Mean Squared Error Of Approximation Research Articles

DeepTensor: Low-Rank Tensor Decomposition With Deep Network Priors.

DeepTensor is a computationally efficient framework for low-rank decomposition of matrices and tensors using deep generative networks. We decompose a tensor as the product of low-rank tensor factors (e.g., a matrix as the outer product of two vectors), where each low-rank tensor is generated by a deep network (DN) that is trained in a self-supervised manner to minimize the mean-square approximation error. Our key observation is that the implicit regularization inherent in DNs enables them to capture nonlinear signal structures (e.g., manifolds) that are out of the reach of classical linear methods like the singular value decomposition (SVD) and principal components analysis (PCA). Furthermore, in contrast to the SVD and PCA, whose performance deteriorates when the tensor's entries deviate from additive white Gaussian noise, we demonstrate that the performance of DeepTensor is robust to a wide range of distributions. We validate that DeepTensor is a robust and computationally efficient drop-in replacement for the SVD, PCA, nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), and similar decompositions by exploring a range of real-world applications, including hyperspectral image denoising, 3D MRI tomography, and image classification. In particular, DeepTensor offers a 6 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement over standard denoising methods for signal corrupted by Poisson noise and learns to decompose 3D tensors 60 times faster than a single DN equipped with 3D convolutions.

Psychometric properties of the Specific Phobia Dimensional Scale in an Australian adult community sample

ABSTRACT Objective The Specific Phobia Dimensional Scale (SP-D) is a 10-item scale developed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fifth Edition) Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum, Posttraumatic and Dissociative Disorder work group to supplement current categorical approaches to Specific Phobia (SP) assessment. The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SP-D in an Australian community sample. Method A total of 285 participants (74% female) aged 18–76 years (M = 28.15; SD = 12.01) completed the study. A smaller subsample (n = 18) completed the measures of interest a second time to examine test–retest reliability. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a unidimensional factor structure of the SP-D (root mean square error of approximation [RMSE] = 0.13; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability was high (a = 0.95 and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = 0.95, respectively). The measure demonstrated adequate convergent validity with the Specific Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ; r s = 0.54), and unsatisfactory divergent validity with the Fear Questionnaire – Agoraphobia subscale (FQ-Ag; r s = 0.45). Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that the SP-D can reliably and briefly measure SP symptoms within an Australian community sample. Further research is required to investigate divergent validity. Replication of the test–retest results are required due to small sample size. Overall, this study is limited in its female-biased convenience sample and recruitment methodologies.

Self-rating scale in self-directed learning in workplace context: a case study of Thai operational employees in the petrochemical plant industry

PurposeThis study addresses the need for a validated tool to assess self-directed learning (SDL) behaviors among Thai operational employees in the petrochemical industry. Understanding SDL capabilities is essential for effective human resource development, given the complexity of plant operations and the need for continuous skill enhancement.Design/methodology/approachThis research adapts the self-rating scale of self-directed learning (SRSSDL) to the Thai workplace context. The SRSSDL was translated into Thai and adapted for the workplace. Five experts validated the content, and validity and reliability testing was conducted with 50 operational employees from Thai petrochemical plants. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha were used to assess the instrument’s reliability and validity.FindingsContent validation confirmed that all SRSSDL items had an item-objective congruence (IOC) score above 0.5. CFA results showed a good model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.99, Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.02 and standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.02). Reliability analysis showed Cronbach’s alpha values from 0.91 to 0.96, indicating excellent internal consistency.Originality/valueThis research is the first study to assess and prove the content validity, construct validity and reliability of the SRSSDL in the context of Thai workplaces, particularly in the petrochemical industry. The SRSSDL is a reliable and valid tool for assessing SDL behaviors among Thai operational employees. It enhances human resource development by identifying SDL capabilities and fostering continuous improvement and SDL.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) in Malaysian Undergraduates

The psychometric properties of the Malay Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) need to be tested as it is increasingly utilized, and there is a lack of a brief, validated scale to examine suicidal behaviors in Malaysia. A total of 713 and 715 undergraduates answered the English and Malay SBQ-R, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis derived a one-factor solution, with a total explained variance of 58.0% accounted for by the four items. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the one-factor model for the Malay SBQ-R, with acceptable fit indices (χ2/df = 0.451, comparative and Tucker–Lewis fit indices = ≥1.000, standardized root mean square residual = 0.014, root mean square error of approximation = 0.000, and 90% CI [0.000, 0.083]). Measurement invariance was achieved when comparing the SBQ-R between the English and Malay versions, indicating that both versions are similar in Malaysian undergraduates. Convergent validity was established through a strong correlation between the Malay SBQ-R and the Malay Yatt Suicide Attitude Scale (r = 0.74; p < 0.001). Good internal consistency was achieved for both the English (α = 0.83; ω = 0.85) and Malay (α = 0.81; ω = 0.84) versions. The Malay SBQ-R has adequate validity and reliability for use in Malaysian undergraduates.

Self-Care and Quality of Life of Ostomy Patients: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Background. Previous research has shown that patients with ostomy frequently exhibit a low health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Self-care is a key element that influences their HRQoL. However, the evidence regarding the relationship between these two constructs in patients with ostomy is still not clear. Materials and Methods. This was a secondary analysis of an Italian multicenter, observational, longitudinal study. Participants were recruited from seven outpatient ostomy care clinics in central and northern Italy. The Stoma-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Stoma QoL) and the Ostomy Self-Care Index (OSCI) were administered to the participants. The relationship between self-care and HRQoL was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results. A total of 521 patients were enrolled. Our results emphasized that self-care is a predictor of HRQoL among people with ostomy. Self-care maintenance and self-care monitoring had a positive effect on HRQoL (self-care maintenance: β = 0.506, p < 0.001; self-care monitoring: β = 0.303, p < 0.001). The model exhibited acceptable fit indices: χ2 (151, n= 521) = 516.447, p ≤ 0.001, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.97, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.96, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.068 (90% CI, 0.062–0.075), p < 0.001, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.038. Conclusions. The structural equation model tested the causal relationship between self-care and HRQoL in people with a stoma, demonstrating for the first time that inadequate self-care in patients with ostomy may lead to lower HRQoL. Thus, to enhance HRQoL, interventions should be designed to improve self-care behaviors. Future research should investigate potential mediating variables in the relationship between self-care and HRQoL.

Development of the Ward Nurses' Perspective-taking of the Staff Receiving Discharged Patients Scale: An observational study of ward nurses.

Discharge planning involves coordinating between different care settings. Failed coordination can lead to delayed care at the facilities receiving discharged patients. Nurses who implement discharge planning must consider the circumstances of the staff receiving the discharged patients. This study aims to develop a nurses' perspective-taking scale for measuring the cognitive process of imagining a staff's situation when receiving discharged patients. An online survey was conducted from September to November 2021 with nurses in Japanese acute care hospitals, using a 20-item questionnaire based on interviews and a literature review. Item reduction was conducted based on inter-item correlations, item-total correlations, and exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. For the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the samples were randomly split in half and tested. Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficients, and correlation coefficients were calculated using both self-developed and pre-existing measures. The questionnaire was distributed to 1,289 individuals, and 416 valid responses were obtained. Item reduction and exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 10-item scale with two subscales, "imagine-other" (six items), which is imagining the other person's situation, and "imagine-self" (four items), which is imagining oneself in the other person's situation. The goodness-of-fit indices were as follows: comparative fit index, 0.95; root mean square error of approximation, 0.08; and standardized root mean squared residual, 0.06. Correlation coefficients with existing scales were 0.38, 0.57, and -0.33. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.54. The newly developed scale proved to be reliable, valid, and suitable for use. This scale can measure the degree of perspective-taking by nurses, which can improve collaboration between facilities and the effectiveness of discharge planning.

Psychometric evaluation and measurement invariance of the problematic smartphone use scale among college students: A national survey of 130 145 participants.

Given the insufficient validation of previously imported smartphone addiction scales in China, this study revised and evaluated the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale among Chinese college students (PSUS-C). We based our research on a national sample comprising 1324 higher education institutions and 130 145 participants. Using cross-sectional data, comprehensive methods were employed to examine validity, reliability and measurement invariance. The final scale consists of 20 items across four dimensions: withdrawal and loss of control, negative impact, salience behaviors and excessive use. All Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) values were below 0.85, and the lower 90% and upper 95% confidence intervals were also below 0.85, except for factors 1 and 3. The amount of variance (AVE) values were greater than 0.5, composite reliability (ω) values exceeded 0.89 and all factor loadings were above 0.5. The criterion validity was supported as expected: problematic smartphone usage positively correlated with depression (r = 0.451), loneliness (8 items, r = 0.455), loneliness (6 items, r = 0.504), social media use (r = 0.614) and phone usage duration (r = 0.148); and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -0.218) and self-esteem (r = -0.416). Across sex, type of university and place of residence, the measurement invariance performed well, with most changes in root mean square error of approximation (ΔRMSEA), comparative fit index (ΔCFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (ΔTLI) values being less than 0.005, and no indicator showing a difference greater than 0.010. The Problematic Smartphone Use Scale for College Students (PSUS-C) demonstrated good factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, discriminant validity and criterion validity. Strict and structural invariance were demonstrated across sex, type of university and place of residence. The PSUS-C has the potential to assess smartphone addiction among Chinese university students.

Hemoglobin level and common mental disorder among school adolescent girls in Central Ethiopia: Structural Equation Model.

The prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD) and anemia is observed to be on the rise over time, adversely affecting the health and overall quality of life among adolescents. Extensive literature corroborates the significant impact of anemia on cognitive development, intelligence and developmental milestones. Nevertheless, the linkage between hemoglobin level and CMD emerging during adolescence remains relatively unexplored. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between hemoglobin level and CMD as well as the mediating factor among school adolescent girls residing in Central Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted among adolescent girls attending schools in Silti Woreda, Central Ethiopia, comprising a total sample size of 516 individuals during the period from October 2-20, 2023. Hemoglobin level was adjusted for altitude, while CMD was evaluated utilising the summation score of a 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Data were analysed through fitting Structural Equation Model and the maximum likelihood estimation method. Goodness of fit was assessed using the χ2The -test statistic, Comparative Fit Index, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Standardised Root Mean Square Residual, Non-Normed Fit Index, Pclose and coefficient of determination (R2). The prevalence of CMD was 22.3% (95% CI: 18.6%-25.8%). Hemoglobin level (UTE = -0.73, CI: -0.93, -0.53) and experience of morbidity symptoms (UTE = 1.05; CI: 0.74, 1.38) were significantly associated with CMD. Furthermore, hemoglobin level is significantly influenced by morbidity frequency symptoms (UDE = -0.63, CI = -0.77, -0.49) and animal source food (ASF) (UDE = 0.09, CI = 0.01, 0.17). Hemoglobin level has been identified as a significant mediator of the experience of morbidity symptoms and ASF on CMD. However, household food insecurity and wealth index had no significant association with CMD. A significant proportion of adolescent girls face CMD, often linked to a lower hemoglobin level. Having a significant association with CMD, the hemoglobin level is found to mediate a significant effect of morbidity symptom experience and ASF on CMD. Hence, addressing early infection prevention, promoting ASF and treating anemia are promptly needed.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale of Barratt on pre-hospital personnel

Introduction: Impulsivity means acting with the least thought towards future behaviors or acting based on thoughts that are not the best option for a person or others. This study was conducted to investigate psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (IBS) of Barratt on pre-hospital personnel of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Materials and Methods: This methodological study was conducted 18 pre-hospital emergency centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during 2022-2023. In this study, the Persian version of the IBS has been used. Face and content validity of the scale in this study was confirmed using qualitative and quantitative methods, and construct validity was confirmed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for each field and the scale. Results: The IBS had three unplanned, motor and attentional subscales with 23 items and the varimax rotation showed variance of 52.06%. In CFA, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.093 and normalized fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), goodness of fit (GFI) and incremental fit index (IFI) were higher than 0.9. Cronbach's alpha coefficient in the scale was 0.85%, and the intra-subject correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.84%. Conclusion: The study results showed that the scale for pre-hospital personnel had the required validity and reliability, and it can be used for the impulsive behavior in pre-hospital personnel.

TURKISH VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ATTITUDES IN NURSING SURVEY 2

PurposeIt is important to examine the attitudes of future nurses towards adopting a sustainability approach in their nursing practice. This study aimed to test the Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey 2 psychometrically. MethodsThe methodological, descriptive study was conducted in November 2019 on nursing students (n = 286) at a university in Turkey. Data were analysed for reliability and validity tests. Statistics of the linguistic content validity analysis and Exploratory/ Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed to determine the scale's validity. Cronbach Alpha coefficient, floor and ceiling impacts, Tukey’s test, and Hotelling’s T2 test, test-retest reliability, were determined for the scale's reliability. ResultsThe content validity index of the scale, which consists of five items and a one dimension, is .98. Factor loadings were above 0.30, all the fit indices were> 0.95, χ2/df was 1.58 and the root means square error of approximation was 0.045. Cronbach's α was .75. The floor and ceiling impacts were 0.0% and 3.1%. In Tukey’s test, F was 3.43 and p was 0.064. In Hotelling’s T2 test, Hotelling’s T2 was 265.59 and F was 65.68 (p < .001). Item-total correlation coefficients were between .37- .63. The test-retest correlation coefficient was .39. ConclusionsThe scale is a valid and reliable instrument in the Turkish language. It is advised to use the scale in determining attitudes towards sustainability among nursing students, evaluating the effectiveness of training, and taking student opinions in curriculum revisions. Also, the study allowed cross-country comparisons and it is thought that it can guide studies on the inclusion of sustainability principles in nursing practices.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS): A Validation Study

ObjectivesQuality care in healthcare settings shortens hospitalization, reduces infection rates and complication risks, and improves patients’ ability to manage their symptoms. Due to the absence of tools for assessing care quality in Italian oncology settings, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS). MethodsThe study comprised 4 phases. Phase I involved cultural adaptation of the QONCS following Brislin's model. In phase II, 6 external experts assessed the instrument's face and content validities. In phase III, a cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 hospitals from February to September 2023. In phase IV, factor analyses were performed using exploratory structural equation modeling. ResultsThe 5-dimensional structure of the adapted QONCS showed a good fit based on the following statistics: χ2 (324, N = 219) = 704.690, P < .001; root mean square error of approximation = 0.059 (90% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52-0.66), P < .001; comparative fit index = 0.935; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.908; standardized root mean square residual = 0.026. McDonald's ω (0.968) indicated satisfactory internal consistency. The test-retest reliability demonstrated a high and significant positive correlation. Correlation analysis revealed that age, marital status, and employment status were significantly and positively associated with the QONCS score. ConclusionThis study confirms the validity and reliability of the QONCS. We recommend using the QONCS to thoroughly assess nursing care quality and identify factors that influence the delivery of high-quality care in oncology settings. Implications for Nursing PracticeOur findings highlight the value of the QONCS in helping nurses assess and improve perceived care quality among patients with cancer. Valid and reliable tools, such as the QONCS, are crucial for guiding policies to enhance patient care.

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.

Development and reliability and validity testing of a medication literacy scale for medical college students

BackgroundIrrational drug use has become a global problem threatening human health. As future health professionals, medical college students’ medication literacy (ML) is critical. Their mastery of medication-related knowledge will directly affect public medication safety in the future.MethodsThe initial scale was developed through a literature review and was modified through expert consultation and student interviews to form the initial scale with 14 items. In 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among students in a medical college for item analysis, reliability test, validity test and other analyses.ResultsThe total Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.826 and split-half reliability was 0.852. The Cronbach’s α coefficients for functional medication literacy, communicative medication literacy, and critical medication literacy were 0.901, 0.858, and 0.851, respectively. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.833 to 1.000 (≥ 0.78). Factor analysis of 14 items showed that KMO = 0. 852(> 0.7) and Bartlett’s spherical test p < 0.001, indicating that the data are very suitable for factor analysis. Three principal axis factors were extracted by principal component analysis, and the total variance interpretation rate was 69.031% (> 40%). The confirmatory factor analysis identified a three-factor model and showed goodness of fit indices for the scale: The χ²/df = 2.623, The Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.905, The Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.950, Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.922, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.938, and The Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.078.ConclusionA new scale for evaluating the medication literacy of Chinese medical college students was preliminarily developed, demonstrating good reliability and validity. Itcan be used as a preliminary measurement tool for assessing medical students’ medication literacy. However, due to the limitations of this study, the practical application of the scale needs to be further examined in a larger sample and should be refined in future studies.

Portuguese Version of the Oral Frailty Index-8: Instrument Validation Study.

The concept of oral frailty has gained scientific and clinical relevance in recent years, and early detection can facilitate timely intervention to manage its progression. The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) was developed to assess community-dwelling older adults at risk for oral frailty. This study aims to investigate the psychometric validity of the OFI-8 in the Portuguese population, named the Portuguese version of the OFI-8 (OFI-8-PT), which may serve as a reference for future studies related to longevity and oral function. This study included 2 main phases, involving patients aged 60 years or older, Portuguese speakers, and those who consented to participate in the study. First, the researchers translated and cross-culturally adapted the original questionnaire to make it suitable for native Portuguese speakers. The translated tool was then assessed for psychometric validation, which consisted of test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and sex invariance measurement. A total of 159 older adults participated in the baseline survey, with almost equal numbers of male (n=79, 49.7%) and female participants (n=80, 50.3%). The OFI-8-PT demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach α=0.95) and construct validity (goodness-of-fit index=0.96; comparative fit index=0.85; and root mean square error of approximation=0.05, 90% CI 0.00-0.09). The study found sex invariance, indicating that the OFI-8-PT is equally valid for male and female participants, and the tested-retest reliability of the OFI-8-PT was good, indicating consistent results over time. The OFI-8-PT showed psychometric validity and good reliability to be used in the Portuguese population.

'I am more stressed if my infection affects others': development of a COVID-19-related stress scale in older people and examination of its validity and associations with mental health risks.

COVID-19 was a collective traumatic event; however, different individuals may have perceived it differently. This study investigated what older people in a collective culture perceived as stressful during COVID-19 and examined how different stressors related to COVID-19 infection and mental health risks. Thirty-six participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in a three-round Delphi study to generate items for a COVID-19-related stress scale for older adults (CSS-OA). Subsequently, 4674 people (aged ≥60 years) participated in a cross-sectional telephone survey; interviewers collected their responses to CSS-OA and information about COVID-19 infection, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness and demographics. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on CSS-OA. A multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model was used to examine associations between CSS-OA and other measures. The Delphi process generated eight items, all secondary or tertiary stressors related to infection. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor model, and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an excellent fit (comparative fit index = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). Pre-existing mental health conditions, having family members/friends infected with COVID-19, loneliness, anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with higher stress. Conversely, self-infection with COVID-19, older age, being female and living alone were negatively associated with some domains of CSS-OA (all P < 0.05). The Delphi process enhanced our understanding of what older people perceived as stressful, much of which resulted from certain healthcare strategies and reflected cultural influences. These and the MIMIC results highlight the need to balance public health policies with respect to infectious diseases and older people's mental health and quality of life.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Urdu version of the Vaccine Attitudes Examination (VAX-U) scale.

Martin and Petrie developed the Vaccine Attitudes Examination (VAX) scale with an aim to document general vaccination attitudes. Vaccine acceptance plays an important role in curbing COVID-19 infections. Thus, it was important to assess vaccination attitudes of Pakistani people towards novel COVID-19 vaccines. The VAX scale was not available in Urdu language for Pakistani population. The study aimed to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Urdu version of the Vaccine Attitude Examination (VAX) scale in a selected population sample from Pakistan. A cross sectional study was conducted in September 2021 in an outpatient department of a healthcare facility in Karachi, Pakistan. Adult visitors, eligible for COVID-19 vaccine and spoke Urdu as first language were invited. Convenient sampling was used, and sample size was based on an item response ratio of 1:20. An Urdu version of the VAX scale was developed. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The model fitness was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and fit indices namely goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), Tucker Lewis index (TLI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). A structural equation model (SEM) was also developed. IBM SPSS and AMOS were used to analyse the data. The study had ethical clearance. A total of 211 responses were analysed. The reliability (Cronbach's α) was 0.821. The ICC was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.795-0.863). CFA using a 4-factor model revealed the following values for fit indices; GFI = 0.944, AGFI = 0.909, TLI = 0.953, CFI = 0.966, and RMSEA = 0.051. All values reported were in the acceptable range. The VAX Urdu version is a reliable and valid instrument for use in an Urdu speaking population and will enable clinicians to assess the public's attitude towards general vaccination including COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians can use the VAX-U to document a person's vaccine hesitancy and tailor their counselling to address the issues in vaccine uptake.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Skin-to-Skin Contact Scale for nurses.

Skin-to-skin contact is the practice with the highest level of evidence that increases the growth, development, and healing rate of the newborn. Neonatal nurses are also the best practitioners of skin-to-skin contact. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Skin-to-Skin Contact Scale for nurses. This descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was carried out with 226 neonatal and pediatric nurses between July 2022 and July 2023. The data were collected using an online questionnaire, including a descriptive information form and a skin-to-skin contact scale for nurses. Data were analyzed by explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and item-total score analysis. It was determined that the scale consisted of 20 items and four sub-dimensions and that those four sub-dimensions explained 53.01% of the total variance. All factor loads were higher than 0.30 in the explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses. All the fit indices were higher than 0.80, and the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was less than 0.080 in the confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha was determined to be 0.89 for the total scale and greater than 0.70 for all sub-dimensions. The Skin-to-Skin Contact Scale for nurses was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish nurses. It is recommended that the scale be used regularly in clinics to determine nurses' attitudes towards skin-to-skin contact.

Role of Meaningful Social Participation and Technology Use in Mitigating Loneliness and Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults.

Community social participation aids dementia prevention and alleviates loneliness among older adults. Incorporating occupational therapy using information and communications technology (ICT) could potentially delay dementia onset and reduce loneliness. To quantify how meaningful social participation, participation frequency, ICT use, and expanded social networks influence cognitive function and loneliness among socially active older Japanese adults. Cross-sectional exploratory study using structural equation modeling. Meetings organized by older adults at seven community gathering places in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. One hundred thirteen healthy older adult cohort members. Cognitive function assessed via Mini-Cog; loneliness assessed via the condensed UCLA Loneliness Scale. The final model demonstrated excellent fit, χ2(23) = 28.291, p = .205 (root mean square error of approximation = .045, 90% confidence interval [.000, .094]; confirmatory factor index = .995; Tucker-Lewis Index = .993). ICT use directly affected social networks (β = 0.472), which directly influenced participation frequency (β = 0.324) and meaningful social participation (β = 0.381). The indirect effect of meaningful participation significantly improved cognitive function (β = 0.237). The only indirect effect of meaningful interpersonal participation was a reduction in loneliness (β = -0.235). ICT use contributes to the expansion of social networks among elderly people. Furthermore, the frequency of social participation and the meaningfulness of such participation are related to reduction in loneliness and maintenance of cognitive function. Although the frequency of social participation was not directly related to these outcomes, the results suggest that meaningful social participation may play an important role in reducing loneliness and maintaining cognitive function. Plain-Language Summary: The promotion of social participation among older people is a global phenomenon, driven by the recognition of its positive relationship with cognitive function and the alleviation of loneliness. Nevertheless, older people's social participation is constrained by a combination of physical and social factors. To address this issue, there has been a push to promote social participation based on information and communications technology (ICT). However, no specific study has been conducted on occupational therapists' perspective in capturing social participation and the use of ICT. The findings of this study show that using ICT has the potential to enhance opportunities for social interaction for older adults, thereby improving the quality and quantity of social participation. The quality of social participation was identified as the sole factor that had a positive impact on cognitive function and loneliness. This study suggests the need for occupational therapists to consider means of facilitating the use of ICTs among older adults as well as interventions that use occupational therapy theory to enhance the meaningfulness of existing social participation opportunities.

Development and validation of Parents’ Health Literacy Scale on Preventing Road Traffic Injuries for children aged 0–6 years in China

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in children. Parents’ health literacy (HL) is closely related to child safety, especially for the young children. This study aimed to...

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) in Iranian Older Adults

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the persian version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS-P) among older adults in Tabriz. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Participants: A representative sample of 1362 (768 females and 594 males) community-dwelling people aged≥60 participated in the current study. Outcome measures: The psychometric properties of the SWLS-P were evaluated. The standard translate/back-translate procedure was applied. Then, using an expert panel, the face and content validities were assessed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to investigate the factorial structure, and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and AMOS version 18. Results: Cronbach’s alpha calculated for the SWLS-P was 0.883, showing desirable internal consistency and reliability for the SWLS. Furthermore, CFA confirmed the single-factor structure of the Persian version of the scale and indicated an appropriate fit, with a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.049, a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.997, a Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.991, and a Chi-square to degrees of freedom (DF) ratio of 4.289. Conclusions: The results supported the validity and reliability of the SWLS-P for use with Iranian older adults.