Psychometric Scales Research Articles

Post-COVID condition: a focus on psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses in patients with cognitive complaints.

Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms are frequently reported after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but their interplay has been only partially explored. We investigated frequency and severity of psychiatric symptoms in patients with persistent cognitive complaints after COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional study. Neurologists assessed 101 patients reporting cognitive symptoms after COVID-19. Patients were invited to fill a screening battery with self-reported psychometric scales (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Insomnia Severity Index). Patients scoring above validated cut-offs in ≥1 scale were referred to psychiatrists who administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) rating scales and asked to complete the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF). Out of the 57 referred patients, 38 (64.4%) accepted to undergo the psychiatric examination. Among these, 18 (47.4%) were diagnosed with adjustment disorder (23.7%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), major depressive disorder (7.9%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (2.6%). Pharmacologic treatment before post-COVID condition (present in 12 patients, 31.6%) was associated with a score above cut-off on the HAM-A and HAM-D scales. A longer duration of untreated psychiatric illness after COVID-19 was associated with worse scores on the same scales. Patients with a higher PID-5-BF total score had a higher probability of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis. Almost half of patients with post-COVID-19 conditions reporting cognitive symptoms were found to suffer from a psychiatric condition after psychiatric evaluation. The application of a psychiatric screening in a population suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19 can lead to early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Attitude of adoptive and biological parents to tactile interaction with children

Introduction. The problem of children's adaptation to foster families remains relevant for many years all over the world. However, there is now evidence that humans have two tactile systems, one of which is social and is activated by slow, gentle touch. The idea arose that adoptive parents could be taught such touches using the example of a special massage. But for this you need to know the attitude of parents towards touch in principle. That is why the purpose of this study was to study parents’ attitudes towards tactile interaction with children. Methodology. 277 foster and biological parents (M=39.9; SD=7.6) completed a survey using Google Forms that included 48 statements scored on a psychometric Likert scale. The work used theoretical (analysis, comparison and synthesis), empirical (survey) and statistical (correlation, regression and factor analysis using the SPSS 21 software package) research methods. Results and discussion. Significant inconsistency was found regarding physical sanctions among all groups of respondents. Thus, by unanimously declaring a negative attitude towards punishing the children of other children, respondents allow this to happen to themselves (Ro=-0.603, p<0.001), which affects the personal impact of the child’s development (Ro=-0.508, p<0.001). All mothers reported detecting excessive tactile contact with the child (Ro=0.544, p<0.001). The 4-factor model shows an ambiguous attitude of respondents towards gentle, tactile interaction with both their children and parents in their own childhood (KMO=0.792; p<0.000; 63.1%). Signs of emotional burnout are observed in all parents, but are especially pronounced in adopted ones (p=0.007; R2 =0.056; DW=1.633; r=0.236). Conclusion. Before inviting parents to try massage based on gentle tactile interactions with children, it is necessary to provide training in methods of rewarding and punishing children within the family without violence. A burnout prevention program is needed for all parents.

Internet Addiction Scale for School and College Students – Construction, validation, and cutoff derivation

ABSTRACT Background: With young people and teenage children, India has recently become a hotspot for a multiple-fold increase in internet users. The objective of our study was planned to create a psychometric scale specially targeting school and college students with appropriate validation and cut-off derivation, as these groups are collective and also holds a major burden of internet addiction and also a potential risk group for developing internet addiction disorder. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 1530 done among college students and school students studying between IX to XII standard with habit of internet usage. A google form survey questionnaire was used and study was conducted for a period of 2 months. Domain identified was Internet addiction which was followed by Item generation done by both Inductive, Deductive method and Content validity obtained from the field experts. After Cognitive Interviewing, survey was conducted by circulating the constructed scale in the Google form questionnaire to the eligible participants. After collecting the required data from the participants, the scale was subjected to Item Reduction Analysis. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 18.96 ±3.68 years and most of them were females. All the individual items had discrimination index value of higher than 0.75 and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75. The total weighed score calculated by adding the individual weighed score came as 21078. Correction factor obtained by dividing the weighed score to the raw score was 0.89. Using the Internet Addiction Scale for School and College Students (IASSCS) having a cut off value of 16 to delineate a person to have Internet addiction and No Internet addiction, around 63% of the study participants were found to have internet addiction and 37% of them were not having Internet addiction and among them a greater number of Internet addicts were found to be male compared to females. Conclusion: Due to the fact that internet addiction is linked to numerous physical and mental health problems, it may be more beneficial to use scale reports as screening tools at the primary health care level in order to identify high-risk groups for health problems caused by internet addiction at the earliest.

Factors influencing proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults: A qualitative study based on theory of planned behavior

Aimsto explore factors that can influence proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults. Designthis is a qualitative content analysis study. Methodsdata collected through interviews with 20 pre-frailty older adults in a geriatric unit at a general hospital in Guangzhou, China. We used deductive content analysis to categorize codes and calculate their frequency based on the theory of planned behavior. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze data that could not be analyzed according to the theory of planned behavior. Resultsthe data were analyzed and grouped into categories by beliefs similarity, counted from the frequencies. The factors of 6 behavioral beliefs, 6 normative beliefs, and 14 control beliefs were issued. Six themes emerged, including positive attitudes toward proactive health behaviors outcomes, lack of proactive health awareness the negative influence of children on proactive health behaviors, lack of knowledge of proactive health behaviors, spouses play an important role in proactive health behaviors, low resistance to unhealthy behavior. Conclusionthis research will support to the construction of a psychometric scale to measure the intentions of proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults. These influencing factors will also help us to develop measures to improve the ability of pre-frailty older adults to be proactive health in the future. Impactthis research validates and extends the theory of planned behavior. The findings of factors influencing proactive health behaviors help us to develop strategies to enhance proactive health in pre-frailty older adults in the future. These findings also provide content for the construction of the psychometrics of proactive health intentions scales. Reporting Methodthis study follows the COREQ reporting norms.

<b>Normalización de la violencia en relaciones de pareja y su correlación con la impulsividad</b>

The objective of this study is to investigate the normalization of violence in romantic relationships and its correlation with impulsivity in Costa Rica. The research project is based on a quantitative methodology, using the psychometric scale called Violence in Young Couples Relationships Questionnaire (VIREPA) and a standardized questionnaire that evaluates different aspects of violence in romantic relationships, along with the Brief-A impulsivity scale. The results show a significant correlation between the normalization of emotional abuse and other forms of violence in the relationship. It is important to highlight that no significant differences were found according to biological sex or age, but a significant relationship between impulsivity and the normalization of violence was evident. Therefore, it is suggested that there is a need to address individual and psychological aspects in interventions to prevent violence in romantic relationships.

A questionnaire to assess ecoanxiety and its sociodemographic determinants among Italian adolescents

Abstract Background Climate change poses serious challenges to Public Health, including mental health impacts. In Italy, few studies investigated the rise of eco-anxiety, especially among adolescents, who are the main group affected by this feeling. Specific measurement tools for this population are needed to fill this gap. The aim is to adapt the Italian version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) to adolescents, and pair it with a socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire (SDQ) to assess determinants. Methods The Italian CCAS was modified for adolescents through a process involving a literature review, expert discussions, and a pretest. This adapted version (a-CCAS) was tested with individuals aged 14-18 years old, maintaining an ideal ratio of 10 respondents per item. Extant psychometric scales were utilized to assess its validity. The SDQ was developed from results of a systematic review of known associations between socioeconomic and demographic factors and eco-anxiety in youth, and expert discussions, and validated by piloting the SDQ with another sample of adolescents. Internal consistency of the a-CCAS and SDQ was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha (Cα). Results The a-CCAS kept most of its original content, comprising 13 items and 2 subscales: cognitive and functional impairment. Pilot respondents were 162; Cα coefficient was >0.7 for both subscales. Convergent and concurrent validity showed positive correlations with the extant scales. The SDQ comprised 12 items in 3 domains: family, social and political-environmental determinants. Respondents were 47 and Cα coefficient was >0.7. Conclusions The a-CCAS and SDQ are valid tools for assessing baseline eco-anxiety and its determinants in Italian adolescents and can contribute to Public Health efforts to reduce the climate-related mental health burden, by measuring the impact of specific educational interventions about climate change targeted at the young. This questionnaire was created as part of the PRIN P2022JJ3LB project. Key messages • These results contribute to filling an evidence gap on eco-anxiety and its socioeconomic and demographic determinants among Italian adolescents by providing researchers with a valid measurement tool. • This tool holds promise for assessing the impact of psychologically-informed educational interventions about climate change and adaptive coping strategies on adolescents’ eco-anxiety levels.

An intervention on climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours in Italian young people

Abstract Background The climate crisis greatly affects mental health, often leading to climate change anxiety. In Italy, there is a lack of research and school programs to help manage climate anxiety and other climate-related psychological consequences. The aim of the CAMBIO CLIMA project is to evaluate the levels of eco-anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours (PEBS) in a sample of Italian middle and high school students, before and after a tailored intervention on the climate crisis. Methods The intervention involves one hundred middle and high school classes from three Italian regions. The students will complete a set of surveys, including psychometric scales and questions on socio-demographic factors and climate change awareness. The students will then participate in a two-hour online workshop. A video will be shown at the beginning to raise awareness about climate change. The instructor will ask the students which solutions could be found to solve specific problems caused by climate change. The instructor will then propose and explain a list of PEBS that students can implement to fight against climate change. Finally, students will be invited to put into action these behaviours. A week after the intervention, students will be asked to take part in a post-intervention survey, completing the same set of questionnaires they completed at enrolment. Results Currently, the research team is in the preparatory stage, establishing contacts with schools and organizing materials for the online workshop. The intervention is scheduled for the upcoming school year. Conclusions The intervention, focused on enhancing the sense of self-efficacy, is expected to increase the resilience of adolescents, making them less vulnerable to the impact, both direct and indirect, of climate change on mental health. The project is funded by PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE - Bando 2022 (Prot. 2022N22J5F). Key messages • Climate change has a disproportionate impact on young people. • It is essential to plan adequate school programs that stimulate the sense of awareness and encourage PEBS simultaneously.

Effectiveness of an integrative model of vocational life design for young rehabilitated drug abusers

ABSTRACT Background The effectiveness of an integrative life design model in preventing drug relapses among rehabilitated youth was evaluated. This model combined Savickas’ narrative life design in vocational counseling, expressive arts groups, and motivational interviewing. Its objective was to enhance life satisfaction and foster long-term resilience against relapse among young individuals recovering from drug abuse. Methods The study involved 70 rehabilitated drug abusers, equally divided into intervention and control groups. After four waves of data collection, 62 participants completed various assessments to monitor drug use behaviors and psychosocial changes. Results The intervention group showed continuous improvement in their self-efficacy to refuse drug use, whereas the control group’s self-efficacy to refuse drugs decreased by T4. The intervention group also had a lower relapse rate than the control group. Participants in both groups demonstrated improvements on various psychometric scales. However, those in the intervention group exhibited more substantial progress over time. Conclusions The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrative vocational life design model in preventing relapse among rehabilitated drug abusers. It emphasizes the importance of establishing future expectations and promoting life satisfaction for rehabilitated drug abusers. The study concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.

The influence of kindness on academics' identity, well-being and stress.

The well-being of people working and studying in higher education, including students, staff, and faculty, is a topic of increasing concern. The lack of well-being may be attributed to the current academic context, which does not consistently provide cues that affirm social inclusion to all members of the academic population. This study examines the role of kindness (defined as actions that affirm dignity and social inclusion) in promoting identification with community and well-being in higher education utilizing a cross-sectional study of 182 diverse members of higher education. To assess the extent that kindness relates to the acquisition of institutional identity, well-being, and stress, we developed and validated two novel psychometric rating scales for kindness: Kindness Received (α = 0.927, ώ = .921) and Kindness Given (α = .859, ώ = .860). Initial analysis showed that receiving kindness was significantly associated with increased well-being, reduced stress, and improved institutional identity. Giving kindness was significantly associated with decreased stress reduction and decreased institutional identity. Results from structural equation modeling shows that institutional identity mediates the relationship between receiving kindness and well-being. Qualitative analysis of micronarratives regarding kindness showed that feeling safe and being acknowledged are the most commonly described experiences of kindness, both acts that affirm dignity. The findings from this study suggests that kindness contributes towards improving diverse people's well-being and increased identification with institutions of higher education. Measurement of kindness provides methods for assessing institutional changes that foster greater positivity and inclusion in higher education settings.

The Greek version of the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire: Reliability and validity assessment

Background: The lack of sleep is a significant concern for ICU patients, necessitating effective sleep-promoting interventions by nurses. A user friendly and reliable tool is essential for Greek nurses to evaluate the impact of these interventions on patients' sleep. This study aimed to translate the Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) into Greek and ascertain the reliability and validity of this version in measuring sleep quality among ICU patients in a Greek hospital. Method and Material: The study assessed the night-time sleep of 50 patients in the general ICU of a tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece, from January 2022 to March 2023. The translation of the RCSQ into Greek adhered to all guidelines for translating and adapting psychometric scales. The reliability of the RCSQ scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha (𝛼). Results: The study included 32 male and 18 female patients. Cronbach's alpha (𝛼) was calculated to be 0.906, indicating excellent reliability for the RCSQ. The overall mean RCSQ score was 52.8 (SD=15.41), ranging from 12 to 78. About 60% of participants reported "good sleep", while 8% experienced "very poor sleep". Conclusion: The assessment of patient sleep should utilize a valid and reliable instrument. The Greek version of the RCSQ shows great promise for use in Greek hospital settings. It is concise, user-friendly, and comprehensible, and it has demonstrated reliability and validity in capturing various sleep domains, thereby providing a comprehensive assessment of sleep akin to the original version.

Factors affecting employment status in people with epilepsy

Aim: People with epilepsy often face difficulties finding and keeping a job in India. This study aimed to determine the employment rate of people with epilepsy, compare it with that of people without epilepsy and to assess the various factors affecting theiremployment status. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was done by recruiting 140 people with epilepsy and 140 people without epilepsy (relatives of patients) from an epilepsy clinic in New Delhi, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaires. Additionally, five items were added to measure self-perceived importance of work, ability to work and family support for working. Psychometric scales were used to measure the psychosocial variables affecting employment. Questionnaires were completed by people with epilepsy. Results: The employment rate of people with epilepsy was 59.3% as compared to 70.0% in those without epilepsy (P=0.045). Gender, younger age, having fewer family members, higher educational attainment, self-perceived importance of being employed for personal and financial reasons, and the ability to work and family support for working were some of the factors associated with employment status in people with epilepsy (P<0.05). Among the psychosocial variables, epilepsy stigma and perceived social support were found to be significantly associated with being employed (P<0.05). None of the clinical variables were found to be associated. Of those in the study, 56 out of 83 people with epilepsy, who had a job, felt they were underemployed. Conclusions: The employment rate of people with epilepsy was lower than the control population. The majority of those with jobs felt they were underemployed. A host of factors affect employment status in people with epilepsy. This suggests the need for vocational training, raised awareness among the general population, and counselling and other services for people with epilepsy.

Impact of patient death on physicians’ mental health

IntroductionPhysicians often encounter stressful situations that can impact their mental well-being. The death of a patient represents one of the most difficult situations in routine medical practice. Literature notably lacks comprehensive studies into physicians’ personal experiences with patients’ deaths. However, it does underscore heightened levels of sorrow, guilt, and stress stemming from the passing of terminally ill patients. As a majority of studies in this realm adopt qualitative methodologies, there is merit in supplementing existing research with a quantitative approach that employs validated psychometric scales. Furthermore, the study of phenomena associated with stress, particularly the perceived professional support by physicians in stressful events, can contribute to the implementation of preventive measures to help physicians cope. ObjectiveOur study aims to measure the traumatic impact on resident and intern physicians at national university hospitals following the death of patients, as well as to assess the perceived level of professional support among these physicians. Materials and methodsWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. Participants included interns and residents from various specialties (medical, surgical and laboratory) at national university hospitals in Morocco. Assessing the traumatic impact of patients’ death on doctors was conducted using two psychometric scales: the Peri-Traumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) and the Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R). Additionally, we used the Perceived Professional Social Support Scale (QSSP-P) to evaluate how supportive the professional environment was towards these doctors. All scales utilized in the study are validated in the French language. ResultsThe study included 96 participants, with 67.7% being female. The average age was 26.8 years, ranging from 23 to 39 years. The majority of participants managed more than nine patients simultaneously (58.3%) while 41.7% were scheduled for more than six 24h shifts per month. During their training, over 64.6% of interns and residents faced more than ten patients’ death incidents, and 68.8% considered their first patient death as the most traumatizing. Half of the physicians evaluated the patients’ care as moderately appropriate, with 46.9% believing that the incident could have been prevented. Notably, 70.8% of interns and residents involved in patient care experienced self-blame and attributed a share of responsibility to themselves for the patient's demise. The majority of participants, 82.3%, exhibited peri-traumatic distress with a PDI score exceeding 15. Among the studied factors, only the perceived responsibility and a management system centered on a single physician (rather than a team) demonstrated a noteworthy correlation with PDI scores. The mean score on the IES-R scale was 25.6, with almost half of the sample (54.2%) reporting moderate to severe PTSD symptoms. The severity of these symptoms was significantly correlated with higher age, high number of patient's deaths experienced and the physician's perceived sense of responsibility. Participants in our study were more satisfied with support from colleagues compared to support functions (paramedical staff, administrative officials) or superiors. Moreover, only colleagues’ support was statistically significantly associated with low scores on the traumatic impact scales. ConclusionPhysicians maintain a unique relationship and therapeutic alliance with their patients. Therefore, the death of a patient can have a significant psychological impact on the physician. This study allowed us to objectively measure this psychological impact and evaluate professional support. The results of these studies encourage further exploration of the issue and the implementation of measures to reduce this psychological impact.

What Mattered Most: Personal, Work-Related, and Psychopathological Characteristics Associated with Healthcare Workers’ Impairment of Functioning during COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted healthcare workers (HWs) around the world. Italy was the first Western country hit by the pandemic, and several studies have been published targeting the mental health burden held by Italian HWs. Notwithstanding, only a few studies focused on the impact of COVID-19 on HWs’ levels of functioning. Methods: An online survey was distributed to HWs in Italy through physicians’ and nurses’ associations, social networks, and researchers’ direct contacts, between 4 April and 13 May 2020. Participants provided sociodemographic, work-related, and pandemic-related data and filled out a set of psychometric questionnaires (Patient Health Questionnaire-9—PHQ-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7—GAD-7, Impact of Event Scale—Revised—IES-R, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale—WSAS). Results: The final sample included 1041 HWs (mean age 45.01 ± 11.62, 63.9% females). In total, 58.1% of the subjects screened positive on the GAD-7, 27.5% on the PHQ-9, and 25.9% on the IES-R. Furthermore, 67.4% showed a significant level of impairment in functioning according to the WSAS, while 35.8% reached scores of moderate or worse impairment. In the multiple linear regressions, screening positive on any of the psychometric scales and being exposed to unusual suffering significantly predicted worse scores in all WSAS domains (p < 0.05). Having a history of mental disorders significantly predicted worse scores in the WSAS domain of work ability (p = 0.002), while being the parent of children younger than 18 years significantly predicted worse WSAS family functioning scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results corroborate extant data about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HWs’ mental health and shed light on its detrimental effect on functioning. Tailored interventions should be designed in order to support HWs during times of crisis.

Escala de actitudes hacia las personas mayores como aprendices y usuarias de tecnologías: evidencias psicométricas

[Objective] Develop and validate a psychometric scale to assess the general population's attitude towards older adults as learners and users of Information and Communication Technologies (PAMTIC scale). [Methodology] A preliminary version of the scale was built based on a systematic review of the literature. In Study 1, the initial version was reviewed by experts and by cognitive interviews. In Study 2, PAMTIC and the validation scales were applied in digital format to 196 people aged between 18 and 85 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability and validity tests were performed. In studies 3 and 4, the final version of the scale and the validation scales in print and digital formats were applied to 1,041 people aged 18-82 years. In Studies 3 and 4, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability and validity tests were performed. [Results] EFA showed 6 factors with good internal consistency coefficients ranging between .80 and .88. CFA confirmed the 6-factor structure and indicated a good fit of the multidimensional model to the data. Correlations between PAMTIC and validation scales provided evidence of nomological validity. [Conclusions] PAMTIC has satisfactory psychometric properties to measure attitude towards older adults as learners and users of Information and Communication Technologies in a reliable and valid way.

Influence Of Working Group Activities Of Teachers On The Effectiveness Of Mathematics Teaching At EBC Besilau Laulara And EBC Fahisoi Lequidoe Academic Year 2021

The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive statistics analysis techniques and inference analysis techniques with the aim of studying the research variable itself. In relation to the variables and samples mentioned, the techniques used to collect data are observation, questionnaire and documentation and according to Setiono and Riwonoto (2015) states that the Likert scale is the psychometric scale that is generally used in the questionnaire. And the instrument to be used to measure alternative responses is the Likert scale, this scale can be measured by choosing the perfect alternative answers, with the value used being 1 to 5 variables, so the researcher concluded that the questionnaire distributed to teachers with variables (X) is the influence of the activity of the teachers (GTP) and variable (Y) is the effectiveness of teaching mathematics, from the dependent and independent variables used by the researcher to find out whether or not the influence of one variable on another variable. Thus the results of the inference statistics analysis on the influence of the activity of the Working Group teachers (GTP) with a sample of 27 shows that the table = 0, 9 with a count = 2. Because the largest count of the table (2 > 0,9) is that we can say that we revenue Ho and accept Hi with his conclusion that there is a significant influence between the Activity of the Working Group dose teachers on the effectiveness of mathematics teaching (Y) at EBC Fahisoi Lequidoe and EBC Besilau Laulara.

Post-COVID cognitive impairment, level of depression and anxiety in university students

Recently, a significant amount of research has focused on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. One of the increasingly common long-term consequences of COVID-19 is its effect on cognitive function, even in patients with an initially mild course of the acute illness. The article presents the results of a study of cognitive impairment and anxiety and depression levels among students of a higher medical educational institution. The study consisted of a continuous screening survey of students who had and had not experienced COVID-19 using an original questionnaire, as well as psychometric scales: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Based on the screening results, two groups were formed (those who had COVID-19 and those who did not), and a comparative analysis was carried out. It was found that a third (32.4%) of young people who had COVID-19 developed cognitive impairment. In students who were not ill, cognitive impairment was detected half as often – 16.8%. It was revealed that regardless of the fact of having suffered an infectious disease, a quarter of students experienced increased anxiety and decreased mood. Affective experiences, in turn, negatively affected cognitive functioning and caused young people to be more attentive to their health, including mental health, which was accompanied by a large number of positive responses when using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening questionnaires.

Developments and evolution of housing architecture in the post-Corona era with a health-oriented approach

This research, with a descriptive-analytical approach and in a pragmatic way, examines the evolution of housing architecture after COVID-19. Thirty experts in architecture and urban planning made up its statistical population. A combination of artificial intelligence algorithms, tree data mining techniques, and the FTOPSIS multi-criteria decision analysis method have been applied to the information analysis process. A panel of experts was formed to gather information, and the criteria of housing design that had evolved in the post-corona period were identified by designing a questionnaire on the Likert scale (i.e., a psychometric scale named after its inventor)—the primary influential factors in the pattern of housing architecture after the Corona period were determined. The findings showed a significant correlation between housing architecture in the post-corona period and people's health patterns. Results showed that the factors that have the most significant impact on the evolution of housing in the region under investigation include the new function of housing (0.152), changing behavioral interactions (0.152), design criteria (0.145) and the passive ventilation factor with a score of 0.113. Other results showed that the physical distance as well as quarantine and isolation components obtained a score of 0.359 and 0.328, respectively, and were identified as the most critical developments in housing architecture. Finally, data mining findings showed that the spatial quality variable in the first phase had the most significant influence on the growth and fortification of the evolution of housing components at the study area level and the promotion of the health of people in the community in the post-pandemic period.

Analysis of the intensity of engagement with CuidaTEXT, a text message intervention for dementia caregiver support among Latinos/as

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine the associations between participant intensity of engagement with a text message intervention, CuidaTEXT, and socio-demographic factors, acceptability measures, and clinical outcomes among Latino/a caregivers of individuals with dementia. Methods CuidaTEXT is a six-month, bilingual, and bidirectional intervention. We enrolled 24 Latino/a caregivers in a one-arm feasibility trial. Participants received approximately one automatic daily text message and could engage with the intervention by texting specific keywords (e.g. STRESS to receive messages about stress-coping), and by chat-texting with a live coach. We used metrics and psychometric scales to quantify variables. Results Participants sent a total of 1847 messages to CuidaTEXT. Higher intensity of engagement was associated with higher intervention satisfaction (r = 0.6, p = 0.007), as were several other acceptability outcomes. We found no associations between intensity of engagement with CuidaTEXT and sociodemographic or clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion Encouraging more intense engagement with CuidaTEXT might lead to higher levels of satisfaction with the intervention. However, it is possible that those who are highly satisfied, engage more intensely with CuidaTEXT. Future research should determine the directionality of these associations to optimize text message interventions. Clinical Implications Creating more opportunities to increase the intensity of text message engagement with caregiver support interventions may improve caregiver satisfaction with them.

Gender and Specialty Influence on Narcissism in University Students

Background: Narcissistic personality traits have garnered increasing attention in psychological research, particularly within academic environments where student behavior and performance are critical. Understanding these traits and their influencing factors is essential for improving student well-being and academic outcomes. Specific Background: The impact of gender and field of study on narcissistic traits among university students remains underexplored. Kernberg's (1970) theoretical framework provides a basis for investigating these traits through empirical measures. Knowledge Gap: While previous studies have examined narcissism broadly, there is limited research focusing specifically on how gender and academic specialization affect narcissistic traits among university students. Aims: This study aimed to identify narcissistic personality traits among university students and examine variations based on gender and field of study using a newly developed Narcissistic Personality Scale. Results: The research, involving 376 students from the University of Basra, utilized a 35-item scale validated through rigorous psychometric testing. The results indicated that the average narcissism score was significantly higher than the hypothesized mean. Male students exhibited higher levels of narcissism compared to female students, and humanities students scored higher than their scientific counterparts. Novelty: This study provides new insights into the prevalence and variance of narcissistic traits among university students, highlighting significant differences related to gender and academic specialization. Implications: The findings underscore the need for university programs to address narcissistic traits and their impact on student behavior and academic performance. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects of narcissism and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing these traits. Highlights: Gender differences: males show higher narcissism. Humanities students exhibit more narcissistic traits. Calls for targeted university interventions. Keywords: narcissistic personality, university students, gender differences, academic specialization, psychometric scale

The effect of athlete endorsement on employees' organizational identification: a case study utilizing an Olympic athlete

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of sponsorship on organizational identification among employees of companies that sponsor individual athletes from the perspective of internal marketing.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted in July 2021 targeting employees of Company A. Specifically, employees were invited to participate via email notifications sent through the company's intranet. To clarify the impact of company sponsorships for individual athletes on employee organizational identification, this study focused on the relationship between Company A and an athlete they support. Psychometric scales were used to measure the factors of the hypothetical model, such as sponsor fit and attitudes toward sponsorship. The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 25 Graphics, and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsWe collected a total of 365 survey responses in two weeks. All the hypotheses in this study were supported, indicating that athlete identification and brand knowledge had a significant positive effect on perceived sponsor fit. In addition, attitudes toward the employer significantly have positive relationships with brand commitment and organizational identification. This study showed that perceived sponsor fit plays an important role in employee perceptions of sponsorship. Athlete endorsement is effective from an internal marketing perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study is the selection of the research subject. Conducting the same survey targeting individual athletes with different characteristics may lead to discoveries about the impact of corporate sponsorship on employee organizational identification.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this study is that business executives should also use sponsorship for individual athletes as a means to unify and motivate their employees. In selecting athletes for sponsorship, it is necessary to select individuals who fit the company image. In this process, listening to employees' opinions may help select the most suitable athlete who matches the company's image.Originality/valueMany studies conducted on sports sponsorship have focused on the impact on potential customers, from external marketing. Even in studies examining the effects of sports sponsorship on employees, the sponsored subjects are typically teams or events. Therefore, the originality of this study lies in examining the impact of athlete endorsement on the company's employees from the perspective of internal marketing.