Internal Consistency Reliability Research Articles

Moderating Effect of Perceived Organizational Support on the Relationship Between Employee Performance and Its Determinants: A Case of Entrepreneurial Firms in UAE

Considering the organizational success, employees performance has been accepted as among the fundamental role players. However, several organizational factors like abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership have been accepted as among the most critical determinants of such performance outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationships among abusive supervision, job stress, turnover intention, and agile leadership on employee performance in public firms in the UAE. A valid sample of 211 respondents from the public sector firms in UAE has been collected. The present study applies the measurement model and structural model assessment using the Smart PLS version 4. The findings confirm the presence of the internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the latent constructs when examined through their relative items. Moreover, the structural equation modelling reveals that there is a significant impact of agile leadership, abusive supervision, and job stress on the employee performance among the public firms of UAE. Additionally, the findings state that there is a significant moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationship between agile leadership and employee performance, between abusive supervision and employee performance, and between job stress and employee performance, respectively. Based upon the given findings, several policy implications have also been suggested for the policymakers specifically at the public firms in UAE.

Development and validation of the metaverse perception scale for nursing students

BackgroundThe use of Metaverse applications in nursing education is increasing every day and the evaluation of nursing students' perceptions of this new digital technology may guide interventions related to the use of the Metaverse. However, currently, no standardized instrument specifically designed to measure nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse exists in Turkey. AimTo develop and validate the Metaverse Perception Scale for Turkish nursing students. MethodThis methodological study was carried out between March 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 and its sample consisted of 770 nursing students who were enrolled in undergraduate nursing departments of universities in Turkey. The item pool was created based on a literature review and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent and divergent validity, correlation analysis, internal consistency reliability and test-retest analysis. ResultsThe content validity index for the items ranged between 0.85 – 1.00. According to exploratory factor analysis, the eigenvalue of four factors was greater than one. These four factors explained 77.28 % of the total variance. In the scale model developed for this study, model fit was found to be acceptable for goodness of fit index:.921 and root mean square error of approximation:.064. χ2/sd: 1.659, normalized fit index:.961 and chi-square/degree of freedom revealed that model fit was at a good level and within the recommended value ranges. It was determined that the scale showed convergent and divergent validity and Cronbach's Alpha value ranged between 0.95 and 0.93 in the subscales. The Metaverse Perception Scale in Nursing Students was found to have a high level of test-retest reliability. ConclusionThis study showed that the scale, which consists of 24 items and four subscales, is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse in the Turkish context. This scale can contribute to the evaluation of Turkish nursing students' perceptions of the Metaverse, as well as the effective management of processes related to Metaverse practices.

Sustainability and climate change: gender perspective in the traditional fishing sector in Ecuador

In the traditional fishing sector of Ecuador, integrating a gender perspective enhances sustainability and addresses climate change by recognizing the vital roles and knowledge of women in fisheries management. The objective of this study was to validate the content, comprehension, and construction of the designed questionnaire. Additionally, it is intended to identify perceptions of sustainability and climate change amongst women and men in fisheries, and compare their views on the dimensions of sustainability and climate change. The research implemented a questionnaire with a metrically satisfactory scale, providing information on how men and women perceive sustainability and climate change in the artisanal fishing sector. The data were collected by designing an ad hoc questionnaire denominated “Gender perception as regards sustainability and climate change” following a process in which the validity of the content (experts > 0.5823; Content Validity Ratio (CVR) > 6.1; Content Validity Index (CVI) > 0.852), decompression (pilot study, N = 30) and construct (KMO = 0.71) were analyzed. The results of the internal consistency reliability analysis indicated that the Likert scale had a high index of reliability, as evidenced by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.70. This analysis provided evidence of the structure and validity of the scale, resulting in a reliable, integral, and short tool with which to measure perceptions of sustainability and climate change. The questionnaire was administered to 1464 people employed in the traditional fishing industry (17.14% women) in 40 fishing community ports near the coastal profile of Ecuador (Esmeraldas and Manabí). Most of those surveyed stated that the current traditional fishing quotas are not very sustainable in the long term (47.10%, n = 690) and that climate change may significantly negatively impact catch rates (50.30%, n = 736). Finally, the Wilcoxon test of tests confirmed that women had significantly more positive attitudes than men towards sustainability (3.03 ± 0.69) and climate change (3.35 ± 0.64).

Mobile toolbox (MTB) remote measures of executive function and processing speed: development and validation.

The ability to remotely monitor cognitive skills is increasing with the ubiquity of smartphones. The Mobile Toolbox (MTB) is a new measurement system that includes measures assessing Executive Functioning (EF) and Processing Speed (PS): Arrow Matching, Shape-Color Sorting, and Number-Symbol Match. The purpose of this study was to assess their psychometric properties. MTB measures were developed for smartphone administration based on constructs measured in the NIH Toolbox® (NIHTB). Psychometric properties of the resulting measures were evaluated in three studies with participants ages 18 to 90. In Study 1 (N = 92), participants completed MTB measures in the lab and were administered both equivalent NIH TB measures and other external measures of similar cognitive constructs. In Study 2 (N = 1,021), participants completed the equivalent NIHTB measures in the lab and then took the MTB measures on their own, remotely. In Study 3 (N = 168), participants completed MTB measures twice remotely, two weeks apart. All three measures exhibited very high internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability, as well as moderately high correlations with comparable NIHTB tests and moderate correlations with external measures of similar constructs. Phone operating system (iOS vs. Android) had a significant impact on performance for Arrow Matching and Shape-Color Sorting, but no impact on either validity or reliability. Results support the reliability and convergent validity of MTB EF and PS measures for use across the adult lifespan in remote, self-administered designs.

Reliability Analysis of Psychological Measures Related to STEM Persistence in Undergraduate Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution

ABSTRACT Research suggests that psychological factors are related to persistence in science, especially for underrepresented students; however, most psychological instruments have been validated through studies conducted at predominately White institutions. In the current study, we report reliability estimates for measures of science identity, science motivation, and science self-efficacy with a sample of undergraduate college students from a Hispanic Serving Institution (N = 309). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were estimated with Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients, respectively. We report Cronbach's alpha values separately for male (N = 152), female (N = 152), Hispanic (N = 111), and White (N = 115) students. We also examined whether there were statistically significant differences in the Cronbach’s alpha values between these groups. The results demonstrated good to excellent reliability estimates for internal consistency (α ranged from .89 to .96) and test-retest reliability (ICC ranged from .76 to .80) for all groups. There were no significant differences in Cronbach’s alpha values between students identifying as male versus female or between Hispanic and White identifying students. We conclude by urging science education researchers to examine, report, and interpret reliability estimates for their measures for each dataset.

Validation of the Chinese version of the adverse life experiences scale.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to many mental health problems, and play important role in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Additionally, the developmental timing may also be critical in ACEs' impact on these problems. The Adverse Life Experiences Scale (ALES), as a recently developed measure, has demonstrated good reliability and validity in indexing cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission. This scale has not been used in China. The purpose of present study was to revise the Chinese version of the ALES and examine its psychometric properties. A total of 527 parents (fathers n = 246, mothers n = 281) from families with at least one child (12-18 years) completed this online survey. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, correlations, regression models were examined for assessing the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the ALES. The Chinese version of the ALES showed acceptable internal consistency (children: α = .72, parents: α = .74) and test-retest reliability (children: r = .86, parents: r = .84). In terms of validity, both parents and children's ACEs scores (total score and most age intervals scores) were significantly correlated with their current symptoms; ACEs scores of some age intervals in early childhood and adolescence significantly predicted symptoms in regression models; and parents' ACEs total score significantly correlated with children's ACEs total score and symptoms (all, girls, boys) except boys' Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total score. The Chinese version of the ALES showed good psychometric properties for assessing ACEs cumulative risk, developmental timing, and intergenerational transmission, and can serve as a reliable tool to evaluate ACEs in Chinese samples.

The Adaptation of the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI) into Greek: A Reliability and Validity Study.

The Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI) is an informant rating scale designed to measure changes in functional communication in people with aphasia (PWA) from the carer's perspective. It offers a comprehensive view of aphasia's impact on everyday communication situations, aiding clinicians in designing personalized intervention plans. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the CETI into Greek (CETI-GR) and validate its psychometric properties. The CETI-GR was translated into Greek using back-translation. A pilot and a content validity study ensured its acceptability. The study involved 30 people with aphasia and 30 carers. The CETI-GR's psychometric properties were evaluated, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and validity measures. The CETI-GR demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.95) and excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.93). Excellent consistency was revealed when testing the CETI responses given only by PWA (α = 0.91) versus their carers (α = 0.97). Test-retest reliability was high (ICC = 0.88). Significant correlations between the CETI-GR and measures of language severity, functional communication, and quality of life supported convergent validity. The CETI-GR is a reliable tool for assessing functional communication in chronic aphasia. Its Greek adaptation enhances aphasia rehabilitation, enabling person-centered care and improving the quality of life for people with aphasia and carers.

Development and validation of a scale to measure the care needs of Crohn’s disease patients: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundCrohn’s disease (CD) patients require varying levels of supportive care. In order to facilitate caregivers and nurses in precisely evaluating the caregiving requirements of these patients, we developed the CD-specific Care Needs Scale (CD-CNS).MethodsThis study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The initial items of the scale were developed through qualitative interviews, Delphi expert consultation, and literature review, while the final items were refined through clinical testing. Qualitative interviews were conducted based on the supportive care needs framework and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and scale items were constructed through a literature search and qualitative interviews. The initial version of the scale with 45 items was obtained after the items were verified and modified by expert consultation. A total of 250 CD patients admitted to the gastroenterology department of a hospital in China were selected for verification of the initial version of the scale. A self-designed general questionnaire was used to obtain patients’ medical history and sociodemographic data, and the Chinese version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) was used as the criterion. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the CD-CNS to evaluate the dimensions, factor structure, reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity.ResultsEFA identified 5 dimensions and retained 27 items with strong internal consistency reliability (α = 0.940). The Cronbach’s α coefficients for each dimension ranged from 0.824 to 0.921. Criterion validity was assessed using Spearman’s coefficient, which demonstrated a significant correlation with the IBDQ (P < 0.050). The test-retest reliability for each dimension after two weeks ranged from 0.655 to 0.895.ConclusionsWe developed and validated a new scale that can be used to assess the care needs of CD patients. This new tool can guide the specific supportive care of CD patients.Trial registrationThis study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Hospital of Nanjing (2021-LS-ky-022). The study was duly registered and approved online through the Trial Center of the Second Hospital of Nanjing in 2021. Confidentiality was ensured by anonymizing all the data. The entire study process was conducted under the supervision of the Ethics Committee of Nanjing Second Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from the patients, and each patient volunteered and agreed to participate.

Psychometric Properties of the Attitude Toward Statistics Scale on a Bangladeshi Sample

Existing literature suggested the attitude toward Statistics as a predictor of academic performance in Statistics. There was an unavailability of measures for assessing attitude toward Statistics in Bangladesh. The present study was designed to adapt the Attitude toward Statistics Scale (ATSS: Wise, 1985). The adaptation procedure was done by following the guidelines of the International Test Commission (ITC). The translated ATSS was administered on a sample of 238 students from the University of Chittagong who were selected through non-probability sampling techniques. The internal consistency reliabilities, test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement, face validity, content validity, construct validity, and item response bias were estimated for assessing the psychometric properties of the Bangla ATSS. The item-total correlations, Chronbach’s Alphas, split-half reliabilities, test-retest reliability, factor loadings, and DIF contrasts suggested that this measure would be a psychometrically sound measure to apply in Bangladesh context. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 10(1 &amp;2):81-94, 2020

Validation of a Modified Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale Among Young Latinx Adults in the United States.

Medical mistrust is an important barrier to accessing health care among Latinx populations in the United States (US). However, research on the validity and reliability of medical mistrust scales is limited. We examined the validity and reliability of a modified bilingual version of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust scale (mGBMMS) among a sample of Latinx adults. Participants included 308 Latinx adults (ages 18-25), who responded in Spanish (n = 134) or English (n = 174). Following feedback from bilingual/bicultural staff during the English-Spanish translation process, we made three changes to the original GBMMS. Validation testing of our 12-item mGBMMS scale included: split-half and internal consistency reliability; discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity; and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The mGBMMS had good internal consistency (overall sample: Cronbach's α = 0.79; Spanish: Cronbach's α = 0.73; English: Cronbach's α = 0.83). The mGBMMS showed good convergent (moderately correlated with the experiences of discrimination scale, r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and discriminant (weakly correlated with the acculturation scale, r = 0.11, p = 0.06) validity. Split-half reliability was 0.71 (p < 0.001). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses found a two-factor solution. The mGBMMS was associated with satisfaction with care (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.42-0.87), a sign of good predictive validity. Findings suggest that the mGBMMS is a valid and reliable scale to utilize among bilingual (Spanish/English) populations in the US. Further validation studies should be considered among Latinx respondents of different ages, backgrounds, languages, and US regions.

Validation and structural exploration of the Chinese version of the Body Talk Scale

The Body Talk Scale (BTS) measures both negative body talk (including fat talk and muscle talk) and positive body talk across genders. In this study, we translated it into Chinese and assessed its structure, reliability and validity among mainland Chinese residents. Item analyses indicated that no item deletion was necessary for this study, and both exploratory factor analysis (n = 1853) and exploratory graph analysis (n = 1583) supported the three-factor structure of the original scale. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale had a good model fit with CFI= 0.95, GFI= 0.93, TLI= 0.94, and RMSEA= 0.079(90 %CI [0.075, 0.084]). The results also showed that the Chinese version of the BTS had adequate criterion-related validity，internal consistency and six-week test-retest reliability. Meanwhile, the scale has good measurement invariance with respect to gender and can be tested for gender differences. In conclusion, the BTS showed sufficient psychometric properties in a Chinese sample, making it a valid instrument for studying body talk and health status in Chinese populations.

Psychometric Properties of the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale for Higher Secondary Students

In response to the scarcity of grade-specific academic self-efficacy scale, the present study was aimed to adapt a scale for measuring academic self-efficacy for higher secondary students in the context of Bangladesh. Main objective of this study was to assess psychometric properties of the Academic Self-efficacy Scale for Bangladeshi higher secondary students. This measure was administered on a sample 207 higher secondary students who were selected from 3 administrative districts of Bangladesh by non-probability sampling techniques. Psychometric properties were assessed through item analysis (item-total correlation, Cronbach’s Alpha and split-half reliabilities), differential item function, and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (Predictive validity). One item excluded from the scale as this item had insufficient item-total correlation. Findings revealed that this scale had sufficient internal consistency reliabilities and predictive validity and suggested that this could be applicable for assessing academic self-efficacy of higher secondary students in Bangladesh. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 10(1 and2):149-156, 2020

An efficient, reliable and valid assessment for affective states during online learning

The current study aims to develop an efficient, reliable and valid assessment, the affective states for online learning scale (ASOLS), for measuring learners’ affective states during online learning using a sample of 173 young learners. The assessment consists of 15 items which assess five affective states, including concentration, motivation, perseverance, engagement, and self-initiative. To improve efficiency, five items (one for each affective state) are randomly selected and presented every 30 min during online learning. In addition, 14 among the participants were further invited to perform on-site online learning, and their affective states were validated by observations conducted by two psychologists. The ASOLS was found to be reliable and valid, with high internal consistency reliabilities and good construct, convergent and criterion validity. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the hypothesized five-factor structure demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the data. Moreover, engagement was found to be positively associated with learning performance. Our findings suggest that the ASOLS provides a useful tool for teachers to identify students in upper primary and junior secondary schools with deficits in affective states and offer appropriate remedy or support. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing students’ affective states during online learning.

Comparing the reliability of physical activity questionnaires in community-dwelling adults with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Physical activity (PA) is important for people with stroke, but the reliability of PA questionnaires used in this population has been relatively unexplored. Objective To compare the internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability of 3 commonly used PA questionnaires in adults with stroke. Methods Participants reported their PA levels twice, 2–3 days apart, using the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were calculated for test-retest reliability, Cronbach’s alpha (α) for internal consistency, and standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for absolute reliability. Results Twenty-eight people (64.4 years, 50% female, 5.2 years post-stroke) participated. Internal consistency was acceptable for total scores on the IPAQ ( α = 0.79) and GPAQ ( α = 0.74), but only domain-level scores for the GPAQ ( α = 0.71–0.88). In the full sample, test-retest reliability was good for the PASIPD (ICC2,1 = 0.83) but poor for the IPAQ and GPAQ (ICC2,1 <0.50). After excluding participants self-reporting true changes in PA, all questionnaires had good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.77–0.88). SEM and MDC95 were lowest for the PASIPD (188.8 and 523.3 MET-minutes/week, respectively). Conclusions In adults with stroke, the IPAQ and GPAQ had adequate total-questionnaire internal consistency, and the GPAQ had acceptable domain-level internal consistency. When true change in PA did not occur, test-retest reliability was good for all questionnaires. We suggest clinicians and rehabilitation scientists can use any of the three questionnaires, but may consider the GPAQ due to acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Factor structure of the Chinese version of Emotion Regulation Goals Scale.

Recent studies in Western cultures suggested emotion regulation goals have important implications for mental health. This study aimed to test the factor structure of Emotion Regulation Goals Scale (ERGS) in a Chinese cultural context. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were first used to examine the factor structure of the ERGS, and then reliability and validity tests were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the ERGS. Results showed that the original five-factor model demonstrated fit during both EFA and CFA, and was thus adopted for further psychometric analyses. Most of the five factors were significantly associated with emotion regulation tendencies and negative emotional outcomes (e.g., depression), except for the non-significant associations between pro-hedonic goals and expressive suppression, and pro-social and impression management goals with depression. The ERGS also showed good internal consistency and split-half reliability. However, the test-retest reliabilities varied substantially across the five factors. The pro-hedonic goal had a higher test-retest reliability, whereas the contra-hedonic, performance, pro-social, and impression management goals showed lower values, especially the latter two. In brief, the ERGS showed a promising five-factor structure in assessing emotion regulation goals in Chinese cultural context.

Evaluation of cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the critical thinking disposition scale: methodological study

IntroductionAssessing critical thinking disposition is crucial in nursing education to foster analytical skills essential for effective healthcare practice. This study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale among Iranian nursing students.MethodA total of 390 nursing students (mean age = 21.74 (2.1) years; 64% female) participated in the study. Face and content validity were established through feedback from nursing students and expert specialists, respectively. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA was used to explore the number of factors and the items that were loading on them. The CFA was used to confirmed the fidnings of the EFA on the same sample. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined, along with reliability through internal consistency and test-retest reliability.ResultsEFA revealed a two-factor structure, comprising “Critical Openness” and “Reflective Skepticism,” explaining 55% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the model’s fit (χ² = 117.37, df = 43, χ²/df = 2.73, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.067; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.041). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported, with significant factor loadings (p < 0.001) ranging from 0.61 to 0.77. The CTDS exhibited strong internal consistency (α = 0.87) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96).ConclusionThe validation of the CTDS in Persian language settings provides a reliable tool for assessing critical thinking disposition among Iranian nursing students. The two-factor structure aligns with previous research, reflecting students’ propensity towards critical openness and reflective skepticism. The study’s findings underscore the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills in nursing education.

Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome-Clinical Interview (CDS-CI): Psychometric support for caregiver and youth versions.

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), formerly termed sluggish cognitive tempo, is a set of symptoms characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and slowed behavior/thinking. CDS is distinct from symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychopathologies and uniquely associated with functional impairment. However, despite significant progress in developing and evaluating rating scale measures of CDS, no clinical interview of CDS exists with established psychometric properties that can facilitate a multimethod approach assessing CDS. Accordingly, the present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the semistructured Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome-Clinical Interview (CDS-CI). The CDS-CI and the ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN) and hyperactive-impulsivity (ADHD-HI) modules from the Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS) were administered to a sample of early adolescents (N = 341, ages 10-12 years) and their caregivers. Adolescents and caregivers also completed rating scale measures of CDS and ADHD symptoms. The CDS-CI demonstrated high internal consistency and interrater reliability. CDS-CI scores showed excellent same-source discriminant validity from K-SADS, ADHD-IN, and ADHD-HI scores and encouraging convergent and discriminant validity with rating scale measures, especially for caregivers. Above and beyond K-SADS, ADHD-IN, and ADHD-HI scores, higher parent and adolescent CDS-CI scores were both significantly associated with greater functional impairment. A threshold of ≥ 6 out of 15 symptoms was selected as an initial threshold for determining clinically elevated CDS using the CDS-CI. Findings provide psychometric support for the CDS-CI as a tool in the multimethod assessment of CDS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

An Observational Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Correlation between Clinical Competencies and Clinical Reasoning among Italian Registered Nurses.

Ability, knowledge, aptitude, and skill are the terms identified in the literature as the attributes of the concept of clinical competence. This implies that in order to act competently in their own context, the nurse must be able to make decisions which mainly depend on the ability to put clinical reasoning into practice. However, the evaluation of clinical reasoning in the various clinical-care activities of nursing competence is a necessary operation to prevent routine attitudes. From the perspective of an assessment of nursing competences, the aim of this study is to validate the relationship between the degree of competence recognized in a specific clinical setting and the amount of clinical reasoning executed by nurses. The study design was a cross-sectional observational design, following the guidelines of the Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) of observational studies. Both the Italian Nurse Competence Scale and the Nurse Clinical Reasoning Scale were used. The data was collected between 25 January and 5 March 2022. Four hundred twenty-four clinical nurses participated by completing and returning the questionnaires. The instruments underwent assessment to ensure internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Their validity was tested with the validity of known content, construct, and groups. This is supported by statistically significant correlations between the different variables examined and the scores of the different dimensions of the Italian Nurse Competence Scale and the Italian Nurse Clinical Reasoning Scale. The data collected showed an excellent average level of competencies and clinical reasoning, M = range of 72.24 and 63.93, respectively. In addition, we observed satisfactory scores across all dimensions of I-NCS (significance range: 0.000-0.014) and I-NCRS (significance range: 0.000-0.004). The understanding and development of clinical reasoning has also brought out new aspects that require further research. This study provides a fresh perspective on the correlation between clinical competences and clinical reasoning, representing a novel attempt to analyze their relationship.

Prehospital emergency care family satisfaction scale for care provided by emergency medical technicians: Scale development and validation.

To date, family satisfaction with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) has only been reported through narrative statements in subjective evaluations. Although a quantitative assessment of healthcare professional satisfaction is desirable, no specific measures have been devised to assess family satisfaction with the healthcare and care provided by EMTs. This study aimed to develop and validate an EMT care family satisfaction scale to measure patient satisfaction with prehospital emergency care. The study population comprised 216 family members (N = 216) of patients who used ambulances between November 2020 and May 2021 in a single region in Japan. Questionnaires were distributed to the participants who provided informed consent. An exploratory factor analysis of construct validity was performed to validate the Family Satisfaction Scale. The Cronbach's alpha was used to validate the internal consistency reliability of the scale. The exploratory factor analysis results revealed a four-factor structure: 'explanation and communication,' 'physical treatment,' 'psychological support,' and 'environment in the ambulance.' The Cronbach's range (0.80-0.93) for the total score for each of these four factors and the overall total score confirmed favorable internal reliability of this study. The family satisfaction scale developed in this study was constructed and validated to highlight the role of EMTs and needs of the families in the prehospital care settings. Moreover, this scale can be applied in the evaluation and consideration of interventions to improve family satisfaction with EMTs.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese Version of the stimulant relapse risk scale (SRRS) in patients with methamphetamine use disorder

BackgroundEvaluating the risk of relapse is a pivotal step in the treatment of patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). The 30-item Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS) was originally developed in Japan to meet the demand. This study examined the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Chinese version of the SRRS for patients with MUD.Methods247 patients with MUD self-rated the Chinese version of the SRRS. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and inter-item correlation analysis were used to assess the internal consistency reliability. Construct validity was determined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity was examined using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for drug craving and the severity of dependence scale (SDS). We followed the participants for 1 year and assessed the predictive validity based on the correlation of the scores of the Chinese version of the SRRS with the relapse rate within 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up.ResultsCFA revealed satisfactory model fit estimates for the 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS that consisted of four subscales. The four-factored 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS had adequate internal consistency with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.76 to 0.92. The 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS scores were significantly correlated with the VAS and SDS scores as well as the relapse rate within 3, 6, and 12 months, indicating good concurrent and predictive validity of this scale. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a cutoff score of 40 could discriminate between participants with (SDS score ≥ 4) and without (SDS score < 4) methamphetamine dependence (area under the curve = 0.71, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS that consists of four subscales is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the relapse risk in patients with MUD.