Psychometric Characteristics Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire: Lithuanian Version

Valid and reliable methods are needed to assess the difficulties young people often face in making career-related decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, discriminant, convergent and structural validities) of the Lithuanian version of the Career decision-making difficulties questionnaire (Gati et al., 1996) in a sample of Lithuanian students (N = 255). The results revealed that the Lithuanian version of Career decision-making difficulties has good internal consistency. Adequate convergent validity was confirmed by finding statistically significant positive relationships with indecisiveness, and discriminant validity was confirmed by finding statistically significant negative relationships with career self-efficacy. Finally, structural validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, which revealed that a 10-factor structure was the most appropriate. The results of the research showed that the Lithuanian version of the Career decision-making difficulties questionnaire is a suitable measurement tool, but further studies on the evaluation of the scale are needed.

A registered report of a two-site study of variations of the flanker task: ERN experimental effects and data quality.

Error-related negativity is a widely used measure of error monitoring, and many projects are independently moving ERN recorded during a flanker task toward standardization, optimization, and eventual clinical application. However, each project uses a different version of the flanker task and tacitly assumes ERN is functionally equivalent across each version. The routine neglect of a rigorous test of this assumption undermines efforts to integrate ERN findings across tasks, optimize and standardize ERN assessment, and widely apply ERN in clinical trials. The purpose of this registered report was to determine whether ERN shows similar experimental effects (correct vs. error trials) and data quality (intraindividual variability) during three commonly used versions of a flanker task. ERN was recorded from 172 participants during three versions of a flanker task across two study sites. ERN scores showed numerical differences between tasks, raising questions about the comparability of ERN findings across studies and tasks. Although ERN scores from all three versions of the flanker task yielded high data quality and internal consistency, one version did outperform the other two in terms of the size of experimental effects and the data quality. Exploratory analyses of the error positivity (Pe) provided tentative support for the other two versions of the task over the paradigm that appeared optimal for ERN. The present study provides a roadmap for how to statistically compare psychometric characteristics of ERP scores across paradigms and gives preliminary recommendations for flanker tasks to use for ERN- and Pe-focused studies.

Measuring ageism: Psychometric analysis of the Portuguese short form of the Fraboni Scale (FSA-SF)

This article reports the development of a Portuguese shortened form of the Fraboni Scale of Ageism FSA (FSA-SF). The original FSA with 29 items measures the affective aspect of attitudes toward elderly to complement the cognitive component evaluated by other tools. Two studies were implemented to determine the psychometric features of the FSA-SF with 9 items. In the first study, 404 participants answered a questionnaire in Portuguese to evaluate the dimensionality of the FSA-SF via confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the second-order factor, the reliability, and the convergent validity of the FSA-SF was assessed. Results showed 3 factors (Avoidance, Stereotypes, and Discrimination) with a second order factor (Ageism). The reliability and convergent validity of the FSA-SF were adequate. In the second study, 246 participants also answered a questionnaire in Portuguese to evaluate the replicability of the 3-factor structure and the second-order factor. In addition, the reliability, convergent, and incremental validity of the FSA-SF were examined. Good construct validity for the first and second order models was replicated via confirmatory factor analyses. Findings showed that the Portuguese FSA-SF had satisfactory reliability, convergent, and incremental validity. Overall, this article determines that the Portuguese shortened FSA-SF is an adequate tool to assess ageism.

Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2: a comparison with long-format measures for depression and anxiety

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are highly prevalent and often comorbid mental disorders that are encompassed within the broad category of emotional disorders. The frequent comorbidity of anxiety and depression can pose challenges for accurate diagnosis and treatment which, in turn, highlights the need for reliable measurements that are simultaneously responsive to change and prevent non-response bias. Brief measures of anxiety and depression can potentially increase response rates due to their brevity and ease of administration. This study evaluates the psychometric characteristics, discriminative accuracy, and sensitivity to change of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item scale (PHQ-2) within a clinical population.MethodThe sample comprised treatment-seeking participants (n = 3,411), screened (n = 2,477) to receive an internet-based psychotherapeutic intervention (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or waitlist).ResultsBrief measures can effectively detect individuals who may be eligible for a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, not only prior to but also during and following the completion of psychological treatment. The discriminative ability of the GAD-2 was significantly greater during active treatment and at post-assessment compared with pre-treatment screening, although no such differences were found for the PHQ-2. Finally, endorsing the most severe response option on the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 was associated with a high probability of presenting with clinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms.ConclusionBrief measures of anxiety and depression are viable instruments to screen for and monitor anxiety and depressive symptoms.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05016843.

Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS).

Behavior analysts frequently use the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess the language and social skills of children with autism in everyday practice and in research. Despite the widespread use of the VB-MAPP, its psychometric characteristics have not been extensively investigated. To provide information about its convergent validity, we calculated correlations between scores earned by 235 children with autism on the VB-MAPP and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), a commonly used assessment with good reliability and validity. We obtained moderate or strong positive correlations between the VB-MAPP Milestones score and VABS Communication, Socialization, and Daily Living Skills subdomains. There was also a strong positive correlation between the VB-MAPP Milestones score and VABS overall raw score. These findings suggest that the VB-MAPP Milestones Assessment measures aspects of social and communicative behavior comparable to those indexed by these VABS subdomains which, like prior findings, supports the use of the Milestones Assessment. No significant relationship was observed between the VB-MAPP Barriers score and the VABS Internalizing, Externalizing, or overall Maladaptive Behavior scores. These findings, like prior findings, question the value of the VB-MAPP's Barriers Assessment as a measure of maladaptive behavior.

Influence of psychometric and sleep quality features on painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

Assessing whether combined psychometric properties and sleep quality impact painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation in TMD patients. A cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis of 77 TMD patients and 101 controls. All participants completed questionnaires characterizing their psychometric profile (anxiety, depression, stress and catastrophizing) and sleep quality, alongside psychophysical tests for painful mechanical sensory (mechanical pain threshold (MPT), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and wind-up ratio (WUR)) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Participants were grouped into "High distress" or "Low distress" categories based on psychometric properties and sleep quality using hierarchical cluster and k-means analyses. Multiple linear regression evaluated the influence of TMD, age, and the distress cluster on MPT, WUR, PPT, and CPM in masseter and thenar muscles. Differences were statistically significant when p < 0.05. The presence of TMD was the strongest predictor of mechanical painful sensitivity in the trigeminal region (MPT[F(3,174) = 51.902;p < .001;R2 = .463]; TMD presence (β = -.682) / PPT[F(3,174) = 15.573;p < .001;R2 = .198] TMD presence (β = -.452), and extra-trigeminal (MPT[F(3,174) = 35.897;p < .001;R2 = .382] TMD (β = -.647) / CPM [F(3,174) = 4.106;p < .05;R2 = .050] TMD presence (β = .197). Furthermore, neither the high distress group nor the low distress group were able to significantly influence the variation of the values of any of the psychophysical variables evaluated (p > .05). There is not a significant influence of impairment clusters based on psychological variables and sleep quality on painful mechanical sensitivity and pain modulation, regardless of the presence of TMD. This outcome suggests that psychosocial factors and sleep quality may not play a decisive role in the sensory-discriminative aspect of pain, particularly concerning painful TMD.

Адаптация русскоязычной версии «Шкалы осознанного выбора и самосознания» (PCASS - Perceived Choice And Awareness Of Self Scale)

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;To date, the issue of expanding the arsenal of adapted foreign tools (or creating their own) for assessing the level of self-determination of personality remains quite relevant. For this reason, the objective of the present study was to adaptation on the Russian-language sample of the modern version of the Self-Determination Scale by K. Sheldon and co-authors, in an updated version called the Perceived Choice and Awareness of Self Scale. Methods. The scale was translated with subsequent questioning of 588 respondents (residents of Russia, students of St. Petersburg educational institutions), including 325 women and 263 men (mean age - 20,5 &amp;plusmn; 2,39, Mo = 21). Results. When assessing the psychometric properties of the Russian-language version of the adaptable questionnaire, significant results were obtained, indicating the reproducibility of the number and structure of the factors that form the two subscales of the original methodology. Also, psychometric indicators confirm the reliability, internal consistency, structural and constructive validity of the Russian version of the methodology. In addition, according to our study, the questionnaire is characterized by high differentiating ability and diagnostic sensitivity: significant gender differences were found in the Russian-speaking sample in terms of perceived choice and self-awareness. Conclusions. According to the results obtained, the adapted version of the questionnaire has good psychometric characteristics and can be used as a qualitative research tool.&lt;/p&gt;

Neuropsychological and psychometric parameters in the patients with duodenal ulcer depending on Helicobacter pylori presence

Background. The purpose was to study the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) in duodenal ulcer on the neuropsychological and psychometric scores. Materials and methods. We conducted a comprehensive clinical, neurological, neuropsychological, and psychometric examination of 60 patients with duodenal ulcer aged 25–60 (the mean of 39.80 ± 1.29) years. All of them were divided into two groups considering whether H.pylori infection was detected (group 1) or not (group 2). The control group included 30 apparently healthy individuals with no somatic abnormalities. To study psychometric and neuropsychological characteristics, the patients were comprehensively tested, in particular using the Beck Depression Inventory for evaluating the severity of depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for assessing separate dimensions of state and trait anxiety, the Well-being, Activity, Mood (WAM) questionnaire, the Mini-Mental Health Examination for screening cognitive function, the Schulte tables for evaluating the refocusing speeds and performance distribution. Results. The level of depression in H.pylori-positive duodenal ulcer was significantly higher than with H.pylori-negative duodenal ulcer (p &lt; 0.05). The patients from the group 1 had higher scores of state and trait anxiety and the lower ones of the functional state. The concentration of attention detected by means of the Schulte tables was lower in these patients. A direct correlation was found between the degree of depressive disorders and the number of complaints associated with psycho-emotional disorders in the patients with duodenal ulcer (r = 0.61). We found an inverse correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between the anxiety level and the WAM indices, on the one hand, and between depressive disorders and the WAM indices, on the other hand, in the patients with duodenal ulcer. Depression and anxiety were comorbid in 73.3 % of cases in the group 1 and in 30 % of cases in the group 2. Conclusions. The complaints associated with psycho-emotional disorders occurred in the patients with both H.pylori-positive and H.pylori-negative duodenal ulcer; however, they were more frequent in the group 1. The clinical presentations of depression were observed in both groups, but the depression level was significantly higher in the patients with H.pylori-positive duodenal ulcer (p &lt; 0.05). An increase in anxiety was also found in both groups; however, the rates of state and trait anxiety were higher in the group 1. At duodenal ulcer exacerbation, no matter if H.pylori infection was present or not, the patients had unsatisfactory well-being, low activity, and poor mood. The decreased indices of the functional state self-assessment were detected in the group with H.pylori-positive duodenal ulcer. Using the Schulte tables, we found that a decrease in attention concentration was more evident in the group 1 that in the patients with H.pylori-negative duodenal ulcer. Thus, having conducted the neuropsychological and psychometric testing, we conclude that H.pylori infection has not been the main cause of psycho-emotional disorders in duodenal ulcer, but if the patients were infected, the dysfunction was more severe. It was subject to the increased frequency of psycho-emotional complaints, the deterioration in the patients’ sense of well-being, the increased levels of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Simulation to become a better neurosurgeon. An international prospective controlled trial: the PASSION study

IntroductionSurgical training traditionally adheres to the apprenticeship paradigm, potentially exposing trainees to an increased risk of complications stemming from their limited experience. To mitigate this risk, augmented and virtual reality have been considered, though their effectiveness is difficult to assess. Research questionThe PASSION study seeks to investigate the improvement of manual dexterity following intensive training with neurosurgical simulators and to discern how surgeons´ psychometric characteristics may influence their learning process and surgical performance. Material and MethodsSeventy-two residents were randomized into the simulation group (SG) and control group (CG). The course spanned five days, commencing with assessment of technical skills in basic procedures within a wet-lab setting on day 1. Over the subsequent core days, the SG engaged in simulated procedures, while the CG carried out routine activities in an OR. On day 5, all residents' technical competencies were evaluated. Psychometric measures of all participants were subjected to analysis. ResultsThe SG demonstrated superior performance (p < 0.0001) in the brain tumour removal compared to the CG. Positive learning curves were evident in the SG across the three days of simulator-based training for all tumour removal tasks (all p-values < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in other tasks, and no meaningful correlations were observed between performance and any psychometric parameters. Discussion and conclusionA brief and intensive training regimen utilizing 3D virtual reality simulators enhances residents' microsurgical proficiency in brain tumour removal models. Simulators emerge as a viable tool to expedite the learning curve of in-training neurosurgeons.

Psychological Flow and its Relationship to Professional Ambition among Expected Graduated Students of Scientific Colleges from Public Jordanian Universities

The purpose of the current study is to identify the level of psychological flow and its relationship to the professional ambition of students of scientific colleges who are expected to graduate from public Jordanian universities. The study sample consisted of (315) male and female students expected to graduate. Two scales were developed: Psychological Flow Scale, and professional ambition, and their psychometric characteristics were verified. The results of the study concluded that there was an average level of psychological flow and professional ambition among students in scientific faculties. It was also found that there was a positive correlational relationship between psychological flow and professional ambition, and they do not differ according to gender. It is necessary to recommend the development of skills and positive phenomena for students.

Psychometric evaluation of the caring ability of the family caregivers of the patients in need of palliative care scale (CAFCPNPCS): A methodological study

Background &amp; Aim: Since family caregivers play an important role in providing care for patients in need of palliative care, it is important to focus on and examine their care ability in fulfilling the expected roles. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a psychometric evaluation of the Caring Ability of the Family Caregivers of the Patients in Need of Palliative Care Scale (CAFCPNPCS). Methods &amp; Materials: The present study is methodological research that evaluates the psychometric characteristics of the CAFCPNPCS by measuring face validity, content validity, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis and divergent validity), and internal consistency in 412 family caregivers of the patients in need of palliative care, who were selected through convenient sampling. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and LISREL 8.8. Results: According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the 5-factor model with 31 items was confirmed with the values RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.95, and GFI=0.88. The divergent validity was measured by the estimation of the correlation between the caring ability score with the care burden score (which was measured by Zarit Burden Interview) of the family caregivers of the patients in need of palliative care. Cronbach's alpha (α) was reported to be 0.85 for the whole scale and 0.781-0.852 for other dimensions. Conclusion: CAFCPNPCS is a valid and reliable tool that can evaluate the caring ability of the family caregivers of patients in need of palliative care. Based on the results, it is recommended to utilize this scale to determine these caregivers’ ability to provide care and to examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve the dimensions of their caring ability.

Investigating the psychometric features of a locally designed computational thinking assessment for elementary students

ABSTRACT Background and Context Educators and researchers are interested in building the computational thinking (CT) skills of K-12 students. However, the availability of language-agnostic assessments for lower elementary graders remains limited. Objective We present preliminary insights into the reliability and validity of the Computational Thinking Assessment for Elementary Students (CTAES), a new assessment to measure 3rd-5th grade students’ CT abilities. Method The CTAES was administered to 222 3rd-5th grade students. We conducted Rasch analyses, focusing on dimensionality, separation characteristics, and differential item functioning. Findings The CTAES appears to be unidimensional, primarily assessing students’ CT skills. Students with lower CT proficiency demonstrate lower likelihood of correctly responding to assessment items compared to peers with higher CT proficiency levels. Preliminary evidence suggests that the assessment does not exhibit bias based on gender or racial/ethnic background. Implications Initial findings suggest that the CTAES holds promise as a reliable and valid assessment tool, although there remain opportunities for further refinement.

Экспериментальная диагностика мнемических способностей: описание методики и возможности использования

Introduction. Mnemic capabilities, their development, are one of the conditions determining the effectiveness of human activity (professional, service). Assessment of mnemic capabilities is an indicator of a person's mental state, his working capacity and fatigue. For solving this problem, the author's psychodiagnostic technique “Experimental diagnostics of mnemic capabilities” is proposed. The main purpose of the technique is to assess the general level of development of mnemic capabilities – their productivity, quality and reliability, which also allows to determine fatigue and working capacity of the tested person. The technique consists of seven series, each of which includes basic and additional figures having different sequence of arrangement, orientation and colour. The results of performing all seven series are used to calculate the “general index of reproduction success” (the level of expression of mnemic capabilities). Research methods. Correlational and comparative analyses. Assessment of retest reliability and construct and criterion validity. Results. The author found that the method of experimental diagnostics of mnemic capabilities has acceptable psychometric characteristics (reliability and validity), and this makes it possible to use it within the framework of psychological support of the system of internal affairs bodies. The method is appropriate both for assessing the features of memory and fatigue, the indicator of which is the level of expression of mnemic capabilities.

The caregiver contribution to self-care of stroke inventory (CC-SCSI): evaluation of psychometric characteristics

BackgroundThe caregiver contribution to self-care plays an important role in improving the health outcomes of chronic patients, which needs urgent attention. However, it has been hindered by the lack of a tailored instrument that assesses the caregiver contribution to self-care of stroke.ObjectivesTo test the psychometric characteristics of the caregiver contribution to self-care of stroke Inventory (CC-SCSI) in health care practice.MethodsParticipants were recruited in Henan Province from March 2021 to October 2022, utilizing a multicenter stratified sampling approach. A 23-item self-report CC-SCSI with 3 separate scales measuring caregiver contribution to self-care maintenance of stroke, caregiver contribution to self-care monitoring of stroke and caregiver contribution to self-care management of stroke was tested for validity through discriminant validity, confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity and convergent validity. The reliability was tested by Cronbach’s α coefficient and test-retest reliability. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. A STROBE checklist was used.ResultsThe three scales of the CC-SCSI exhibited good discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the Caregiver Contribution to Stroke Self-Care Maintenance and Management scales and the one-factor structure of the Caregiver Contribution to Stroke Self-Care Monitoring scale. The moderate correlation between the CC-SCSI and the Self-Care of Stroke Inventory indicated acceptable concurrent validity. The moderate correlation between the CC-SCSI and the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory indicated acceptable convergent validity. Cronbach’s αs for the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care Maintenance, Self-Care Monitoring, and Self-Care Management scales ranged from 0.876 to 0.974. Test-retest reliability showed average ICC values ranging from 0.828 to 0.903 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe 23-item CC-SCSI presents good psychometric properties and could be used to explore the caregiver contribution to stroke self-care in health care practice and research.

Body Image and Other Mood Vulnerabilities in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Alterations

Introduction: Psychological vulnerability is a relevant component of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but it is still under-explored, especially during adolescence. The aim of this study was to describe a selection of psychometric characteristics in a clinical sample of Italian adolescents with PCOS. Moreover, we reported the associations of body image, eating attitudes, and mood with metabolic features. Methods: Our sample included 128 adolescent girls (age range: 14–19 years) with PCOS. Validated psychometric questionnaires were administered: State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Body Attitude Test (BAT), Bulimia Investigation Test (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Anxiety was the most prevalent mood disorder (63.1% trait anxiety and 57% state anxiety). Our cohort also showed a high prevalence of depression (39.1%), body image dissatisfaction (49.2%), disordered eating (11.7%), and bulimic risk (41.4%). PCOS adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance (IR) had statistically significant higher body image distress compared to those with normal weight and without IR (p &lt; 0.001). The Sobel test for mediation showed that body image dissatisfaction mediates the relationship between state anxiety and bulimic risk (Z = 3.42, p &lt; 0.001) and between depression and bulimic risk (Z = 4.59, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: A considerable number of patients with PCOS experience psychological disorders during adolescence. IR and obesity play a role in the distress associated with body image, further contributing to psychological vulnerability, especially in the bulimic domain. A comprehensive biopsychosocial approach in adolescents with PCOS represents the basis for effectively managing and preventing complications arising from both psychological and biological disorders in adulthood.

Psychometric characteristics of individuals’ intention to engage in philanthropic activities measure: An early development and tryout

This brief article reports on the psychometric characteristics of the early development of individuals’ intention to engage in philanthropic activities questionnaire. In the innitial stage of development, the questionnaire was tried out by administering it online to a targeted sample. Out of 63 sample participants completing the questionnaire, only 43 data were appropriate for further analysis using the Rasch model. While the overall scale of the questionnaire suggested multidimensionality, subscales aligned with unidimensionality criteria. Acceptable reliability was observed in the overall scale and the Funding Philanthropic Brand Trust (FPBT) subscale, contrasting with inadequate reliability in the Philanthropic Brand Preference (PBP) and Pride of Affiliation (PoA) subscales, warranting further investigation. Specific items like Q17, Q31, Q42, and Q44 posed challenges, indicating difficulties in discussing social issues, cultural conformity in donations, valuing recognition, and seeking community support in philanthropy. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis revealed demographic variations in responses, indicating diverse agreement levels based on age, gender, and education. These findings offer crucial insights for refining future questionnaire iterations, highlighting the need for a second round of development to address these limitations, with an expanded sample size to ensure robustness.

Screening for anxiety and depression in the general population: Adaptation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 in Russia

The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is one of the most well-known and widely used instruments for assessing anxiety and depressive symptoms.Objective. The aim of this study was to adapt the Russian-language version of the PHQ-4 in the general population.Material and Methods. Data collection was carried out with the help of the service «Anketolog». The participants were 2,000 Russians (1,000 men and 1,000 women) aged 18 to 60 years (M = 38.78; SD = 9.25).Results. The psychometric analysis confirmed the internal reliability and discriminative validity of the adapted questionnaire. The proof of the factor validity of the Russian version of the PHQ-4 was the identification of a two-factor structure describing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and factor invariance by age, level of education, marital status, parental status, financial status and place of residence. Among the Russians, 44.9% had clinically significant anxiety symptoms and 42.9% had clinically significant depressive symptoms. Russians with anxiety and depressive symptoms more often sought counseling from a psychologist, coach, psychiatrist and neurologist, underwent psychopharmacological treatment in connection with psychological requests, contacted support groups and a psychological help hotline, used online products of automated or semi-automated psychological support, read psychological literature and used psychoactive substances.Conclusion. The psychometric properties of the Russian-language version of the PHQ-4 turned out to be similar to the psychometric characteristics of the original version of the questionnaire, and therefore the adapted questionnaire can be recommended for screening anxiety and depression in the general Russian-speaking population.

Multi-informant Assessment of Organizational Skills: Psychometric Characteristics of the Children’s Organizational Skills Scale (COSS)

AbstractOrganization, time management, and planning (OTMP) skills are behavioral manifestations of executive functioning linked to academic outcomes. Interventions to improve OTMP skills have shown favorable outcomes. The Children’s Organizational Skills Scale parent and teacher forms (COSS-P, COSS-T) are widely used for assessing OTMP skills, but there is limited research on this scale. This study examined the factor structure and construct validity of the COSS in a non-clinical and clinical sample of students in grades 2–8 (Study 1; n = 1138 COSS-T; 1155 COSS-P), and teacher-referred students with OTMP deficits in grades 3–5 (Study 2; n = 184). In Study 1, a bifactor model with a general factor and three subfactors demonstrated good fit for the COSS-P (RMSEA = .057) and COSS-T (RMSEA = .052). This model was replicated in Study 2. The general factor on both versions demonstrated an acceptable to high level of internal reliability. An acceptable degree of reliability was also identified for subfactor 1 (Task Planning). The COSS was shown to be effective in differentiating children with ADHD from a comparison group drawn primarily from the non-clinical sample (AUC = .84 COSS-P; .85 COSS-T). Sex differences of medium magnitude were identified on the total score of both COSS versions. Correlations between the COSS-P and COSS-T were variable across samples. The findings provide strong evidence for using the total score on the COSS-P and COSS-T as an index of overall OTMP skills deficits. Given variable cross-informant correlations on the COSS, multi-informant assessment of OTMP skills is strongly indicated.

Validation and measurement properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples

BackgroundOne of the most important population challenges during the last three decades has been the significant decrease in the fertility rate worldwide. Since the validity and reliability of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) have not been determined in Iran, we conducted this study to assess psychometric characteristics of the MFKI and FFKI in couples in Tabriz and Urmia, Iran.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, as the first part (quantitative phase) of a sequential explanatory mixed-method study. The current study was done on 1200 participants (600 women with their husbands) living in the northwestern region of Iran, between January 2023 and September 2023. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the tool (MFKI and FFKI) were performed in 5 stages, including translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity and reliability assesment.ResultsIn this study, the CVI, CVR, and impact scores of the MFKI tool were equal to 0.90, 0.88, 3.26 and CVI, CVR, and Impact scores of the FFKI tool were respectively equal to 0.95, 0.91 and 3.59, that it indicated a satisfactory level of content and face validity. Then, to check the construct validity, the results of the exploratory factor analysis of the MFKI tool on 13 items led to the identification of 3 factors, including Environment and reproductive health (ERH), Lifestyle factors (LSF) and Sperm quality (SQ), which explained 66% of the cumulative variance. The results of the exploratory factor analysis of the FFKI tool on 15 items led to the identification of 4 factors, including Reproductive health (RH), Lifestyle factors (LSF), Chance of conception (CHC) and Ovarian reserve and preservation (ORP), which explained 68% of the cumulative variance.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicated that the Persian version of MFKI and FFKI has acceptable psychometric properties to measure the awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, which can be used as a screening tool for fertility knowledge by health care professionals and also as a reliable tool in research.

Measuring social determinants of health in the All of Us Research Program

To accelerate medical breakthroughs, the All of Us Research Program aims to collect data from over one million participants. This report outlines processes used to construct the All of Us Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) survey and presents the psychometric characteristics of SDOH survey measures in All of Us. A consensus process was used to select SDOH measures, prioritizing concepts validated in diverse populations and other national cohort surveys. Survey item non-response was calculated, and Cronbach’s alpha was used to analyze psychometric properties of scales. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between demographic categories and item non-response. Twenty-nine percent (N = 117,783) of eligible All of Us participants submitted SDOH survey data for these analyses. Most scales had less than 5% incalculable scores due to item non-response. Patterns of item non-response were seen by racial identity, educational attainment, income level, survey language, and age. Internal consistency reliability was greater than 0.80 for almost all scales and most demographic groups. The SDOH survey demonstrated good to excellent reliability across several measures and within multiple populations underrepresented in biomedical research. Bias due to survey non-response and item non-response will be monitored and addressed as the survey is fielded more completely.