Internal Consistency Reliability Research Articles

Nomophobia and Student Life: A Case Study of the University of Gujrat, Pakistan

The study aimed to discover how common nomophobia is among Pakistani university students in Gujrat. A total of 1000 senior semester students, ages 17 to 26, participated in this study, with gender inequalities also being eliminated. Students completed the NMP-Q questionnaire on nomophobia (Yildirim & Correia, 2015). The use of mobile phones showed that most participants used their phones for between six and ten hours a day, spent less than five hours online, received fewer than five calls and 100 SMS messages daily, and had at least one phone. Out of all the answers, the question with the most significant percentage of responses (62.8%) was "I would be nervous because I would be disconnected from my online identity." The scale's psychometric qualities demonstrate internal solid consistency (α=.82) and good reliability. The results also showed that university students had a significant frequency of nomophobia. Most students (75.5%) exhibit a moderate degree of nomophobia, consistent with earlier research findings. The results also showed that, in comparison to male pupils, female students exhibit a higher degree of nomophobia. Cross-sectional studies at several universities should be conducted to improve future research's generalizability.

Validation of the Arabic version of the performance enhancement attitude scale (PEAS)

BackgroundDoping is a significant issue among athletes worldwide, not only during competitions but even more so in the preparation phase to boost their performance. Understanding athletes' attitudes toward doping is crucial for designing interventions that support anti-doping efforts. ObjectivesThis study aims at validating an Arabic version of the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), thereby providing a valuable tool for further doping research in Arabic-speaking countries. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using a predesigned interview questionnaire to collect general characteristics data from 200 adult athletes of both sexes recruited from different sports clubs in Alexandria, Egypt. The PEAS was translated to Arabic and then back to English to ensure accuracy. The reliability of the PEAS was measured by internal consistency and split-half reliability using Cronbach's α coefficient. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit (X2 = 194.196, X2/df = 4.35, SRMR = 0.068, CFI = 0.92). ResultsThe α coefficient for the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) was 0.872, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The split-half reliability was 0.812. ConclusionsThe study results show that the Arabic version of the PEAS (17 items) is a valid and reliable instrument to assess attitudes toward doping among Arabic-speaking athletes.

Dysmenorrhea-Related Impact on Functioning Scale: Development and Measurement Properties for Cisgender Women and Transgender Men

ObjectivesTo develop the Dysmenorrhea-related Impact on Functioning Scale (DIFS) to assess the impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning in cisgender women and transgender men and to evaluate its measurement properties. MethodsMixed and online design study conducted with adolescents and adult cisgender women and transgender men with dysmenorrhea. We developed the DIFS based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Content validity was assessed with experts and people with dysmenorrhea. Item Response Theory developed the DIFS total score. Structural validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency by Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Ω. Construct validity and test-retest reliability were assessed by correlation between DIFS and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Measurement error was also assessed. ResultsA total of 3335 people participated in the study. The DIFS is a 15-item instrument divided into “Bodily Functions” and “Daily Activities and Social Participation” sections and “Functioning” as a general factor. Internal consistency (α and Ω > 0.7) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9) were adequate. No systematic error was found. Correlation was positive and strong between World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule and “Functioning” (r = 0.62, P ≤ .05). For the DIFS total score, higher scores indicate a greater impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning, and 44 points is the cutoff point for classifying the person with a significant impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning. ConclusionsDIFS showed excellent measurement properties for assessing the impact of dysmenorrhea on functioning for cisgender women and transgender men.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Translated Physical Self-Perception Profile Among Chinese Breast Cancer Survivor

PurposeTo translate the original English version of Physical Self-Perception Profile into Cantonese Chinese, while considering linguistic and socio-cultural characteristics, and evaluate its psychometric properties among Chinese breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong, China, thus providing a valid, culturally relevant tool for assessing of the physical self-esteem among this population. MethodsThe 30-item Physical Self-Perception Profile was translated into Chinese by the combined translation technique. The psychometric properties of the Cantonese version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile were examined in 292 Hong Kong Chinese breast cancer survivors for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the structural validity. A panel of 5 experts examined its content validity. The concurrent validity was examined by correlating the Physical Self-Perception Profile and a validated global self-esteem measure. ResultsThe Cantonese version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile demonstrated satisfactory content validity, also satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.64 to 0.80, as well as good test-retest reliability, with an intra-class correlation coefficient ranging from 0.77 to 0.81. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a fairly good fit of the four-factor subdomain structure, namely, physical condition, physical strength, body attractiveness and sports competence. The concurrent validity of the Chinese-version Physical Self-Perception Profile was demonstrated by a significant positive correlation between the physical self-worth domain and four subdomains with global self-esteem. In addition, the four subdomains had statistically significant positive correlations with the physical self-worth domain indicating the instrument’s hierarchical structure. ConclusionsThe study translated the Physical Self-Perception Profile from English to Cantonese and demonstrated its desirable psychometric properties among Chinese Hong Kong breast cancer survivors. The linguistical and cultural adaptation of this instrument can serve as a valid and reliable tool for assessing physical self-esteem among breast cancer survivors in Hong Kong, China.

The Psychometric Performance of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 in Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A primary goal of treating patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) is to improve their symptoms, function, and quality of life. While the psychometric properties of the 23-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23) have been described in oHCM, they have not been assessed for the shorter 12-item version (KCCQ-12), which is increasingly used in clinical practice. Using data from the EXPLORER-HCM trial, the psychometric properties of the KCCQ-12 were evaluated. The KCCQ-12 domain and summary scores had moderate correlations with the most relevant clinical (New York Heart Association class, exercise duration, peak oxygen consumption) and patient-reported measures (EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire [HCMSQ]). KCCQ-12 domain scores had strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability, demonstrated significant and proportional changes with different magnitudes of clinical change (assessed with the patient global impression of change and patient impression of severity), and demonstrated close equivalence to the KCCQ-23 scores. The KCCQ-12 demonstrated good psychometric performance for patients with oHCM, comparable to that of the KCCQ-23, supporting its use in clinical practice to care for patients with oHCM.

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization-Revised (STIPO-R).

With the publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a set of dimensional criteria was added as an emerging alternative model to the diagnosis of personality disorder (PD; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Parallel to this, within the object relations conceptualization of personality pathology, a structured interview, the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO), was developed to assess pathological personality and then revised (STIPO-R). In this study, the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the STIPO-R were tested on a sample of 236 Chinese participants, including both psychiatric patients and healthy individuals. Overall, the STIPO-R showed good internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability, and generally satisfactory results in structure and convergent validity. The STIPO-R also demonstrated discriminant validity (healthy individuals vs. psychiatric patients with PD vs. psychiatric patients without PD). Results are also discussed in light of cultural differences between Chinese and Western cultures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive Distortion Scale for Bangladesh: Development and Properties

The purpose of the study was to develop a scale for assessing cognitive distortions in Bangladesh and establishing psychometric properties for Bangladeshi population. The scale was named as Bangladesh Cognitive Distortion Scale (BCDS). Items were constructed through three stages of intensive expert evaluation where 128 respondents participated and both item analysis and factor analysis were undertaken. Finalized BCDS with 39 items was administered to 478 respondents to calculate its psychometric properties. Concurrent validity of BCDS was found 0.828 by calculating correlation between the score of BCDS and clinician’s subjective rating. Predictive validity considering anxiety and depression scale was found 0.756 and 0.841, respectively. Convergent validity (0.670) was confirmed through the correlation between the DAS and BCDS and divergent validity was established by the discriminate value (F=649.564, α<0.01) of clinical and non-clinical groups. Internal consistency reliability of BCDS (Cronbach Alpha- 0.962 and test-retest- 0.890) was found very high. The cut-off point for measuring cognitive distortion by BCDS was found 56 with sensitivity 87% and specificity 88%. According to the percentile norm, total score 56 to 72, 73 to 91, 92 to 109, 110 and above represents the mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels of cognitive distortions respectively. BCDS not only will help both clinicians and researchers to assess cognitive distortions within a short time but also could be used as a valid and reliable outcome measure in cognitive behavior therapy. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 97-109, 2024 (July)

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Food Service Employees In Terengganu, Malaysia

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the food service industry, employee job satisfaction is a pivotal factor influencing organizational success. In Terengganu, Malaysia, where the culinary sector is both a cultural cornerstone and a significant economic contributor, understanding the nuances that affect job satisfaction among food service employees is crucial. This study aims to determine the influence of salary, working hours, and working environment on employee satisfaction towards a job at a food service establishment in Terengganu, Malaysia. The researchers collected 337 completed questionnaires after distributing an online survey to participants. The descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and Pearson correlation were analyzed to produce pertinent information. It found that all factors, salary (r=.555), working hours (r=.631), and working environment (r=.778), were positively related to employee job satisfaction. The Cronbach's Alpha for the factors influencing job satisfaction among food service employees in Terengganu, Malaysia, was a range of 0.938, which indicates excellent internal consistency reliability. By identifying and analyzing these factors, this research aims to provide actionable insights for foodservice businesses to enhance their human resource strategies, thereby fostering a more motivated and efficient workforce.

Simplified Chinese Trauma Advanced Practice Nurses' Core Competency Scale: A development and psychometric validation study

BackgroundThe core competency of trauma advanced practice nurses (APNs) is directly related to the quality of trauma nursing work. ObjectivesTo develop an instrument to measure trauma APNs' core competency and examine its psychometric properties. DesignA cross-sectional psychometric validation study. ParticipantsA total of 762 trauma nurses recruited from several tertiary hospitals in 14 different provinces of China between June 2023 and May 2024 provided valid data for analysis. MethodsThe Simplified Chinese Trauma Advanced Practice Nurses' Core Competency Scale (TAPNCCS-SC) was developed through five steps. Step 1) Creation of the operational definition: Based on the onion model, an operational definition of core competencies for trauma nurses is proposed. Step 2) Item generation: Based on the theoretical model, literature review, semi-structured interviews, and Delphi consultation, a preliminary scale was developed. Step 3) Item content validation: 6 experts reviewed items for content validity; Step 4) Pilot study: 21 nurses were selected to test the readability of the preliminary scale; and Step 5) Psychometric evaluation: Item analysis, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, convergent validity, internal consistency reliability, and half-reliability were conducted. ResultsThe TAPNCCS-SC consists of 34 items and three dimensions (knowledge and skills, professional competencies, and occupational qualities). The explained variance of the 3-factor was 81.86 %. The CFA showed an acceptable-fitting 3-factor model (χ2/df = 3.653, RMSEA = 0.088, SRMR = 0.402, CFI = 0.920, IFI = 0.920, and TLI = 0.914). For convergent validity, AVE was 0.784–0.804 and CR was 0.974–0.980. The internal consistency and split-half reliability for the total scale were 0.991 and 0.945, respectively. The I-CVI ranged from 0.83 to 1. ConclusionsThe proposed scale exhibits high reliability and validity and is suitable for assessing the core competency of trauma APNs, which can help nursing managers plan relevant training and enhance trauma care competency.

The Polish adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form.

This study aimed to adapt the shortened version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF) into Polish and to evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of this new measure. The study included 596 adults (aged 18-50) from the general population (459 women). Of these 596, 47 individuals completed the SCS-SF one month later to assess its stability. The adaptation procedure followed the same procedure of the translation of the original version of the scale. Reliability was evaluated in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Validity was evaluated using correlations between SCS-SF scores and intensity of mindfulness (understood as a trait), life satisfaction, self-esteem, acceptance of experiences, and levels of anxiety and depression. Stability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients between two measurements. The factor structure was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed that the Polish version of the SCS-SF has good psychometric properties, and scores reflect a single factor - global self-compassion assessment. The SCS-SF measures a global level of self-compassion and should be useful particularly when respondents' time is limited. To obtain measures of sub-scales of self-compassion, we recommend using a full version of the SCS.

Measuring dimensions of teacher resilience in Africa: Self-efficacy and teacher efficacy

With this article we aimed to contribute evidence on reliable and valid measurement of teacher resilience in an under researched African context and population. Scales from an existing instrument, ENTREEi, were used to measure the resilience of pre-service teachers at a South African university. The sample constituted 1,193 final-year pre-service teachers (20–32 years), who completed the FIRE teacher resilience measure (2015 to 2017). Teacher resilience data were purposively selected from the FIRE dataset and items analysed related to self-efficacy and teacher efficacy beliefs. A quantitative approach was used, which consisted of reliability (internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha) and validity (construct validity using Spearman correlations) analyses of the teacher resilience scale and the teacher efficacy scale. The statistical analyses indicate that the FIRE teacher resilience measure is a reliable and valid measure for intrapersonal resilience-enabling pathways in a challenged context. The underlying variable structure of the teacher resilience scale and teacher efficacy scale held in a Global South setting when used with pre-service teachers. The article contributes to teacher resilience measurement discourse by providing insights into the utility of teacher resilience scales in South Africa. The results act as a precursor for comparative teacher resilience results worldwide for future studies.

Linguistic and cultural validation of symptom questionnaire for visual dysfunctions (SQVD) for psychometric analysis in the Chinese context.

The Spanish scale symptom questionnaire for visual dysfunctions (SQVD) was sinicized and tested for reliability and validity in the Chinese context, employing both classical measurement theory and item response theory. A meticulous translation was conducted using the modified Brislin translation model, with input from experts for cross-cultural debugging and in-depth review. Following a pre-survey study, the Chinese version of the SQVD was finalized. A convenience sampling method was used to select 270 patients from the target group and 252 valid questionnaires were successfully collected. The Rasch model was employed to assess response category functionality, fit statistics, unidimensionality, person and item reliability, separation, targeting, and differential item functioning. Classical test theory was applied to evaluate internal consistency and retest reliability, supplemented by correlation analysis. Job characteristic curves were also plotted to assess diagnostic accuracy. The Chinese SQVD conformed to a unidimensional structure with excellent reliability and validity. Person and item reliabilities were 0.85 and 0.99, respectively, indicating, high stability. Person and item separation indices were 2.37 and 11.54, respectively, signifying strong differentiation ability. Retest reliability was 0.917, further emphasizing the stability of the scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.908 (95% CI: 0.854, 0.962), with a cutoff value of 7.5 and Youden index of 0.733, highlighting the scale's high diagnostic accuracy. The translated and culturally adapted Chinese SQVD demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. With streamlined items, short assessment time, and high efficiency, the scale is a stable and reliable clinical tool for detecting a variety of conditions related to refractive, regulatory, and binocular vision dysfunction.

Psychometric Properties and Normative Data of the Spanish UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale in Adolescents

Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct linked to a broad spectrum of psychopathological and neuropsychological disorders. The UPPS-P model has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing impulsivity from a multi-dimensional perspective. Despite its relevance, few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the UPPS-P scale scores in a large, representative sample of adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish UPPS-P in adolescents and to establish normative data for this population in Spain. To this end, 9024 students aged 11-19 from 66 different Spanish high schools were included. The fit for the expected 5-factor model, assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, was inadequate (CFI and TLI ≤ .85, RMSEA = .063), but becomes satisfactory when employing the more flexible ESEM approach (CFI and TLI ≥ .94, RMSEA = .038), which was invariant across gender and age. Internal consistency reliability was satisfactory (ω = .83 to .94). Convergent validity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-A total score was good (r = .53 to .60). We provide population norms of the UPPS-P, which may help practitioners to interpret the UPPS-P scores of adolescents from the general population in Spain. Subsequent research should explore implications for both clinical and non-clinical settings.

Validation of dementia care-related scales among informal caregivers of Latinos with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

To test the psychometric properties of several dementia care-related scales among Latinos in the US. We leveraged secondary baseline data from a one-arm mHealth trial on dementia caregiver support. We included 100 responses for caregiver-focused scales and 88 responses for care recipient-focused scales. Scales included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire Severity and Distress scales, six-item Zarit Burden Inventory, Ten-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Geriatric Depression Inventory, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease, and Single-item Satisfaction With Life Scale. We calculated concurrent validity using Pearson and Spearman correlations and expected correlations amongst all variables in line with the Stress Process Framework. We calculated internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. All concurrent validity correlations followed the expected directionality, with 19/21 inter-scale correlations in the total sample reaching statistical significance (p<0.05), and 17/21 reaching at least a low correlation (0.3). Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.832 to 0.879 in all scales in the total sample. The English and Spanish caregiver-administered scales tested in this manuscript have good psychometric properties. The dementia care-related scales are now appropriately available for use among US Latinos in research and clinical contexts.

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

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

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

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

Development and validation of maternal social capital assessment tool in northwest Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a social capital assessment tool that considers the cultural and social realities of north-western Ethiopia. MethodsA mixed-methods approach was applied through rigorous phases. Existing measurement approaches for social capital are reviewed. Additionally, a qualitative study was conducted for domain and item identification. The domains and their items were given to panel experts and rated for content validity. Cognitive interviews were conducted with mothers who gave birth in the previous year. For psychometric validation of the tool, 400 mothers who lived in South Gondar zone participated from January 2 to 27, 2023. ResultsFive factors of structural social capital were extracted. These include group participation, emotional, social, financial, and informational support. The content validity index of the scale was 0.88, indicating that 88% of the experts rated the items of the scale as relevant. The loading of the items ranged from 0.505 to 0.858, exceeding the threshold of 0.50. For cognitive social capital, factor analysis grouped 43 items into four subscales: trust in social networks, trust in institutions, trust in the health care system, and social cohesion. The loadings of the items ranged from 0.507 to 0.913. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was excellent, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.901. ConclusionThe Maternal Social Capital Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring social capital during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The application of such a tool could allow us to decipher the influence of social capital on maternal health.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Exercise Benefits/ Barriers Scale: Perceived exercise benefits and barriers of patients with different axial spondyloarthritis subtypes.

The aim of this study was to translate the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) into Turkish and investigate the perceptions of Turkish-speaking patients with different axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) subtypes regarding exercise benefits and barriers. This validation study was conducted between June 2018 and December 2021. Patients with axSpA were consecutively assessed regarding physical (age, sex and body mass index) and disease-related characteristics (disease activity, spinal mobility, functional status, quality of life, health status, emotional status, and kinesiophobia). Eligible participants were asked to complete the EBSS and other outcome measurements during their initial visits. EBBS was readministered 7 to 14 days later. One hundred forty-eight patients (89 males, 59 females; mean age: 44.3±11.8 years; range, 19 to 65 years) were included in the study. Of the patients, 108 had radiographic axSpA, and 40 had nonradiographic axSpA. EBBS-Barriers and EBBS-Benefits subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas of 0.82 and 0.95, respectively) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.837 and 0.807, respectively). No significant differences were observed between axSpA subtypes regarding EBBS-Barriers (p=0.12) and EBBS-Benefits (p=0.10) subscales. Significant relationships were detected between kinesiophobia and EBBS-Barriers scores (r=-0.424, p<0.01), as well as EBBS-Benefits scores (r=-0.344, p<0.01) for all patients. EBBS-Benefits scores were correlated to health status (r=-0.412, p=0.08) and quality of life (r=-0.394, p=0.01) in patients with nonradiographic axSpA. According to our results, the Turkish EBBS is a valid and reliable tool for patients with axSpA. Perceptions of the patients with axSpA regarding exercise barriers and benefits do not differ according to the disease subtype. It appears that kinesiophobia may be an important parameter regarding exercise perception in axSpA.

How AI Literacy Affects Students’ Educational Attainment in Online Learning: Testing a Structural Equation Model in Higher Education Context

Artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to various facets of human lives for decades. Teachers and students must have competency in AI and AI-empowered applications, particularly when using online electronic platforms such as learning management systems (LMS). This study investigates the structural relationship between AI literacy, academic well-being, and educational attainment of Iranian undergraduate students. Using a convenience sampling approach, we selected 400 undergraduate students from virtual universities equipped with LMS platforms and facilities. We collected data using three instruments—an AI literacy scale, an academic well-being scale, and educational attainment scale—and analyzed the data using Smart-PLS3 software. Results showed that the hypothetical model had acceptable psychometrics (divergent and convergent validity, internal consistency, and composite reliability). Results also showed that the general model had goodness of fit. The study thus confirms the direct effect of AI on academic well-being and educational attainment. By measuring variables of academic well-being, we also show that AI literacy in China and Iran significantly affects educational attainment. These findings have implications for students, teachers, and educational administrators of universities and higher education institutes, providing knowledge about the educational uses of AI applications.

Psychometric characteristics of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in stroke survivors of working age before and after inpatient rehabilitation.

The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in cohorts of working age stroke survivors, before and after inpatient rehabilitation. Stroke patients aged 18-66 years registered in the national quality register WebRehab Sweden were included in the study at hospital admission (n = 256), discharge (n = 223), and 1-year follow-up (n = 313). Classical and modern (Rasch) methods were used for psychometric evaluation. The two-factor HADS model measuring anxiety and depression showed better fit than a single factor measuring emotional distress. The instrument's psychometric stability before and after rehabilitation was satisfactory. The anxiety scale showed good psychometric properties, except for item 7, which is not anxiety-specific. Some concerns were observed for the depression items showing weaker discriminant validity, and item 8 performing poorly as a measure of depression. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability, whereas Rasch person reliability coefficients indicated weaker reliability, especially for the depression scale. Effect size of change between hospital admission and discharge showed a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. HADS showed a stable two-factor structure over the rehabilitation period. Patients' perception of items was not affected by the recovery, allowing relevant comparison of HADS scores between different phases of the rehabilitation process. Measures of responsiveness suggest that HADS is sensitive to capturing improvements in emotional distress following rehabilitation interventions. Overall, despite minor psychometric weaknesses, HADS is a suitable instrument for assessing anxiety and depresssion symptoms in stroke patients aged 18-66 years.