Psychometric Properties Of Test Research Articles

Penilaian Properti Psikometrik Instrumen Kualitas Hidup (HRQol) pada Populasi Umum: Tinjauan Sistematik

Quality of life (HRQoL) is a measure of a person's health in physical, spiritual, and emotional, and role functions in the society. Measurement of quality of life (HRQoL) is an important thing to understand and evaluate. Measurements are carried out not only on patients but also on the general population with the use of specific or generic instruments. The instrument used requires a psychometric properties test to ensure its validity and reliability. This article aims to conduct a systematic review of the psychometric properties of quality of life (HRQoL) instruments in the general population. Articles were collected in December 1st to 5th, 2018, from Pubmed and Google Scholar. The assessment was carried out using the checklist properties according to the cohen criteria and included the content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, test-retest, ceiling effect and the level of credibility of the instruments. Among 80 articles obtained there were 24 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Short Form-36 (SF-36) instrument is the most widely used instrument in measuring the quality of life in the general population (26.6%). Some instruments have not been tested according to the criteria, while almost all instruments show a good level of validation of construct validity using convergent and discriminat validity with cronbach alpha values > 0.7. Test-retest reliability provides a good correlation. Some instruments show a ceiling effect. According to the assessment, the SF-36, SF-6D, EQ-5D, SF-12 and PedsQoL instruments are considered as established instruments. Further validation testing is needed to provide and support the measurement of subsequent quality of life (HRQoL) instruments.

Development and validation of the critical thinking disposition inventory for Chinese medical college students (CTDI-M)

BackgroundThis study aimed to develop and conduct psychometric testing of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory to measure the critical thinking disposition of Chinese medical college students.MethodsThe study was conducted in two stages: (a) item generation, reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and (b) confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and testing of psychometric properties (Cronbach’ s alpha, test-retest reliability and convergent validity). The subjects included 1035 Chinese medical college students. The test-retest reliability of the instrument was determined at a two-week interval (n = 61). A general linear regression model was developed to examine the predictive effects of gender, age and major on CT disposition. The data were analysed with SPSS 22.0 and Amos 21.0 during item development and the reliability and validity analyses. Vista was utilized for parallel analysis during the principal axis analysis.ResultsEighteen final items were sorted into 3 factors, which were identified as “Open-mindedness”, “Systematicity/Analyticity” and “Truth-seeking”, with cumulative variance of 41.37, 46.00 and 49.59%, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.924, and the factors’ alphas ranged from 0.824 to 0.862. The correlational analysis indicated significant correlations between the subscales of the CTDI-CM and the total scores of the CTDI-CV, indicating modest evidence for the convergent validity of the CTDI-CM. Gender, age and education significantly predicted the CT disposition of Chinese medical students. Open-mindedness and Systematicity/Analyticity were higher for medical students than for nursing students.ConclusionsThis study presents a reliable and valid instrument for clinical thinking disposition. Future studies should explore other predictive factors of CT dispositions (e.g., cognitive/motivational) and criterion validity.

Testing psychometric properties of a new instrument 'Promoting Active Ageing in Older People with Mental Disorders Scale' from a cross-sectional study.

There is no instrument that measures the promotion of active ageing or the factors that influence the promotion of active ageing in older people with mental disorders living in the community. This study aimed to examine psychometric properties of a new survey instrument. A mixed methods exploratory sequential design was used incorporating a cross-sectional survey. The Promoting Active Ageing in Older People with Mental Disorders Scale (PAA-MD) was sent to 579 primary care providers in Yasothon province, Thailand. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis. The internal reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The PAA-MD consisted of three sections. Section II found Bartlett's test of sphericity was χ2 (1431) = 26221.167, P < 0.001. Items used theoretical justification to group items into five factors, namely: participation, education, health, leisure, and security. Section III indicated Bartlett's test was χ2 (666) = 23524.074, P < 0.001. Items were grouped into five components, namely: facilitators, barriers, knowledge, skills, resources and support. Internal reliability of sections II and III with Cronbach's alpha was greater than 0.7. The corrected item-total correlation coefficient of all items was greater than 0.30. The PAA-MD contains 104 items from three sections. Construct validity was adequate to capture phenomena. Internal reliability revealed good homogeneity.

Development and Psychometric Properties of Managerial Competence Scale for First-Line Nurse Managers in Indonesia.

This study aimed to develop and psychometrically test the managerial competence scale for first-line nurse managers (FLNMs) in Indonesia. The scale was based on items derived from an integrative review and interviews with experts. A total of 300 FLNMs from 16 public hospitals were randomly selected for this test of psychometric properties. A principal component analysis generated seven dimensions with 43 items as a final scale, with overall Cronbach's α of .95 while the dimensions' Cronbach's α ranged from .71 to .90. The findings demonstrate that the scale is valid and reliable as a vehicle for assessment of managerial competence of FLNMs.

The German version of the Functional Walking Categories (FWC): translation and initial validation

ABSTRACTBackground: Community ambulation is often affected after a stroke. However, no validated assessment in German to measure community ambulation on a participation level exists.Objectives: The purpose was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Functional Walking Categories (FWC) into German and to assess its validity and reliability in patients with stroke.Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation guidelines were used for translation. Face and content validity were established with the aid of an expert committee. A pilot study with patients after stroke in a neurological rehabilitation setting checked for concurrent validity using Kendall’s tau and reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients.Results: The results indicated that the German version of the FWC has adequate face and content validity. A total of 30 patients (mean age 62 ± 12.315 years, 56.7% female) participated in the study. The FWC correlated well with the Functional Ambulation Categories (tau-b = 0.783), cadence (tau-b = 0.640), gait velocity (tau-b = 0.628), the comfortable 10-m timed walk (tau-b = −0.629), and the fast 10-m timed walk (tau-b = −0.634). Moderate correlations were found between the FWC and step length (tau-b = 0.483) and the Timed Up and Go (tau-b = −0.520), respectively. Intrarater reliability was moderate (ICC = 0.651) while interrater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.751) (all correlations p < 0.001). However, the study was designed as pilot study, thus, full psychometric property testing was not possible.Conclusions: The German FWC offers a reasonable tool for measuring community ambulation on participation level. However, a user manual seems to be helpful.

Sponsorship and advertising in sport: a study of consumers’ attitude

ABSTRACTResearch question: Advertising has been considered a less efficient vehicle of marketing communication. One recent study refuted that consumers’ attitude towards advertising was rather favourable in sport. This study compared consumers’ attitudes between advertising and sponsorship in sport and examined the antecedents (beliefs) and consequence (purchase intentions) of attitude in advertising and sponsorship.Research methods: Data were collected from 324 consumers. For testing of psychometric properties of the measures, a confirmatory factor analysis and a multiple invariance test were employed. A paired t-test, structural equation modelling, and invariance tests were conducted to test the research hypotheses.Results and Findings: There was no significant difference in consumers’ attitudes between advertising and sponsorship which were both deemed favourable. The path analyses revealed two positive beliefs (product information and hedonism/pleasure) and one negative belief (falsity/no sense) as significant predictors of attitude in both models. Good for the economy was an additional significant predictor of attitude in advertising but it was not so in sponsorship. The strengths of the three path coefficients were statistically identical across the two models. Attitude was a significant indicator of purchase intentions in both models; however, the invariance test revealed that the path in adverting was statistically stronger than that in sponsorship.Implications: This study provides important knowledge about consumers’ cognitive structures that could explain their decision making processes. Sport marketers could develop their promotion strategies more successfully, conveying their intent in a manner consistent with positive beliefs and avoiding negative beliefs.

Reliability and accuracy of the brachial plexus neurodynamic test

Study DesignObservational study. IntroductionThe brachial plexus neurodynamic test (BPNT), based on previous neurodynamic tests, is considered a clinically meaningful tool to objectively assess brachial plexus extensibility. This novel test's psychometric properties have yet to be determined. Purpose of the StudyThe primary study aim was to assess the inter- and intrarater reliability and accuracy of the BPNT, which biases the median nerve and brachial plexus, among clinicians of various professional experience levels and geographic US regions. The secondary study aim was to determine if professional experience or geographic region affects the accuracy levels of this test. MethodsIn phase 1, inter-rater reliability and accuracy was determined. About 307 participants attending neural mobilization conferences and courses were instructed in the BPNT and asked to score 7 different videos of 14 possible test levels. In phase 2, intrarater reliability was determined via scoring the same test videos twice. ResultsHigh inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (range, 0.98-0.99) and accuracy (range, 0.88-0.94) levels were determined for all clinical experience levels and geographic regions. Intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient values were high (range, 0.96-1.0) among all participants. One-way analysis of variance indicated no significant differences on test accuracy based on professional clinical experience (F = 0.104; P = .958) and geographic region (F = 0.416; P = .416) among all 307 participants. DiscussionExcellent inter- and intrarater reliability and accuracy levels may allow clinicians to correctly identify BPNT positions regardless of their professional experience or geographic location. ConclusionThe BPNT can reliably and accurately quantify outcomes in neural mobility scoring.

An International Survey of Assessment Practices for Short-Term and Working Memory Deficits in Aphasia.

Recent research has highlighted the clinical relevance of understanding the nature of short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) deficits in persons with aphasia and the way these deficits affect linguistic processing and functional communication in activities of daily living. The psychometric properties of tests commonly used to identify STM/WM problems in individuals with aphasia, however, have been questioned. No previous study has sought to investigate assessment practices and attitudes by speech-language pathologists involved in aphasia management. Accordingly, the aims of this study were (a) to investigate both attitudes toward STM/WM assessment in individuals with aphasia, as well as the types and frequency of STM/WM tests used with individuals with aphasia, and (b) to explore factors (e.g., educational background) that may influence STM/WM assessment practices. Respondents recruited via professional and aphasia support organizations completed an online survey. The survey elicited information about the respondents' demographic and clinical backgrounds and STM/WM assessment clinical practices and views, including frequency and preferred use of specific STM/WM tests. The majority of respondents reported regular use of STM/WM tests as part of aphasia management. Positive attitudes toward STM/WM assessments were also reported. The most popular rankings of tests were the Cognitive Linguistic Quick Test (Helm-Estabrooks, 2001), the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (Swinburn, Porter, & Howard, 2005), and the Token Test (McNeil & Prescott, 1978). Results suggested limited knowledge about measures that assess self-perceptions of functional memory abilities. Regression analyses showed that the frequency of reported STM/WM test use was similar between clinicians and dual-role researchers/clinicians, but their attitudes toward the value of STM/WM differed. U.S. and UK respondents reported similar assessment practices. It is reassuring that STM/WM is taken into consideration by clinicians when providing aphasia management. Two of the most popular tests, however, have poor psychometric properties, and caution should be exercised in clinical decision making. The different value placed on STM/WM testing by clinicians and researchers/clinicians has implications for continuing professional development.

Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist: A two-phase diagnostic accuracy study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (Thai-ATEC); a tool which has been developed for Thai parents and caregivers who have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Approval for this study was first obtained from the appropriate Ethics committee and from the original Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) developers. This was a two-phase study. Phase 1 consisted of the forward–backward translation of the ATEC and phase 2 included the testing of psychometric properties, i.e. the validity and reliability of the final draft of the tool. The validity of the tool was assessed by comparing Thai-ATEC scores of parents and caregivers of 160 children with ASD with the assessment of a child and adolescent psychiatrist using DSM-V criteria on the same group of children. The inter-rater reliability of the tool was tested using a two-way model of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for two-parent/caregivers’ assessment of 50 children with ASD. Results: The validity of the Thai-ATEC was moderate to high. A cut-off point of ≤38 scores was used to distinguish between children with ASD with mild symptoms and the rest of the children (sensitivity = 94%, specificity= 61.9%, and the area under ROC curve = 90%). A cut-off point of ≥68 scores was used to distinguish between children with ASD with a severe degree of symptoms and the rest (sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 62.8%, area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 85%). The inter-rater reliability was very strong (ICC = 0.97). Conclusions: The Thai-ATEC has moderate to high validity and high reliability.

The Development of Medication Adherence Scale for Persons with Coronary Artery Disease (MAS-CAD): A Nursing Perspective

The purpose of this study was to develop a Medication Adherence Scale for Persons with Coronary Artery Disease (MAS-CAD) based on a nursing perspective. This study was guided by scale development procedures, which consisted of 7 steps: 1) clarifying and determining the concept, 2) generating an item pool, 3) determining the format for measurement, 4) reviewing the initial item pool by 7 professional experts, 5) conducting preliminary item pilot study with 30 Thais with CAD, 6) conducting field-testing for psychometric property testing among 457 Thais with CAD who attended heart clinics of 7 tertiary hospitals in Thailand, and 7) developing scoring and interpretation of the scale scores. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, content validity index, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis by LISREL, and Pearson product moment correlation. The results showed that the MAS-CAD is a self-report instrument, comprised of 5 rating Likert-scale categorical format, composed of 25 items covering 4 constructs; proper knowledge of prescribed medication (7 items), storing medication appropriately (3 items), self-regulating medication administration correctly and continuously (11 items), and participating in the medication treatment plan (4 items). Psychometric property testing demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81, and test-retest reliability was acceptable (r = .62, p &lt; .01). Construct validity was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. In conclusion, the MAS-CAD is a reliable and valid instrument. Nurses can use this scale as a tool for assessing medication adherence for persons with CAD.

Psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and prevalence of alcohol use among Iranian psychiatric outpatients

BackgroundIran is a developing and Islamic country where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is banned. However, psychiatric disorders and alcohol use disorders are often co-occurring. We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and examined the psychometric properties of the test among psychiatric outpatients in Teheran, Iran.MethodsAUDIT was completed by 846 consecutive (sequential) patients. Descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were used to analyze the prevalence of alcohol use, reliability and construct validity.Results12% of men and 1% of women were hazardous alcohol consumers. Internal reliability of the Iranian version of AUDIT was excellent. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the construct validity and the fit of previous factor structures (1, 2 and 3 factors) to data were not good and seemingly contradicted results from the explorative principal axis factoring, which showed that a 1-factor solution explained 77% of the co-variances.ConclusionsWe could not reproduce the suggested factor structure of AUDIT, probably due to the skewed distribution of alcohol consumption. Only 19% of men and 3% of women scored above 0 on AUDIT. This could be explained by the fact that alcohol is illegal in Iran. In conclusion the AUDIT exhibited good internal reliability when used as a single scale. The prevalence estimates according to AUDIT were somewhat higher among psychiatric patients compared to what was reported by WHO regarding the general population.

The development and implementation of a layperson trauma first responder course in La Paz, Bolivia: A pilot study

BackgroundNinety percent of nearly five million annual global injury deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where prehospital care systems are frequently rudimentary or nonexistent. The World Health Organization considers layperson first-responders as essential for emergency medical services in low-resource settings lacking more formalized systems. This study sought to develop and implement a layperson trauma first responder course (TFRC) in Bolivia. Materials and methodsIn March and April 2013 nine sessions of the eight-hour TFRC were held in La Paz, Bolivia. The course charged a nominal fee, and was led by an American surgeon and medical student. The TFRC built upon existing models with local stakeholder input, and included both didactic and practical components. Participants completed a baseline survey, and pre and posttests. The primary outcome was test performance, with secondary outcomes including demographic sub-group test score analyses and exam question validation. Data were assessed using nonparametric and psychometric methods ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine individuals met study inclusion criteria. Participant median age was 28 (IQR 24, 36), 49.1% were male, 59.1% worked in a medical field, most had secondary (35.2%) or university (56.0%) level educations, and 67.3% had prior first aid training. Median test scores improved after course completion (48% vs. 76%, p <0.001), along with skill confidence (4 vs. 4.5, p <0.001). Most questions had appropriate item difficulty indices, point bi-serial correlation coefficients, and positive Pretest Posttest Difference Indices. Cronbach alpha coefficients for pre and posttest scores were 0.72 and 0.78, respectively. ConclusionsThis study presents data from the first offering of an original TFRC for laypeople in Bolivia. Increased participant knowledge and skill confidence after course completion, and acceptable overall psychometric test properties, indicate this model is valid and effective. Future aims include TFRC revision, and enrollment of more layperson first responders to increase population-level impacts.

Clinical descriptors for the recognition of central sensitization pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Despite growing awareness of the contribution of central pain mechanisms to knee osteoarthritis pain in a subgroup of patients, routine evaluation of central sensitization is yet to be incorporated into clinical practice.Aim: The objective of this perspective is to design a set of clinical descriptors for the recognition of central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis that can be implemented in clinical practice.Methods: A narrative review of original research papers was conducted by nine clinicians and researchers from seven different countries to reach agreement on clinically relevant descriptors.Results: It is proposed that identification of a dominance of central sensitization pain is based on descriptors derived from the subjective assessment and the physical examination. In the former, clinicians are recommended to inquire about intensity and duration of pain and its association with structural joint changes, pain distribution, behavior of knee pain, presence of neuropathic-like or centrally mediated symptoms and responsiveness to previous treatment. The latter includes assessment of response to clinical test, mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, hypoesthesia and reduced vibration sense.Conclusions: This article describes a set of clinically relevant descriptors that might indicate the presence of central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis in clinical practice. Although based on research data, the descriptors proposed in this review require experimental testing in future studies.Implications for RehabilitationLaboratory evaluation of central sensitization for people with knee osteoarthritis is yet to be incorporated into clinical practice.A set of clinical indicators for the recognition of central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis is proposed.Although based on research data, the clinical indicators proposed require further experimental testing of psychometric properties.

Reliability and Validity of Drugs Use Health Belief Scale in Adult Women

The aim of this study was to develop a scale for measure health beliefs about drug use and test psychometric properties of the scale.The research was methodological study design. A convenience sample of 210 women at a primary health care centre completed a structured questionnaire including the health beliefs related drug use scale for women in 2012. The researchers visited primary health care centre on 5 working days in every week and conducted interviews with the women. The researchers invited the women participate to the study.

Development of a Keratoconus-Specific Questionnaire Using Rasch Analysis.

To develop and validate a keratoconus-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaire: the Keratoconus Outcomes Research Questionnaire (KORQ). The study was carried out in three phases. Phase I: content identifications: items were identified based on an extensive literature review, open-ended patient mail survey, and expert consultations. Each item was scored on a visual analog scale (VAS). Phase II: pilot testing using Rasch analysis. Phase III: testing psychometric properties of the final version of the KORQ. Phase I identified 44 items across 3 different content areas: activity limitation (26), symptoms (20), and convenience (8). The 44-item KORQ was self-administered to 158 people with keratoconus. The 44-item KORQ was multidimensional. Unidimensionality was restored by separating items across three content areas (subscales) as identified in phase I. The activity limitation and symptoms subscales demonstrated adequate measurement precision, but convenience (precision, 1.01) did not. Hence, the convenience subscale was discarded. Rasch analysis revealed that the VAS was disordered. The ordering of the VAS was restored by collapsing categories into 4. An iterative Rasch analysis guided item-removal resulted into a 29-item KORQ (18-item activity limitation and 11-item symptoms). The VAS was replaced by a discrete 4-option labeled categorical rating scale, and it was self-administered by 169 people with keratoconus. Both the subscales demonstrated good psychometric properties. The KORQ scores strongly correlated with visual acuity and contrast sensitivity demonstrating its construct validity. The 29-item KORQ was a psychometrically robust and valid instrument to assess the impact of keratoconus on activity limitation and symptoms.

The Development and Testing of the Psychometric Properties of the Emotional Response and Disclosure of Errors in Clinical Practice Instrument.

A tool to measure the nurses' emotional response after an error in clinical practice and the potential impact emotion can have on disclosure is lacking. This study tested the psychometric properties of the Emotional Response and Disclosure of Errors in Clinical Practice instrument. The instrument was tested among 497 nurses with psychometric evaluation for validity, reliability, and exploratory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 3-factor solution which accounted for 55.4% of the total variance. Internal consistency results were Cronbach's alpha = .935 for the overall scale and each domain: concern = .907, anxiety = .888, and disbelief = .775. Use of this valid and reliable instrument in practice and education can assist with patient safety efforts. Further testing of the instrument is recommended among other health care professionals.

Examination of Polytomous Items’ Psychometric Properties According to Nonparametric Item Response Theory Models in Different Test Conditions

Tests used for such purposes as determining educational quality, defining educational needs, hiring an employee, student selection and placement and performing guidance and clinic services have an important place in education and psychology. Of course, they should have certain psychometric features related to test scores' validity and reliability. Various test theories have helped to create more valid and reliable measurements and, as a result, to make better decisions regarding individuals. In education and psychology, Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) are both widely used. CTT assumes that an individual's observed score is the total of the true score and the error score, while IRT estimates an individual's ability or latent trait from responses to test items (Embretson & Reise, 2000).When IRT assumptions and model-data fit are ensured, item and ability parameters' invariance occurs; this is known as the most important advantage IRT has over CTT. Item and ability parameters' invariance means estimating ability parameters independently of item sample and estimating item parameters independently of ability sample. IRT's invariance feature makes it very practicable in many applications, for instance, test development, computerized adaptive testing, bias studies, test equating and item mapping (Hambleton & Swaminathan, 1985). IRT is classified under two main categories as parametric IRT (PIRT) and nonparametric IRT (NIRT) (Olivares, 2005; Sijtsma & Molenaar, 2002).To analyse ordered items, such as Likert-type attitude items, partial credit cognitive items or not ordered graded items such as multiple-choice test items, item response models are developed towards polytomous items in IRT (Ostini & Nering, 2006). In these models developed for polytomous items, a non-linear relationship between an individual's latent trait and the possibility of choosing a certain category of item answer is explained (Embretson & Reise, 2000). Graded Response Model (GRM), part of IRT models developed for polytomous items, is often preferred by researchers for applications since it is more useful in presentations, portfolios, essays and Likert-type items with ordered item categories (DeMars, 2010; Ostini & Nering, 2006). To scale tests that consist of polytomous items by making true estimates according to GRM, evaluating PIRT's assumptions and model-data fit is necessary. And to provide these assumptions and model-data fit, large samples are needed. At this point, NIRT models draw attention because they provide a practical advantage in determining psychometric properties of tests with fewer items and respondents (Stout, 2001).NIRT models are defined as statistical scaling methods that require fewer assumptions than PIRT models for measuring persons and items (Stochl, 2007). With their wide application area, NIRT models are used in ordinal scales, applied research areas, sociology, marketing research and health research on quality of life (Sijtsma, 2005). The literature reveals that two models, namely, the Mokken model and nonparametric regression estimation models, are employed. These two models are themselves divided into sub-models. The Mokken model consists of the sub-models Monotone Homogeneity Model (MHM) and the Double Monotonicity Model (DMM). Nonparametric regression estimation models consist of such sub-models as the Kernel Smoothing Approach Model (KSAM), the Isotonic Regression Estimation and the Smoothed Isotonic Regression Estimation models (Lee, 2007; Sijtsma & Molenaar, 2002). Along with theoretical studies being conducted, new sub-models are being added to nonparametric regression estimation models.As a NIRT model, MHM requires unidimensionality, local independence and monotonicity assumptions, and it defines the relationship that latent variables and items with homogeneous (unidimensional) and monotone item characteristic curve (ICC) have (Meijer & Baneke, 2004; Sijtsma & Molenaar, 2002). …

Development of Japanese version of King's Stigma Scale and its short version: Psychometric properties of a self-stigma measure.

The study aimed to develop two Japanese versions of King's Stigma Scale, a full version (KSS-J-1) and a short version (KSS-J-2), through psychometric property testing. The sample included 112 people with mental illness. We tested the constructs of the scales using both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested. We examined convergent validity with self-esteem or perceived stigma, and different group validity, using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Whereas a relatively weak model fit (comparative fit index = 0.66, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.63, root mean square error of approximation = 0.097) of KSS-J-1 (full version: 28 items) was found, KSS-J-2 (short version: 17 items), produced by exploratory factor analysis, had a moderate model fit (comparative fit index = 0.90, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.89, root mean square error of approximation = 0.063). High internal consistency (KSS-J-1, ω = 0.82-0.89; KSS-J-2, ω = 0.86-0.89) and moderate test-retest reliability (KSS-J-1, interclass correlation = 0.56-0.88; KSS-J-2, interclass correlation = 0.45-0.85) were reported. Some subscales and the entire scale of KSS-J-1 were significantly correlated with self-esteem and perceived stigma. Conversely, only two subscales in KSS-J-2 were significantly correlated with self-esteem. The scores of each subscale and the entire score for both KSS-J-1 and KSS-J-2 in the high psychological distress group were higher than the low group (KSS-J-1, d = 0.61-0.83; KSS-J-2, d = 0.47-0.70), except for the Discrimination subscale in KSS-J-2. Both Japanese versions of King's Stigma Scale can be utilized depending on their intended use.

Psychometric properties of the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale in Hong Kong’s emergency care setting

BackgroundEmergency unit is one of the most high-risk areas for patient violence. However, in Hong Kong, little research has been test psychometric properties of assessment tool of Emergency unit nurses’ attitude toward violence. MethodsThe Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale’s (MAVASs) Scale- and Item-Content Validity Index were established by 5-experts panel. A convenience sample of 123 nurses working in 4 public Emergency Department in Hong Kong was recruited. The construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and the reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability. ResultsThe Scale-Content Validity Index was 97.0% and the Item-Content Validity Indexes ranged from 80.0% to 100.0%. Exploratory factor analysis indicated 4-factors solution (i.e., “importance of communication with patients”, “perceived effectiveness of interventions”, “pitfalls of interventions” and “perceived need for intervention”). Its’ internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alphas=0.40–0.77) across the 4 subscales and test-retest reliability over 4-week interval was satisfactory (Pearson’s coefficient=0.85). ConclusionMAVAS was found to be a valid and reliable tool to examine nurses’ attitudes towards patients’ violence in emergency care setting, and provides useful information to those developing training and intervention programmes for management of aggression.

Testing psychometric properties of a Chinese version of perception of aggression scale.

This study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 12-item Perception of Aggression Scale (POAS). It consists of three phases of testing, including (1) translation and back-translation and content validity; (2) semantic equivalence between translated Chinese and original English version; and (3) construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The translated Chinese and back-translated English version showed excellent similarities and agreements between two independent translators. The Chinese version indicated high item- and scale-level content validity indexes (0.86-1.00) and satisfactory semantic equivalence with the original English language version (weighted kappa=0.48-0.90; intraclass correlation coefficient=0.91). Exploratory factor analysis in 249 nursing students resulted in three components (dysfunctional, functional and protective dimensions), explaining 64% of the total variance, with satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.76-0.83) and good 2-week test-retest reliability (Pearson's r=0.87). The Chinese version of POAS was found to be a valid and reliable tool to examine nurses' attitudes towards patient aggression. Chinese nurses in this study viewed patient aggression to be an undesirable negative behaviour suggestive of uncontrollability behaviour presented by the patient under their care.