-reported global AD severity; good responsiveness to change of severity of AD and itch; good reliability; internal consistency; with no floor or ceiling effects. Interpretability bands (3, clear/almost clear; 4-5, mild; 6-7, moderate; 8-9, severe) and minimal clinically important difference (1 point) were established. The Rajka-Langeland score showed good construct validity, reliability, internal consistency and responsiveness in adults and children with AD.

A useful tool to assess quality of LIFE in rheumatoid arthritis patients that does not require a license: QOL-RA II.

To validate the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale II (QOL-RA II) in an Argentinean cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients ≥ 18years old, with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR-EULAR 2010 criteria, were included in a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, RA characteristics, disease activity, and current treatment were registered. Questionnaires were administered, including EQ-5D-3L, QOL-RA II, HAQ-A, and PHQ-9. The QOL-RA II was re-administered in 20 patients to evaluate reproducibility. Four hundred and thirty patients were included. Median QOL-RA was 6.6 (IQR 5.3-8). Mean time to complete it was 1.7 ± 0.57min and to calculate it was 12 ± 1.7s. It showed very good reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.97), reproducibility (ICC, 0.96), and good correlation between the different items and the total questionnaire, without evidence of redundancy. Besides, QOL-RA II presented good correlation with EQ-5D-3L (Rho, 0.6) and moderate with DAS28 (Rho, 0.38), and CDAI (Rho, 0.46). Worse quality of life was observed in patients not doing physical activity, unemployed, and current smokers. Patients with higher disease activity had a significant poorer quality of life. Adjusting by age, sex and disease duration, unemployment, higher disease activity, disability, and the presence of depression were independently associated to worse quality of life. QOL-RA II demonstrated good construct validity, reproducibility, and reliability. It was easy to complete and calculate and does not require a license for its use, thus making it the optimal tool for assessing the quality of life in Spanish-speaking patients with RA. Key Points • The evaluation of quality of life is very important in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. • Most of the questionnaires used to assess the quality of life require a license to use. • QOL-RA II is a valid and simple questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with RA and does not require a license for its use.

Construction of a Neuro-Immune-Cognitive Pathway-Phenotype Underpinning the Phenome of Deficit Schizophrenia.

In schizophrenia, pathway-genotypes may be constructed by combining interrelated immune biomarkers with changes in specific neurocognitive functions that represent aberrations in brain neuronal circuits. These constructs provide an insight on the phenome of schizophrenia and show how pathway-phenotypes mediate the effects of genome X environmentome interactions on the symptomatology/phenomenology of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge how to construct pathway-phenotypes using Partial Least Squares (PLS) path modeling and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA). This paper aims to provide a step-by-step utilization guide for the construction of pathwayphenotypes that reflect aberrations in the neuroimmune - brain circuit axis (NIBCA) in deficit schizophrenia. This NIBCA index is constructed using immune biomarkers (CCL-2, CCL-11, IL-1β, sIL-1RA, TNF-α, sTNFR1, sTNFR2) and neurocognitive tests (Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia) predicting overall severity of schizophrenia (OSOS) in 120 deficit SCZ and 54 healthy participants. Using SmartPLS path analysis, a latent vector is extracted from those biomarkers and cognitive tests, which shows good construct reliability (Cronbach alpha and composite reliability) and replicability and which is reflectively measured through its NIBCA manifestations. This NIBCA pathwayphenotype explains 75.0% of the variance in PHEMN (psychotic, hostility, excitation, mannerism and negative) symptoms. Using SIMCA, we constructed a NIBCA pathway-class that defines deficit schizophrenia as a qualitatively distinct nosological entity, which allows patients with deficit schizophrenia to be authenticated as belonging to the deficit schizophrenia class. In conclusion, our nomothetic approach to develop a nomological network combining neuro-immune and neurocognitive phenome markers to predict OSOS and cross-validate a diagnostic class generated replicable models reflecting the key phenome of the illness, which may mediate the effects of genome X environmentome interactions on the final outcome phenome features, namely symptomatology and phenomenology.

Measurement properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS® ) Itch Questionnaire: itch severity assessments in adults with atopic dermatitis.

Little is known about the validity of numeric rating scales (NRS) and verbal rating scales (VRS) for itch and itch frequency for assessing itch severity in atopic dermatitis (AD). We evaluated the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS® ) Itch Questionnaire (PIQ) - itch severity assessment, including multiple NRS,VRS and frequency of itch assessments, in adults with AD and compared their performance. Self-administered questionnaires and skin examinations were performed in 410 patients with AD (aged 18-90 years) in a dermatology practice setting. PIQ NRS,VRS and frequency of itch had good content validity, strong correlations with one another (Spearman correlations P < 0·001) and weak-to-moderate correlations with patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), objective SCORing AD (SCORAD) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (P < 0·001) and very good discriminant validity. Changes from baseline in NRS,VRS and frequency of itch were moderately to strongly correlated with one another, and weakly to moderately correlated with other patient-reported (POEM,SCORAD itch, DLQI) and clinician-reported outcomes (EASI, objective SCORAD). NRS and VRS worst itch and average itch showed moderate-to-good test-retest reliability. There were no floor or ceiling effects for NRS or VRS itch, but there were ceiling effects for itch frequency. Each assessment was completed in < 1 min by all patients. NRS,VRS and frequency of itch items from PIQ - itch severity showed good content and construct validity, reliability, and/or responsiveness in adults with AD, and were feasible for use in clinical trials and practice. What is already known about this topic? Numeric rating scales (NRS), verbal rating scales (VRS) and frequency of itch have been used to assess the burden of itch. However, there have been limited results demonstrating their validity, responsiveness, interpretability and feasibility, particularly in atopic dermatitis (AD). What does this study add? This study demonstrated that NRS, VRS and frequency of itch items from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS® ) Itch Questionnaire (PIQ) - itch severity assessments had good construct validity, responsiveness, reliability and feasibility in the assessment of adult AD. PIQ NRS, VRS and frequency of itch all appear to have sufficient validity, reliability and feasibility for use as assessments of itch in adults with AD in clinical practice and trials. What are the clinical implications of this work? PIQ NRS and VRS are all simple, valid, reliable and feasible for use in clinical practice and trials to assess itch in adults with AD. Linked Comment: Oosterhaven. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:802-803.