Internal Consistency Coefficients Research Articles

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the polycystic ovary syndrome quality of life questionnaire for married and unmarried women with PCOS: PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42

IntroductionThe incidence of PCOS is notably elevated in Iran, making it crucial to examine the quality of life among these individuals. This study aimed to thoroughly evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian adaptations of the PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42 questionnaires. The application of these tools is significant as they could enhance further research in in communities with similar social norms concerning marriage and sexuality.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional design. Following the linguistic validation of the Iranian adaptation of the PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42, a panel of experts reviewed the items through an evaluation of the content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Subsequently, a semi-structured interview was carried out to evaluate face validity. Consequently, discriminant validity was assessed using the known groups comparison. Convergent validity was evaluated by assessing the correlation between similar content on the PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42, SF-12 and body image questionnaire. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing two scales scoring in baseline and eight-week follow-up data of prescription contraceptive Daine-35. In addition, reliability analyses including internal consistency and test–retest analysis were carried out.ResultsThe CVR in this study for the total scale was 0.98 for two scales, indicating a satisfactory result. The CVI for the scale was found to be 0.98 and 0.99 for PCOSQoL-42 and PCOSQoL-47, respectively suggesting that it had a good content validity. Known groups comparison revealed that the two scales effectively distinguished between sub-groups of women with varying symptoms specific to PCOS, thereby supporting their discriminant validity. Additionally, convergent validity was evaluated and, as anticipated, a strong positive correlation was observed between corresponding subscales of the two instruments. The paired t-test showed significant changes in PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42 scores (p < 0.001) indicating as a responsive outcome measure to detect significant changes over time before and after treatment. Additional analyses indicated satisfactory results of PCOSQoL-42 for internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.72 to 0.78) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ranging 0.67 to 0.92; P < 0.05). regarding PCOSQoL-47, Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.80 to 0.82 and intraclass correlation coefficients (ranging 0.61 to 0.73; P < 0.05).ConclusionThe PCOSQoL-47 and PCOSQoL-42 have undergone thorough testing in Iran and may be utilized as outcome measures in forthcoming studies within this demographic.

VALIDATION STUDY ON THE SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EMPLOYEES – THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

In this paper, the validity and reliability of the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale-A5 (ComQoL-A5) was evaluated on a sample of 761 employees in production and service activities in the City of Niš. The research was carried out using the Cronbach α internal consistency coefficient of all components (domains) of the questionnaire scales in order to analyze the reliability of the quality of life scales. In addition, the correlation analysis assessed the interdependence between the values of individual domains within the scales for assessing the quality of life, while Spearman's rank correlation coefficient - r was calculated between the individual domains of the scales for the objective and subjective quality of life. The results of the research confirm the high reliability of the scales for assessing the subjective quality of life (0.823) in the general population of employees, while the reliability of the scale for assessing the objective quality of life is in accordance with the values of the Cronbach α coefficients in the tests of the objective quality of life in a large number of studies during the initial testing of the questionnaire by the author himself (0.39 vs. 0.49). It was confirmed that the application of a standardized generic questionnaire for quality of life (ComQoL-A5) is a suitable and reliable instrument for future research on quality of life in the general population and for the working population.

Effect of limiting checklist on the validity of objective structured clinical examination: A comparative validity study

Background The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a cornerstone of medical education that uses a structured approach to assess clinical skills and competency. A well-designed checklist is essential to enhance the validity of OSCE exams. This study aimed to determine whether a clinically discriminatory checklist (CDC) improves the validity of the OSCE compared with an assessment using the thoroughness checklist (TC), with a particular focus on clinical reasoning. Methods Fourteen OSCE case scenarios with both TC and CDC were developed. Each case was administered to 350–1170 fourth-year medical students in nine medical schools within the Seoul-Gyeonggi-area (Korea) during their OSCEs in 2019 and 2020. We also conducted interstation examinations after standardized patient encounters to assess clinical reasoning ability. The validities of OSCE scores based on the TCs and CDCs were compared. Results The OSCE using a CDC (rather than a TC) enabled better item discrimination but provided a lower internal consistency coefficient and worse standard measurement error. Clinical reasoning scores derived using patient notes were significantly correlated with OSCE scores but varied according to the characteristics of each case, indicating that OSCE scores derived using CDCs did not assess clinical reasoning ability more accurately than OSCE scores obtained using TCs. Conclusions This study found that using a CDC to limit checklist items did not improve OSCE validity and did not reflect clinical reasoning ability. Further development of robust assessment strategies that support and evaluate clinical reasoning abilities is needed.

How Do Teachers Survive? Turkish Adaptation of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Strategies Scale

The continuous development of professional competencies and active retention of teachers in the field, stemming from alterations in their professional life cycles, are intrinsically connected to the necessity of lifelong learning for teachers. The model of selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategies can be used to gain insight into the ways in which teachers manage their resources to remain in the profession, how they adapt to their professional lives in the context of lifelong learning, and how to develop effective policies to support the professional development of teachers. Although previous research has emphasized the primary factors that influence teachers' professional development and motivation, there is a scarcity of research on the strategies that teachers use to maintain their employment. In order to fill this gap, this study aims to adapt the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Scale (SOCQ) (Zacher &amp; Frese, 2011), which emphasizes the strategies that teachers use to remain effective in their professional lives, into Turkish. The sample of the study consisted of 299 teachers working in schools in Çekmeköy district of Istanbul province. In the adaptation process of the scale, Turkish translation, back translation, cross-checking, and Turkish face validity stages were followed. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the scale. The CFA revealed excellent fit indices for the scale. Consisting of 12 items and three dimensions, the reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient and composite reliability coefficient (CR). The internal consistency coefficient was 0.81, while the CR value was 0.902. The study's findings demonstrate that the Turkish version of the SOCQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing teachers' use of SOC strategies.

Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Form of the Family Support Scale for the Older People.

The Family Support Scale is a used scale to assess family support in older people. The purpose of this study was to test the Family Support Scale for older people in Turkish and to examine its validity and reliability. This was a methodological study. This study sample enrolled 250 older individuals. The study was conducted between July-December 2022. In data collection, sociodemographic information form and The Family Support scale were used. The inclusion criteria for this study selected participants who were 65 years or older, literate, open to communication, living with at least one family member, and who volunteered to participate in the research. In the study, who developed the original scale, was contacted via e-mail and the necessary permission was obtained for the Turkish validity and reliability of the scale. Language equivalence, content validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis of the scale were performed. Internal consistency and total item score correlation were calculated to ensure validity and reliability. The scale is compatible in terms of language and content suitability, CVI (Language)= 0.87; CVI (Content)=0.099. In the validity analyzes of the scale; the factor loadings values of the scale were found to be between 0.36 and 0.83, and the explained variance (54.78%) was at a sufficient level according to the EFA results. It was determined that factor loading values for all items were varied between 0.58 and 0.97 and factor load values were statistically significant in CFA (p<.05). It was determined that the fit indices were RMSEA=0.064, GFI=0.99, CFI=0.99, NFI=0.99, x2/df=2.03 at the desired level. In the reliability analysis, it was found that the internal consistency coefficient (α: 0.94) was quite reliable, and the total correlation values of the scale ranged between 0.48 and 0.83. The cross-cultural adaptation of this scale has been realized successfully in Turkish. Health care providers may utilize this tool to evaluate family support for older people.

Validation analysis of Polish version of Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire - Short Form (NPQ-SF-PL) and assessment of quality of life in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.

The aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the Polish version (PL) of the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (NPQ-SF), as well as to compare this questionnaire to other diagnostic tools in terms of reliability and psychometric validity. Neuropathic pain (NP) affects up to 10% of the general population. Despite a large number of studies, almost 50% of patients have a poor therapeutic outcome. Diagnostic tools are intended to distinguish between NP and non-NP (NoP) and to guide the examiner to perform further diagnostics in accordance with the guidelines. A total of 140 patients with chronic pain (ChP), 90 with NP and 50 with NoP, were enrolled into this study. NPQ-SF-PL has been developed following the guidelines for translation and cultural adaptation. Reliability of the translated version was examined using internal consistency, predictive validity, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In the study, women predominated over men, and the average age was 53.22. Cronbach's α value for the entire scale was 0.76 and ICC for test-retest reliability was 0.631. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis gave a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 88.0%. Area under the curve was 0.94. NPQ-SF-PL was moderately associated with self-completed Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) and weakly associated with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The NP group obtained statistically significantly lower scores than the NoP group in all domains of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), thus indicating worse health status. Patients aged over 41 years presented a worse quality of life compared to younger ones. Also, more than half of the patients with NP of both genders experienced symptoms of mild or more severe depression. NPQ-SF-PL is a valid screening tool for assessing NP in Polish chronic pain patients. The obtained results showed very good psychometric properties and adequate internal consistency. The repeatability of the questionnaire indicated moderate reliability. Clinical implications/future directions. We believe this study will provide physicians with a new instrument for the evaluation of NP for clinical and research purposes.

The Chinese version of the physical activity questionnaire for adolescents: a psychometric validity, reliability, and invariance study

BackgroundThe Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) is one of the most commonly used questionnaires for assessing adolescents’ levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA). Although a Chinese version of the PAQ-A (comprising nine items) exists, it has been assessed for only internal consistency coefficients, test–retest reliability, and correlations with the GT3X + accelerometer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the PAQ-A among Chinese adolescents.MethodsThis study included three samples of 1,101 secondary school students (12–19 years old). The first sample consisted of 518 participants (50.4% males, 49.6% females) for correlation tests and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The second sample consisted of 227 participants (55.75% males, 44.24% females) for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, and sample size invariance tests. The third sample consisted of 356 participants (54.50% male, 45.50% female) for the internal consistency reliability test, invariance test (cross sample size, education level and gender), and t-test.ResultsPearson correlation analysis of the PAQ-A indicated that all the total-item correlations exceeded 0.2, indicating good consistency across the items. Subsequent EFA of the Chinese version of the PAQ-A revealed a two-factor structure. CFA subsequently validated this structure. One of the items exhibited a standardized loading below 0.4 and was excluded. The exclusion of this item resulted in increased standardized loadings for the remaining items, ranging from 0.40 to 0.82, which indicates improved fit indices. This adjustment underscores the questionnaire’s satisfactory convergent validity and robust discriminant validity. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.821, with the values for the first and second factors being 0.757 and 0.716, respectively. The questionnaire demonstrated stable invariance across sample sizes and education levels and additionally showed partial scalar invariance across genders. A t-test revealed a significant difference between males and females, which aligns with previous findings. These findings supported the construct validity of the questionnaire.ConclusionThis study validated the Chinese version of the PAQ-A for assessing adolescent PA in China, with a two-factor structure improved by removing one item.

Development and validation of a questionnaire on radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Moroccan dentists.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of dentists' radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices (DRP-KAPs) questionnaire. This study was conducted using a stepwise approach. In the first step, items were generated to determine the relevant content and domains after a thorough literature review. In the second step, the content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by seven experts using face and content validity. The content validity index for relevance and clarity (I-CVI, S-CVI/Av, and S-CVI/UA) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were performed. Then, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 10 dentists for face validation. In the third step, reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) and Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest (Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) methods by filling out the questionnaire by 100 dentists practicing in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, in Morocco. The finalized DRP-KAPs questionnaire contains 41 items covering knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs). The I-CVIs, S-CVI/UA and S-CVI/AV and CVR values of the 41 items were ≥0.86 for each item, ≥0.82, ≥0.97, and ≥0.71, respectively. With regard to internal consistency reliability, the KR-20 coefficients for the knowledge and practice domains were 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, and the Cronbach alpha for the attitude domain was 0.73. The DRP-KAPs questionnaire has good reliability with the ICC coefficients for attitude items ranging from 0.57 to 0.95 and Kappa coefficients for knowledge and practice items ranging from 0.64 to 1 and 0.77 to 1, respectively. The developed DRP-KAPs questionnaire was found to be a noteworthy tool for assessing radiation protection among dentists, with acceptable internal consistency, good ICC and Kappa coefficients, and good content validity indices.

Validation of the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index in the Arab context: Results and implications of a Moroccan study

The Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (Gold-MSI) is an extensively used self-report measure of musical skills and behaviours; however, to-date, no validated Arabic translation of the Gold MCI exists. This study reports on the Gold-MSI validation in the Moroccan setting. Our sample consisted of Moroccan adults (n = 660). Psychometric properties revealed good internal consistency (coefficient α = 0.93, the McDonald’s ω = 0.93, and Guttman’s Lambda = 0.95); and revealed a good fit: CFI = 0.83, RMSEA = 0.067, and SRMR = 0.068. The Arabic version of Gold-MSI appears a reliable and valid measure of musical skills and behaviours in the Moroccan setting.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Scale of the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors With Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Background and Purpose: This methodological study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the scale for evaluating self-care behaviors with arteriovenous fistula. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a methodological design was planned and conducted in 2022. The Scale of the Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula was translated into Persian. Subsequently, the validity (content and construct) and reliability of this scale were assessed. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure for the scale, accounting for 60.71% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that all goodness-of-fit indices supported the model fit (χ2/df = 1.925, Goodness-of-Fit Index = .903, Normed Fit Index = 0.933, Incremental Fit Index = 0.950, Comparative of Fit Index = .950, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .047). Furthermore, this study found that both factors demonstrated satisfactory levels of convergent and divergent validity (construct reliability = .934 and .885 for factors 1 and 2, respectively). After careful evaluation, all coefficients of internal consistency were deemed acceptable (α = .872 and McDonald's omega = 0.879). Conclusions: These significant findings provide compelling evidence that this scale can effectively assess patients' self-care behaviors and facilitate the provision of necessary training in this domain.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the dysfunctional voiding score symptoms (DVSS-Sp) questionnaire in a pediatric chilean sample

BackgroundThe Dysfunctional Voiding Score Symptoms (DVSS) questionnaire is commonly used to evaluate dysfunctional voiding and incontinence (DVI). ObjectivesTo translate and culturally adapt the DVSS questionnaire into Spanish (DVSS-Sp) in pediatric population and to assess its psychometric properties. MethodsThe process of translation and cultural validation were done. To obtain evidence of validity and reliability, we evaluated the fit of different factor models and calculated internal consistency coefficients. Also, the diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale was assessed through a logistic regression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Accordingly, a total sample of 248 participants was recruited (204 with a diagnosis of DVIs and 44 with no medical problems). ResultsThe cross-cultural adaptation showed an adequate correspondence with the original version. The DVSS-Sp was configured with 2 factors: Overactive Bladder (OB) symptoms (items 1, 2, 6, and 7) and Dysfunctional Elimination (DE) symptoms (items 3, 4, 8, and 9), showing excellent goodness-of-fit indices. The relationship between the factors OB and DE was low. The reliability of the OB factor was α = 0.68, ω = 0.71, and the DE factor was α = 0.56, ω = 0.57. A logistic regression analysis suggests a good diagnostic capacity of the DVSS-Sp scale. Additionally, ROC analysis showed a cut-off score of 3.5 on the DVSS-Sp scale, where the specificity was 0.907, and the sensitivity was 0.636. ConclusionThe results of this study support the use of the DVSS-Sp for assessing DVIs in Spanish-speaking children.

무용창작 수업에서 대학생의 경험에 대한 개방성 창의적, 프로세스 참여 내재적 동기 및 창의적 수행 간의 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the latent factor structure of the Creative Process Engagement Scale (Zhang &amp; Bartol, 2010a) and the Creative Performance Scale (Mutonyi &amp; Slatten, 2020) adapted for college dance students (Study 1), and to examine the effects of openness to experience on college students' creative performance through creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation (Study 2). Methods Study 1 was conducted on 127 undergraduate dance majors (17 males, 110 females) to test the validity and reliability of two scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and re-liability analysis. Study 2 was conducted on 428 dance majors (54 males, 374 females, mean age= 20.08±1.62) to examine the mediating effects of creative process engagement and intrinsic motivation on the relationship be-tween openness to experience and creative performance. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor anal-ysis, internal consistency, and regression analysis. Results In Study 1, the latent factor structure of the Creative Process Engagement Scale and Creative Performance Scale fit a two-factor structure. The internal consistency coefficient (ɑ) was .927 for the creative process engage-ment scale and .838 for the creative performance scale. In Study 2, confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure for the creative process engagement scale and a single-factor and two-factor structure for the creative performance scale. Regression analysis showed that openness to experience has an indirect effect on creative performance through idea generation and intrinsic motivation. Conclusions Findings suggest that fostering college students' engagement in the creative process, intrinsic moti-vation, and creative performance in dance composition classes requires the promotion of cognitive styles that are open to experience.

Psychometric evaluation of the Geneva Sentimentality Scale in Chinese college students.

The Geneva Sentimentality Scale (GSS) measures the experience of being moved and its effects on behavior. Despite the prevalence of this emotional response, it has not been extensively studied in China. This study aims to adapt and revise the GSS for Chinese college students to assess its cross-cultural consistency. A sample of 1328 students aged 18-24 years participated in the study, with 127 randomly selected for retesting after an 8-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis reveals that the Chinese version of the GSS includes three factors (emotional labels, tears of joy, and warm feelings in the chest), with a total of nine items. The internal consistency coefficients for the three factors and the overall scale are high, and the total score remains stable over time. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) shows that the three-factor model has a good fit. Multigroup CFA indicates measurement invariance across genders. The results also demonstrate good discriminant and convergent validity for the scale. Overall, the GSS is a reliable and flexible tool for assessing the emotion of being moved among Chinese college students.

Psychometric Properties of Turkish Versions of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form in a Turkish sample. With the participation of 244 adults over 18 years of age, the Short Form of the Nonattachment Scale, the Resilience Scale and the Ontological Addiction Scale were used as data collection tools. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficient were used for the reliability of the Non-Attachment Scale Short Form. According to the results of the analyses, the internal consistency coefficient and McDonald's value were found to be .77 and .78, respectively. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to test the construct validity of the scale. The results of the analyses showed that the model fit and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) values were at an acceptable level. Item factor loadings ranged between .40 and .67 and the scale was found to have a single factor structure. The statistically significant difference between the 27% lower and upper groups among the participants showed that the item discrimination index of the scale was at a good level. According to the correlation findings conducted to test the criterion validity of the scale, non-attachment was found to have positive significant relationships with resilience (r = .60) and negative significant relationships with ontological dependence (r = -.39). As a result, adaptation of the Short Form of the Non-Attachment Scale can be said to be a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Investigation of Higher Education Students' Computational Thinking Skill Levels

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

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

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

Development and Validation of the Defending Behavior Scale of Cyberbullying for Adolescents.

In the context of cyberbullying, bystanders engage in a diverse array of defending behaviors, employing a range of strategies tailored to the specific forms of bullying they encounter. These defending behaviors have been demonstrated to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of cyberbullying on victims. This study involved the development of the defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents and a subsequent assessment of the scale's reliability and validity. Firstly, the structure of defending behavior was explored based on the results of in-depth interviews and previous studies in the literature. The defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents was then developed, and 550 middle school students were selected for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Secondly, 526 middle school students were selected for a series of reliability and validity analyses, including tests of convergent validity, discriminant validity, and structural validity, to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. The final version of the scale comprises 24 items distributed across four dimensions: emotional support, reporting authority, aggressive defending, and problem-solving. The four factors collectively account for 66.26% of the total variance. The internal consistency coefficient α of the scale was 0.92, with the internal consistency coefficients α of the dimensions being 0.88, 0.92, 0.92, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. The scale demonstrated good convergent validity, discriminant validity, structural validity, and criterion validity. Finally, the scale has measurement equivalence across genders. The defending behavior scale of cyberbullying for adolescents was demonstrated to possess good reliability and validity, to meet the requirements of psychometrics, and to be suitable for use in measuring defending behavior in adolescent cyberbullying.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory.

There are insufficient tools to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular migraine. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform the Turkish adaptation of the Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI). After the language and content validity was completed, a pilot study was conducted. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to test construct validity, and as a result of the validity analyses, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient and test-retest analyses were conducted for reliability. In the study, in which 289 participants were evaluated, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient was calculated as 0.903. The percentage of variance explained by the EFA was 67.246% and the range of factor load change was 0.433-0.828. The scale structure was tested with CFA and the model was confirmed with adequate goodness of fit index values. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.931. The VM-PATHI is a valid and reliable tool for the subjective evaluation of vestibular migraine in Türkiye.

Development, validity and reliability of the “Multiple sclerosis stigma scale”

BackgroundStigma in multiple sclerosis (MS) refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that patients may encounter as a result of their diagnosis. Patients who hold stigmatizing beliefs are more prone to experiencing anxiety and depression, social isolation, and poor treatment adherence. To mitigate the adverse effects of stigma, it is crucial to assess stigmatizing beliefs; however, there is currently no specific stigma scale available for MS. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and validate “Multiple Sclerosis Stigma Scale (MSSS)”. MethodsThis methodological study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of stigma in MS was defined. In the second phase, an item pool was generated based on the findings from the first phase. In the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated, including face and content validity, construct validity, convergent validity and reliability. ResultsAfter evaluating the validity (face, content, and construct validity) and reliability, the initial item pool of 276 items was reduced to 12 items. Factor analysis revealed two factors: discrimination and disclosure. The developed questionnaire had excellent reliability, with an internal consistency coefficient of 0.88 and a stability coefficient of 0.87. ConclusionThe 12-item MSSS is valid and reliable for assessing the level of stigma in Turkish people with MS.

Cardiometabolic Morbidity (Obesity and Hypertension) in PTSD: A Preliminary Investigation of the Validity of Two Structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or specific PTSD symptoms may evoke maladaptive behaviors (e.g., compulsive buying, disordered eating, and an unhealthy lifestyle), resulting in adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity), which may implicate the treatment of this complex condition. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Including additional symptoms such as emotional numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability strengthens the representation of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), suggesting that models with four, five, or six dimensions better capture its structure compared to the original three-dimensional model. Methods: Using a convenience sample of 58 Russian dental healthcare workers (HCWs: mean age = 44.1 ± 12.2 years, 82.8% females), this instrumental study examined the convergent, concurrent, and criterion validity of two IES-R structures: IES-R3 and IES-R6. Results: Exploratory factor analysis uncovered five factors, which explained 76.0% of the variance in the IES-R. Subscales of the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 expressed good internal consistency (coefficient alpha range = 0.69-0.88), high convergent validity (item total correlations r range = 0.39-0.81, and correlations with the IES-R's total score r range = 0.62-0.92), excellent concurrent validity through strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR: r range = 0.42-0.69), while their criterion validity was indicated by moderate-to-low correlations with high body mass index (BMI: r range = 0.12-0.39) and the diagnosis of hypertension (r range = 0.12-0.30). In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models were perfectly associated with the PSS-SR (all areas under the curve (AUCs) > 0.9, p values < 0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale were significantly associated with high BMI. Both avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale, not the IES-R, were significantly associated with hypertension. In the two-step cluster analysis, five sets of all trauma variables (IES-R3/IES-R6, PSS-SR) classified the participants into two clusters according to their BMI (normal weight/low BMI vs. overweight/obese). Meanwhile, only the IES-R, PSS-SR, and IES-R3 dimensions successfully classified participants as having either normal blood pressure or hypertension. Participants in the overweight/obese and hypertensive clusters displayed considerably higher levels of most trauma symptoms. Input variables with the highest predictor importance in the cluster analysis were those variables expressing significant associations in correlations and ROC analyses. However, neither IES-R3 nor IES-R6 contributed to BMI or hypertension either directly or indirectly in the path analysis. Meanwhile, age significantly predicted both health conditions and current smoking. Irritability and numbing were the only IES-R dimensions that significantly contributed to current smoking. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for assessing the way through which various PTSD symptoms may implicate cardiometabolic dysfunctions and their risk factors (e.g., smoking and the intake of unhealthy foods) as well as the application of targeted dietary and exercise interventions to lower physical morbidity in PTSD patients. However, the internal and external validity of our tests may be questionable due to the low power of our sample size. Replicating the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and mental conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts, is pivotal to validate the results (e.g., in specific groups, such as those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction).