Reliability Of Questionnaire Research Articles

Assessing community pharmacists' thoughts on telepharmacy in Bali province

Telepharmacy describes the use of technology in interactions between pharmacists and patients. Given that telepharmacy is the most recent development in the delivery of digital pharmacy services, the question of how prepared pharmacists are to provide high-quality services frequently comes up and receives attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the viewpoints of pharmacists in telepharmacy services. From February to April 2023, a cross-sectional survey was done using a Google form. The study population included 111 pharmacists in charge of network pharmacies in Bali Province. Their thoughts were assessed using a credible and reliable questionnaire created by the researchers. The questions were split into two sections: a professional demographic items, and a section describing the perspectives, benefits, and challenges of telepharmacy. To get a more detailed or comprehensive response, open-ended questions were added. In general, especially during a pandemic, pharmacists were aware of being involved in remote services (non-face-to-face interaction) and telepharmacy services. This study makes clear that pharmacists' involvement is essential for creating a long-distance relationship between them and their patients. Therefore, pharmacists should learn how crucial communication is to increase patient satisfaction.

Examining preventive occupational health and safety management in the Swedish welfare sector-questionnaire development, its validity and reliability, and initial findings on employers' knowledge.

A preventive approach to occupational health and safety management (OHSM) can improve working conditions, but more knowledge is needed on how this should be organised in practice. Here, we describe the development, validity and reliability of a questionnaire used to examine employers' preventive OHSM within the Swedish welfare sector. Furthermore, employers' knowledge of preventive OHSM was explored using the survey data. A questionnaire was developed based on interviews with key actors (n = 7), experts (n = 6) and intended respondents (n = 5). Using the final questionnaire, 197 responses were collected from employer (n = 126) and employee representatives (n = 71) and used to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of open-ended and multi-choice items were used to assess the response distribution, content validity and interrater reliability (i.e. employer-employee correspondence from 32 matched pairs from the same workplace). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey responses from employer representatives were performed to assess their knowledge of preventive OHSM. The final questionnaire included 91 items covering employers' working routines, resources and work environment economics. Qualitative analyses indicated a high content validity in the questionnaire, with a satisfactory response distribution and very small proportion of missing data on individual survey items. Overall, the interrater reliability was high (>60%), but the employer representatives generally gave more examples within different areas of the OHSM compared to the employee representatives. Most of the employer representatives (74%, n = 90) assessed that their organisation had sufficient knowledge regarding preventive OHSM but that the knowledge of work environment economics was lower. By combining work environment research with questionnaire design research, high validity and reliability was achieved for this questionnaire. Furthermore, the employers generally perceived that they have high knowledge of preventive OHSM but that more knowledge is needed on work environment economics.

Students’ ratings to evaluate effective teaching practices of secondary schools in Bangladesh

PurposeInternational studies have emphasised the importance of effective teaching for student learning. However, few studies have investigated teaching practices in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study set out to explore the mathematics teaching behaviour of secondary school level of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachA convenient sampling strategy was used to collect 502 grade nine students’ perceptions from 15 mathematics classes within Dhaka Metropolitan City (DMC). A valid and reliable student questionnaire was used where the students rated their mathematics teachers' teaching behaviours identified in the dynamic model of educational effectiveness (DMEE).FindingsThe findings from the quantitative analysis of the student evaluations revealed that the mathematics teachers demonstrated structuring, modelling, questioning, teacher–student interactions and teacher dealing with misbehaviours in their daily classroom teaching.Research limitations/implicationsA small sample of mathematics classes were chosen in the study; hence, the findings may not be totally representative nor generalisable to the population of secondary mathematics teachers within Dhaka, Bangladesh.Practical implicationsThe study conducted in Bangladesh contributes to the international dimension to educational effectiveness research. The findings from the study provide partial support for teaching factors and dimensions in DMEE (Creemers and Kyriakides, 2008), and emphasise the need for further studies, particularly in cross-cultural contexts.Originality/valueThis is the first study to evaluate teaching behaviours of secondary mathematics teachers through students’ perceptions in Bangladesh. It contributes important insights about teaching behaviours to inform the development of evidence-based policy and practice on quality teaching in the region.

Effectiveness of Teachers Training Program in Enhancing Teaching Competence of Public Primary School Teachers in Ilemela Municipality, Tanzania

The study aims to investigate the Effectiveness of Teachers Training Program in Enhancing Teaching Competence of Public Primary School Teachers in Ilemela Municipality, Tanzania. The problem of this study was answered by the one research questions; TCPD training programs in enhancing teaching competence. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory. The current study employed convergent design under mixed research methods approach. The target population consisted of various stakeholders, including 81 public primary schools, 1,047 teachers, 19 Ward Education Officers, 81 head teachers, and 8 District quality assurers making total number of 1155 population. The sample size for the current study consisted of 16 public primary schools, 192 teachers, 16 head teachers, 6 Ward Education Officers (WEO), and 2 District School Quality Assurers (DSQA), totaling 216 respondents. Questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis guides were used to collect data from respondents. Data collection instruments were validated by MWECAU research experts. A pilot study was conducted in two public primary schools. The reliability of questionnaires for Likert-type items was estimated using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient whereby r= 0.889 for teachers while that of qualitative established through peer debriefing and triangulation. The study adhered to ethical considerations throughout the research process. Descriptive statistics were analyzed quantitative data using SPSS version 26. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that the TCPD is highly effective in improving teaching competence through focused training on classroom management, instructional design, differentiated instruction, student engagement, and technology integration significantly improved their teaching skills. The study concluded that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) effectively Enhanced Teaching Competence of Public Primary School Teachers in Ilemela Municipality to the high extent. The study recommended that a similar training program should be implemented regularly to equip teachers with up-date skills and knowledge.

Nutritional education on health beliefs, metabolic profiles, and quality of life among high-risk pregnant women for gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.

In recent years, nutrition has become increasingly important in treating and managing gestational diabetes mellitus. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a conceptual framework in health behavior research used in some medical research. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of glycemic index training based on the HBM on metabolic indicators and pregnant women's health-related quality of life. In this open-label, parallel-controlled randomized trial, 90 pregnant women from primary health centers in Iran were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group, using a block randomization method with a block size of six. The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of nutritional education on the glycemic index and load of foodstuff. The control group only received routine health care. Valid and reliable questionnaires included demographic and prenatal information, physical activity, three days of food records, quality of life (SF-12), and HBM constructs. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and end of the study, to assess fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, hs-CRP, and lipids. Eighty-four pregnant women with an age mean of 30.12 ± 4.35 completed 12 weeks of intervention. At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in the HBM subscales (P > 0.05). However, within the intervention group, there was an increase in perceived susceptibilities (mean change 1.45 ± 4.21; P = 0.03) and cue to action (mean change: 1.22 ± 3.38; P = 0.02). In the adjusted model, the General Health subscale of Quality of Life showed a significant increase in the comparison between groups (mean change 13.69 ± 29.83 vs. 0.00 ± 29.58; P = 0.04). Additionally, the adjusted model revealed a notable difference between the groups in serum hs-CRP level, (mean change -0.877 ± 3.47 vs. -0.067 ± 3.40; P = 0.01) and triglyceride level (mean change - 55.24 ± 111.21 vs. 40.92 ± 142.01; P = 0.001). However, in the adjusted model, the total cholesterol levels increased between groups (mean change 22.75 ± 66.17 vs. 30.12 ± 61.33; P = 0.01) at the end of the study. There was no significant difference in glycemic indices (P > 0.05). Participation in a nutrition education program might positively impact nutritional beliefs, behaviors, and some biochemical indicators among pregnant women. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted.Trial registration number: IRCTID: IRCT20190227042858N1. Registration date: 2019-07-18.

Current situation and capacity of cancer diagnosis and treatment in county hospitals in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

Abstract Purpose County-level hospitals in China constitute a vital component of the healthcare system, delivering essential medical services, emergency care, and specialized treatments, particularly in oncology. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the current status of cancer diagnosis and treatment in county hospitals and assess their overall capacity. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey by the China Anti-cancer Association (CACA) from February to May 2023 assessed cancer diagnosis and treatment in mainland China's county hospitals. Using a multi-center approach, a fifty-five-question questionnaire was administered to oncology professionals and management staffs, focusing on hospital facilities, oncology specialists, cancer cases, treatment capabilities, and healthcare collaboration. Questionnaire reliability and validity were established in a 2022 national survey. Participants, aged 18 or older, were recruited through purposive sampling, receiving self-administered questionnaires for confidentiality. SAS 9.4 software facilitated statistical analysis. Results The study encompassed 76 county-level medical institutions, with 82.9% of them featuring established oncology departments providing comprehensive cancer care, including early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Notably, a total of 56.6% of the institutions surveyed implemented programs for cancer screening and early diagnosis. A significant proportion of advanced cancer patients received treatment and follow-up at the county level. Persistent disparities in medical insurance policies at the county level were identified as a continuing challenge. Furthermore, 82.9% of hospitals had cultivated collaborative relationships with higher-level institutions to enhance patient care quality and treatment capacity. The study revealed a 56.6% shortage of remote collaboration platforms in these hospitals. The need for a patient-centered approach in county hospitals was underscored. Conclusion While county-level hospitals face challenges, such as a shortage of specialized oncologists and advanced resources, they exhibit progress in standardizing cancer care to enhance diagnosis and treatment in rural areas.

The Correlation Between Math Anxiety Level and Numeracy Skills of Fifth-Grade Students

This study aims to determine the correlation of math anxiety to numeracy skills. The sample in this study was one class, namely class V at 5 Elementary School Selong with a total of 27 people. The research design used is correlational with quantitative research type. The results of the validity and reliability tests stated that there were 17 valid and highly reliable math anxiety questionnaire statement items and there were 20 valid and reliable numeracy test items. To analyze the data, researchers used the Person Product Moment correlation which previously conducted a normality test manually with the help of excel using the Saphiro Wilk formula. Based on data analysis, the calculation of the variable relationship is -0.40. This means that math anxiety with numeracy skills is a negative correlation. Based on the interpretation of the correlation coefficient, the relationship between the two variables is in the moderate category. The amount of contribution of math anxiety variables to numeracy skills is 16% and 84% is determined by other variables. After that, the significance test is carried out with the T-test, then seen from the hypothesis testing criteria, namely obtained tcount = -2.17 while ttable (5%) = 2.06. From the calculation results, it can be seen that the result of tcount = -2.17 < ttable = -2.06. This shows that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. So it is concluded that "there is a significant correlation between math anxiety level and students' numeracy skills"

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Deglutition Handicap Index.

The Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI) is a self-reported questionnaire focus on dysphagia related quality of life of patients. The present study was aimed to translate the DHI into Turkish, and investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the DHI (T-DHI). A total of 100 patients with different diagnoses participated. The study was carried out in 3 phases including translation, reliability and validation phases. The translation phase was performed by the forward-backward-forward translation methodology. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used for reliability phase. The criterion validity of the T-DHI was investigated for validation phase. The Cronbach's alpha value of the T-DHI was 0.93 of which indicates excellent internal consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ranged from 0.96 to 0.99 for test-retest reliability. There was negative and weak correlation between functional subscale score from the T-DHI and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (r=-0.29, p = 0.004), and positive and moderate to strong correlations between total and subscale scores from the T-DHI and the Turkish version of the Eating Assessment Tool (r = 0.67-0.78, p < 0.001) indicating sufficient criterion validity. The T-DHI is a reliable and valid questionnaire to define dysphagia related quality of life of patients. Clinicians could be used the T-DHI during swallowing evaluation part during the management process of deglutition disorders to plan patient centered rehabilitation, improve care and follow up.

Measuring validity and reliability of the Italian version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children in overweight and obese children

The measure of daily physical activity (PA) is one of the most important topics in the field of health promotion. In addition, self-efficacy and enjoyment are significant factors that can foster adherence to physical activity during a person’s lifetime. The present study aims to assess the validity and reliability of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children-Italian version (PAQ-C-It) in a sample of normal weight, overweight, and obese children. Three studies were conducted to assess the (1) general characteristics of PAQ-C-It, (2) model fit and construct validity between PA, self-efficacy, and enjoyment, and (3) reliability and construct validity of PAQ-C-It in normal weight, overweight, and obese children. The sample involved a total of 914, 500, and 600 children (male = 466, female = 448) attending first grade of secondary school (age = 11–13 years), in the first, second and third study, respectively. Children were asked to respond to three scales: Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C-It), the Perceived Physical Ability Scale (PPAS), and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Then, explorative and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the PAQ-C-It by relating results with those of the other scales. The analysis showed acceptable value and internal consistency of items for the subscales (α &amp;gt; 0.7), as well as the average variance extracted (&amp;gt;0.5) in both normal weight, overweight, and obese children. The results of the present study show that PAQ-C-It can be applied in the field of physical activity to measure adherence to physical activity and healthy behaviors. Moreover, self-efficacy and enjoyment are significant factors that can best promote adherence to PA. The present study can extend our knowledge about PAQ-C-It and open up new research avenues for driving interventions aimed at reducing sedentary behavior and improving PA in overweight and obese children.

The Validity and Reliability of the INVALSI Questionnaire about Math Test-Taking Anxiety and Math Enjoyment

Although the impact of non-cognitive factors, such as math anxiety, math test-taking anxiety, and attitudes toward mathematics, has been extensively studied, this area remains partially unexplored in the realm of national assessments. This research focuses on the analysis of the validity and reliability of an 11-item questionnaire introduced by the Italian INVALSI Institute during the 2017-2018 school year. The study utilized a sample of 27,188 Grade 5 Italian pupils. Principal Component Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis were applied to refine the instrument, resulting in a final version comprising 10 items that measured two constructs: math test-taking anxiety and mathematics enjoyment. Factor analysis confirmed the excellent fit of the two-factor model. Item analyses and reliability analyses demonstrated satisfactory item-total correlations and excellent overall reliability. Consequently, the instrument proves valid and reliable for evaluating students' math test-taking anxiety and math enjoyment. Despite distinctions from larger-scale instruments like OECD-PISA, this research presents an alternative questionnaire suitable for use in both national and large-scale assessments when combined with other standardized instruments.

Patients’ experience of care index: A new, reliable, and useful questionnaire in lumbar spine surgery

Patients’ experience of care index: A new, reliable, and useful questionnaire in lumbar spine surgery

Development of a Work Systems Stress Questionnaire to predict Job Burnout: A mixed methods study based on a macroergonomics approach

Job burnout is a stress-related phenomenon that is a significant threat to the health and performance of organizations and employees. Interventions to ameliorate potentials for burnout have been limited by the lack of a comprehensive tool that considers work system stressors. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire for predicting job burnout based on the macroergonomics work system approach. The setting was a petrochemical company in South Iran. In the qualitative phase of this sequential exploratory mixed methods research, 971 meaning codes were extracted from fourteen one-to-one and seven focus group interviews (n=59). The codes were subject to Directed Content Analysis, which yielded three themes and 15 dimensions, which were used to inform the development of reliable and valid questionnaire. Items for each of the dimensions were sourced from exiting scales. To test the developed Work System Stress Questionnaire (WSSQ) in terms of its ability to predict burnout, a survey which included demographic items, the WSSQ, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was completed by 359 employees. Hierarchical linear regression modelling of the data indicated that Task Significance, Job Demands, Work-Life Conflict, and Work Schedule predicted Emotional Exhaustion, and altogether explained 58% variance. Task Significance, Violence and Harassment, Work-Life Conflict, and Job Insecurity predicted the Depersonalization and explained 29% variance. Decision Latitude, Welfare and Financial Facilities, Task Significance, and Structural Problems predicted Personal Accomplishment and explained 26% variance. All 15 dimensions were valid (CVI range 0.73-0.90) and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha range 0.71- 0.93). The results confirm the ability of the WSSQ to explain more variance regarding job burnout than previous studies. In turn, the WSSQ will enable remedial actions to be put into place. It may also be useful for understanding the consequences associated with other organizational ergonomic variables that are related to job stress.

Pengaruh Evaluasi Kinerja dan Motivasi Kerja Guru Terhadap Mutu Pendidikan di SMA Negeri 1 Bawolato

This study aims to analyze the impact of teacher performance evaluation and work motivation on the quality of education at SMA Negeri 1 Bawolato. The research employs a quantitative method with a multiple linear regression approach. The sample consists of 39 respondents, namely teachers at SMA Negeri 1 Bawolato. Data were collected through validated and reliable questionnaires and processed using SPSS version 26. The results indicate that both performance evaluation (X1) and teacher work motivation (X2) partially have a significant impact on the quality of education (Y). Partial regression tests yielded a t-value of 2.302 for the performance evaluation variable with a significance of 0.027, and a t-value of 2.959 for work motivation with a significance of 0.058. Additionally, both variables simultaneously showed a significant influence on education quality, with an F-value of 26.192, greater than the F table value (3.25), and a significance of 0.000. The determination coefficient (R Square) of 0.593 indicates that 59.3% of the variance in education quality is influenced by performance evaluation and work motivation, while the remaining 40.7% is influenced by other unexamined factors. This suggests that improving teacher performance evaluation and work motivation significantly contributes to enhancing the quality of education at SMA Negeri 1 Bawolato. The study concludes that teacher performance evaluation and work motivation are crucial factors in improving education quality. Therefore, schools are advised to continuously develop effective performance evaluation mechanisms and strategies to enhance teacher motivation to achieve better educational quality.

Impact of combined plant extracts on long COVID: An exploratory randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLong COVID have posed a global health burden since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined plant extract (CPE) formulation, containing Citrus aurantifolia, Tiliacora triandra, Cannabis sativa, Alpinia galanga, and Piper nigrum, in participants with long COVID. A newly developed long COVID symptom questionnaire was used to evaluate outcomes. MethodsThis randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Thailand. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a CPE supplement (4500 mg/day) or a placebo for 7 days. Primary outcomes were changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the total symptom score (ranging from 0 to 57 points). Secondary outcomes included full recovery/improvement of long COVID symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and adverse events. ResultsA total of 66 participants were enrolled, with 33 in each group. The CPE supplement did not significantly reduce CRP levels, with a median difference (MD) (95 % CI) of −0.05 (−0.49, 0.39) mg/L compared to placebo. However, the CPE group showed a reduction in the total symptom score [MD (95 % CI) of −4.00 (−7.58, −0.42)], and a reduction in overall moderate to severe symptoms [RR (95 % CI) of 0.57 (0.35, 0.91)], moderate to severe fatigue [RR (95 % CI) of 0.25 (0.08, 0.81)], and moderate to severe post-exertional malaise (PEM) [RR (95 % CI) of 0.35 (0.16, 0.78)]. Changes in HRQOL scores did not differ significantly between groups. Adverse events were mostly mild and resolved by the end of the follow-up period. ConclusionsOur study suggests potential benefits of the CPE in alleviating moderate to severe long COVID symptoms, particularly fatigue and PEM, with an acceptable safety profile. However, larger-scale trials are necessary to validate these findings, and assessing the reliability of the long COVID symptom questionnaire is essential before its application in future studies. Trial registration number:TCTR20230131004 (Registration date: 2023–01–31, Thai Clinical Trials Registry).

영유아교사의 자아존중감 전문성 인식이, 놀이교수효능감에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact on play teaching efficacy of early childhood teach-ers’ self-esteem and expertise awareness. Methods The survey target was one hundred twenty-nine early childhood teachers in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Cronbach Coefficient was calculated to test reliability of the survey questionnaires for the collected data, and Pearson’s Ratio Correlation Analysis was applied to perceive the relationship among early childhood teachers’ self-esteem, expertise awareness, and play teaching efficacy. Multiple Regression Analysis implemented to see the impact on play teaching efficacy of early childhood teachers’ self-esteem and expertise awareness. Results First, there was significant static correlation in between early childhood teachers’ self-esteem and ex-pertise awareness. Second, only the teachers’ expertise awareness showed as the meaningful static predictor in the impact on play teaching efficacy of early childhood teachers’ self-esteem and expertise awareness. These re-sults mean that the play teaching efficacy is proportional to the level of expertise awareness. Upon analyzing sub-factors, the self-esteem and expertise awareness, and the only expertise awareness are presented as the significant predictors of the play teaching efficacy and the expectation about play teaching result respectively. Conclusions This study would provide a basic data to develop the program for enhancing early childhood teachers’ play teaching efficacy.

Validity of dietary intake methods in cancer cachexia.

Accurate assessment of dietary intake, especially energy and protein intake, is crucial for optimizing nutritional care and outcomes in patients with cancer. Validation of dietary assessment methods is necessary to ensure accuracy, but the validity of these methods in patients with cancer, and especially in those with cancer cachexia, is uncertain. Validating nutritional intake is complex because of the variety of dietary methods, lack of a gold standard method, and diverse validation measures. Here, we review the literature on validations of dietary intake methods in patients with cancer, including those with cachexia, and highlight the gap between current validation efforts and the need for accurate dietary assessment methods in this population. We analyzed eight studies involving 1479 patients with cancer to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of 24-hour recalls, food records, and food frequency questionnaires in estimating energy and protein intake. We discuss validation methods, including comparison with biomarkers, indirect calorimetry, and relative validation of dietary intake methods. Few have validated dietary intake methods against objective markers in patients with cancer. While food records and 24-hour recalls show potential accuracy for energy and protein intake, this may be compromised in hypermetabolic patients. Additionally, under- and overreporting of intake may be less frequent, and the reliability of urinary nitrogen as a protein intake marker in patients with cachexia needs further investigation. Accurate dietary assessment is important for enhancing nutritional care outcomes in cachexia trials, requiring validation at multiple time points throughout the cancer trajectory.

The EORTC QLQ breast modules and the FACT-B for assessing quality of life in breast cancer patients - an updated literature review.

Two commonly used quality of life questionnaires in breast cancer are EORTC QLQ-BR23, the FACT-B, and the extended FACT-B+4. More recently, the EORTC EORTC QLQ-BR42 was developed. This systematic review compares the various versions of the EORTC QLQ and FACT tools for breast cancer in terms of their content, validity, and psychometric properties. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. All questionnaires have been proven to be valid, reliable and responsive. The provisional EORTC QLQ-BR45 transitioned to the EORTC QLQ-BR42 in Phase IV of its development, which encompasses the side effects associated with the latest breast cancer treatments. Both the EORTC and FACT measures assess physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, with the EORTC measure placing relatively more emphasis on physical content and FACT placing relatively more emphasis on mental (social and emotional) content. The four additional items in the FACT-B+4 were developed to address arm lymphoedema following axillary surgery. The development and uptake of quality of life tools are essential in the evaluation of breast cancer treatments. The EORTC QLQ-BR42 and FACT-B are both valid, reliable, and responsive QoL questionnaires.

Extensiveness of Teachers’ Workload in Determining the Acquisition of Kiswahili Reading Skills Among Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Tanga City Council, Tanzania

The study investigated the extensiveness of teachers’ workload in determining the acquisition of Kiswahili reading skills among public primary school pupils in Tanga City Council, Tanzania. The study employed a convergent design under mixed methods research approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and compare the results to obtain a more complete understanding of the research problem. The study targeted 80 public primary schools, 80 head teachers, 264 Kiswahili subject teachers, 24 Ward Education Officer and 1 City Council Primary Education Officer. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed to obtain respondents who participated in this study. The study involved 8 public primary schools, 8 head teachers, 88 Kiswahili reading skills teachers, 8 WEO and 1 CCPEO. Data were collected using questionnaires, and interview guide. Data collection instruments were validated by Mwenge Catholic University research experts. A pilot study was conducted in two public secondary schools. The reliability of questionnaires for Likert scale items was determined using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient where reliability coefficient r= 0.892 for Kiswahili subject teachers questionnaire was obtained. The reliability for qualitative data was established through peer debriefing and triangulation. The study adhered to research ethical principles throughout the research process. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics particularly using frequencies, percentages and mean with the aid of SPSS Version 22. The study concludes that due to their overwhelming responsibilities, teachers find it challenging to give students timely and insightful feedback on their reading progress. Teachers find it challenging to plan and implement enjoyable reading activities that would greatly enhance their pupils Kiswahili reading skills. Teachers are unable to give each pupils the individualized support and attention they need to improve their reading skills in Kiswahili, leaving them with little time and energy. The study recommends that heads of public primary schools can support teachers in working less by making sure that teachers have enough time to plan, organize, assign reading tasks, and help pupils who are failing with learning. The administration of public primary school should make sure that the school has enough teaching and learning resources for Kiswahili reading instruction.

Psychometric evaluation of a COVID-19 health literacy scale applying Rasch analysis

Abstract Background Assessing health literacy in times of the COVID-19 pandemic is vital, since health literacy has been highlighted as a personal resource for managing health information. The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire was developed to measure self-reported COVID-19 health literacy in adults. It has been used and validated, mainly using confirmatory factor analysis, in some studies with different target groups. However, several comprehensive validation studies are needed to ensure the feasibility of a novel measurement tool. In the current study, Rasch analysis has been chosen, as this analysis transforms the categorical responses of the items of the HLS-Covid-Q22 into linear measures. Methods The psychometric properties of the HLS-Covid-Q22 were evaluated in a sample of 2187 German adults applying Rasch analysis. The data is from the German COVID-HL school survey that was generated by employing an online survey in school principals during the third infection wave from March to April 2021 in four federal states. Applying the Partial Credit Model for polytomous data, the responses to the HLS-Covid-Q22 items were transformed into linear measures, unidimensionality was tested and several indices to assess the quality of the measurement tool were computed. Results Unidimensionality of the questionnaire could be confirmed. The rating scale steps worked as intended. Participants used every rating category. Item fit could be verified. High reliability indices were found with a person separation index of 3.41, person reliability of .92, item separation of 20.08 as well as item reliability of 1.0. Conclusions The HLS-Covid-Q22 appeared to be a reliable and valid questionnaire which has not been validated by applying Rasch analysis before. Even though Rasch analysis is already a well-established validation method in other disciplines, it should be used to evaluate other health literacy questionnaires more often to gain comprehensive insights into the intended functioning of measurement tools. Key messages • The HLS-Covid-Q22 questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable measurement tool. • Rasch analysis is an appropriate method to evaluate the psychometric properties of likert-type rating-scale questionnaires.

Empirical dietary inflammatory pattern could increase the odds of breast cancer: a case-control study

BackgroundIt has been shown that chronic inflammation is a significant factor in cancer development and progression. The current study aimed to investigate whether a higher score on the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP), which indicates a more pro-inflammatory diet, is related to higher odds of breast cancer in Iranian women.MethodsIn the present case-control study, subjects in the case (n = 133) and control (n = 265) groups were chosen from the hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The cases consisted of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, while the controls were selected from other parts of the same hospital and had no history of cancer or hormone therapy. Individuals whose reported energy intake deviated by three standard deviations above or below the mean energy intake of the population were excluded from the study. A reliable and valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to determine the participants’ dietary intake. Additionally, the association between breast cancer and EDIP was evaluated by logistic regression analysis in both crude and adjusted models.ResultsThe median scores of EDIP in the case and control groups were 0.65 and 0.61, respectively. The findings also indicated that, in the adjusted model, the odds of developing breast cancer significantly increased in the last tertile of EDIP compared to the first tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.859; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.059–3.265; P = 0.031). Additionally, after adjusting for potential confounders, higher odds of breast cancer were observed in the last tertile of EDIP compared to the first tertile in postmenopausal women (OR = 2.516; 95% CI: 1.081–5.856; P = 0.033).ConclusionsThe current study indicated that individuals with a higher pro-inflammatory diet score were more likely to develop breast cancer.