Internal Consistency Of Scale Research Articles

Psychosocial predictors of attitude toward premarital sexual practice among university students, Ethiopia

ObjectivesPremarital sexual practice during adolescence may lead to different sexual and reproductive health problems, including HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study was to assess psychosocial predictors of attitudes toward premarital sex among Bahir Dar University students.MethodsA correlational design was used. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 375 respondents for the study, although the analysis was based on the 361 questionnaires that were returned from the field and found useful for analysis. Data was collected using a self-developed and modified instrument on standardized scales. The internal consistency of the Perception of Peer Pressure Scale was 0.83, while the self-esteem measuring scale had a reliability of 0.77. The internal consistency of the sexual attitude inventory scale was 0.97. The data were quantitatively analyzed using (inferential statistics) logistic regression, one sample t test, and an independent sample t test.ResultsThe findings of the study showed that all the psychological variables investigated were found to significantly predict premarital sexual relationships among the respondents. Male students with the experience of premarital sex have a higher level of self-esteem and exposure to peer pressure than their female counterparts. A study suggests that male students with the experience of premarital sex have a higher level of self-esteem and exposure to peer pressure than their female counterparts. Self-esteem negatively predicted attitudes toward premarital sex.ConclusionScaling up the level of school counseling, especially in the area of sexual adjustment and modification of the psychological variables investigated, was recommended.

Parental Stress in Autistic Children with Poor Oral Hygiene: A Pilot Study to Develop and Validate a Measurement Scale

Background/Objectives: Research indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a deficiency in skills and initiative when it comes to adhering to daily oral hygiene routines. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of oral pathologies, thereby placing a significant emotional strain on their parents. In addition to the typical stress they already experience, parents of children with ASD are also burdened with pediatric oral health issues. However, a review of the literature reveals a lack of studies measuring stress in parents of children whose oral health affects their autistic condition. This research aimed to design and to validate a stress scale for parents of autistic children with poor oral hygiene. Methods: The study used an exploratory, non-experimental design to validate and determine the reliability of the scale. Scale reliability was assessed through a cross-sectional pilot test to evaluate internal scale consistency, with a focus on item similarity. We used Aiken’s V to estimate the validity of the scale, and Cronbach’s α for calculating scale reliability. Calculations, estimations, and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS. Results: Expert validation, a pilot test, and a cross-sectional, non-experimental design established the reliability of the scale. Conclusions: We conclude that the 20-item scale exhibits validity (0.95) and reliability (0.965), ensuring its applicability in future research.

Validation of DEQ-5 unidimensionality and differential item functioning of Saudi adult populations

Objective: The Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) is a questionnaire for dry eyes vital for assessing ocular surface disease severity in dry eye disease (DED). This analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate its precision, reliability, unidimensionality, and differential item functioning (DIF) irrespective of age and gender. Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out between March 2021 and March 2022. A systematic random sampling technique selected participants (n=634). The DEQ-5 questionnaire was used in the King Saud University campus clinic and Kingdom Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software (SPSS version 28 SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL; for Windows). Standard deviations (SDs), percentages, and averages are used to show the data reliability analysis to test Cronbach's coefficient, which calculated the scale's internal consistency, McDonald's coefficient, and item-rest correlations. Moreover, Rasch Analysis has been performed to check if the DEQ-5 can distinguish different levels of dry eye symptoms. Results: The study revealed that the DEQ-5 performed well in various aspects. At 2, the person separation index (PSI) was satisfactory, indicating good reliability (0.80). Items separation revealed outstanding reliability (1.00), with mean square data for attire and infit within acceptable ranges (0.545-1.674 and 0.578-1.698, respectively). The high-reliability precision (77%) suggests the questionnaire's ability to elicit accurate responses. The analysis confirmed unidimensionality; the first contrast's eigenvalue for unexplained variance is less than 2 (1.79). DIF analysis stratified by age showed that participants aged 16-26 performed better on @3QUESTION than those aged 27-40. Similarly, based on gender, males outperformed females in @1B and @2QUESTION. Furthermore, with a Cronbach's coefficient of 0.767 and a McDonald's coefficient of 0.828, the DEQ-5 demonstrated adequate internal consistency, reaffirming its reliability. Conclusions: The DEQ-5 is a robust instrument for evaluating DED severity, as evidenced by its acceptable precision, reliability, unidimensionality, and DIF analysis results. Understanding its performance across different age and gender groups provides valuable insights for its use in clinical and research settings, ensuring accurate assessment and diagnosis of DED.

Development and Validation of Spiritual Well-Being Scale in India: A Yogic Niyama Perspective.

This study developed and validated the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale (NSWBS) using a mixed-method approach. Niyama is one of the eight limbs of ancient Indian Ashtanga yoga philosophy. There are five niyamas: soucha (internal and external cleanliness and hygiene), santosha (happiness and contentment), tapas (austerity and discipline), swadhyaya (self-study, observation and self-introspection) and ishvara-pranidhana (believe and surrender to the God and cosmic power). Both deductive (using existing spiritual well-being scales) and inductive (focus group discussions) approaches were used to generate items. These statements were first subjected to content validity testing and pre-testing, which resulted in seventeen statements. The psychometric properties of generated items were analyzed with the help of three independent studies that utilized various statistical tests like exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, McDonald Omega, Average variance explained, and Fornell and Larcker criterion. The first study examined the factorial structure of the proposed scale. EFA yielded five factors: Internal and external health and purity, Self-discipline and rigour, Self-introspection and observation, Contentment and gratitude, and Belief in God and higher cosmic power. They explained 62.35% of the total variance. The CFA validated the five factorial structure of the scale. The second study established the proposed scale's internal consistency reliability, convergent, divergent, and predictive validities. Lastly, the third study evaluated and concluded the test-retest reliability of the scale. Overall, the niyama-based spiritual well-being scale depicted appreciable psychometric properties.

71 Development and validation of the COCINL scale assessing family resilience in the NICU among parents of preterm infants

Abstract Background Given the negative impact of parental distress on preterm infants and their families, examining the role of family resilience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a promising avenue for promoting parental mental health while remaining consistent with family-centered care. A tool to assess NICU family resilience is essential to guide care and research, yet none specifically adapted for the neonatal context exists to date according to a recent systematic review. Objectives Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a new scale, the COCINL scale, designed to measure family resilience in the context of neonatal care among French-speaking parents of preterm infants. Design/Methods This methodological design study was carried out in four successive phases: (I) compilation of an item pool (II) mixed-method evaluation of content validity (clarity, relevance, representativeness) involving 12 experts, (III) pre-testing and electronic administration of the COCINL scale, along with a measure of psychological distress (Kessler-6) and an open-ended self-report question on family resilience to parents of preterm infants (n=88) and (IV) psychometric testing of the COCINL scale (internal consistency, construct validity, exploratory sensitivity and specificity). Parents of preterm infants and experts were recruited by convenience sampling from two urban, level III NICUs. Results From a pool of 112 items, 55 items were favorably evaluated after content validation (S-CVI>0.95). Based on preliminary interitem correlations and internal consistency results, the COCINL scale was shortened to 42 items and divided in four subscales. High internal consistency is also shown in subscales (0.796 to 0.908) and total scale (0.937) Cronbach’s alphas. The COCINL scale displays adequate construct validity, as determined by the Pearson correlation obtained between scores of family resilience and psychological distress (r=-0.236, p=0.027). Strong in between correlations of the four subscales and with the COCINL total score (0.732 to 0.851), further indicated good construct validity. Exploratory sensitivity and specificity analysis revealed the COCINL scale compares to participants' self-reported perception of family resilience (AUC 0.754). Conclusion The COCINL scale has shown strong evidence of validity and internal consistency. Thus, the scale can be recommended for research use as a measure of family resilience in the neonatal context. Still, additional evidence of its validity and reliability should be compiled before clinical use is considered. The COCINL scale could potentially support the development, evaluation and implementation of nursing interventions consistent with the family-centered care approach being promoted in NICUs across Canada and worldwide.

Students’ Academic Self-Concept and Their Academic Achievement in Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State

The study looked into the relationship between senior secondary two (SS2) students' academic self-concept and their mathematics achievement in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State. This study was directed by three research questions and three matching null hypotheses. A sample of 318 senior secondary two (SS2) students offering Mathematics which comprised two hundred (200) female and one hundred and eighteen (118) male SS 2 students drawn from six (6) secondary schools from a population of 1544 SS2 students offering Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State using Taro Yamane's sample size formula and A simple random selection method was employed, namely by balloting. Two instruments were used for data collection titled; Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha (∝) method was used to determine the internal consistency of the Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS). The reliability coefficient of the Academic Self-Concept Scale (ASCS) was 0.81. Kuder-Richardson 20 formula method was used to determine the reliability coefficients for the Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT). The reliability coefficients obtained was 0.91 for BAT. The research questions and all null hypotheses were answered and tested using simple linear regression at 0.05 level of significant. Results of the study revealed that: % variation in academic achievement of male students in mathematics was due to their self-concept, and that the academic achievement of male students in mathematics is not significantly correlated with their self-concept. On the other hand, 17% variation in the academic achievement of female students in mathematics was due to their self-concept, and the academic achievement of female students in mathematics is significantly correlated with their self-concept. Finally, students’ self-concept accounted for 23% variation in their academic achievement in Mathematics, and that students’ self-concept significantly relate with their academic Achievement in Mathematics in Bekwarra Local Government Area. The researcher recommended among other things, that parents should help their children have a positive self-concept in mathematics from an early age.

An international field study for the reliability and validity of the EORTC communication questionnaire EORTC QLQ-COMU26

BackgroundThe EORTC Quality of Life Group has developed a questionnaire to evaluate cancer patients’ perception of their communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs): the EORTC QLQ-COMU26. In this study we test the validity and reliability of this novel measure in an international and culturally diverse sample of cancer patients.MethodsCancer patients completed the following EORTC questionnaires at two time points (before and during treatment): the QLQ-COMU26 (including a debriefing questionnaire), the QLQ-C30, and specific IN-PATSAT32 scales. These data were used to assess: the cross-cultural applicability, acceptability, scale structure, reliability, convergent/divergent validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness to change of the QLQ-COMU26.ResultsData were collected from 498 patients with various cancer diagnoses in 10 European countries, Japan, Jordan and India (overall 5 cultural regions). At most, only 3% of patients identified an item as confusing and 0.6% as upsetting, which indicates that the questionnaire was clear and did not trigger negative emotional responses. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-trait scaling confirmed the hypothesised QLQ-COMU26 scale structure comprising six multi-item scales and four single items (RMSEA = 0.025). Reliability was good for all scales (internal consistency > 0.70; test–retest reliability > 0.85). Convergent validity was supported by correlations of ≥ 0.50 with related scales of the IN-PATSAT32 and correlations < 0.30 with unrelated QLQ-C30 scales. Known-groups validity was shown according to sex, education, levels of anxiety and depression, satisfaction with communication, disease stage and treatment intention, professional evaluated, and having a companion during the visit. The QLQ-COMU26 captured changes over time in groups that were defined based on changes in the item of satisfaction with communication.ConclusionThe EORTC QLQ-COMU26 is a reliable and valid measure of patients’ perceptions of their communication with HCPs. The EORTC QLQ-COMU26 can be used in daily clinical practice and research and in various cancer patient groups from different cultures. This questionnaire can help to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Translation, Cross-Culture Adaptation and Measurement Properties of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale.

The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (OAKS) into a simplified Chinese version and to evaluate its measurement properties among Chinese-speaking populations. The OAKS scale was translated and cross-culturally adapted following COSMIN guidelines. A total of 368 participants were recruited, including individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA), healthcare professionals, and individuals without OA. The study evaluated the scale's internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The translated OAKS scale demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability across different groups. Cronbach's alpha for the KOAKS was 0.70 overall, with subgroup values ranging from 0.70 to 0.71. For the HOAKS, Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 overall, with subgroup values ranging from 0.63 to 0.72. Test-retest reliability showed high Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values for both scales (KOAKS: ICC=0.960; HOAKS: ICC=0.982). EFA revealed that the overall OAKS explained a substantial portion of the variance (60.51%), with KOAKS accounting for 59.35% and HOAKS accounting for 54.68% of the variance. The simplified Chinese version of the OAKS is a reliable tool for assessing OA knowledge among Chinese-speaking patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The findings highlight the necessity for continuous improvement and adaptation of educational interventions to address specific knowledge gaps within the Chinese context.

Evaluation of the Smokeless Tobacco Awareness, Attitude, and Response Knowledge (STAARK) Scale With Integrated Risk Assessment for Tailored Intervention.

Background Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use, particularly gutkha, is prevalent in India, with cultural acceptance contributing to widespread use, especially among tribal populations. Despite awareness programs, there is limited assessment of their effectiveness, leading to continued vulnerability, even among educated groups. This study aims to evaluate public health strategies by developing and validating the SLT Awareness, Attitude, and Response Knowledge (STAARK) scale, which assesses knowledge and attitudes post-awareness programs on SLT usage through questionnaires, identifying vulnerable individuals, and enabling targeted interventions to reduce SLT use and associated health risks, particularly through integrated risk assessment (IRA). Methods This study was performed during an SLT awareness program in Nagaland, utilizing a comprehensive survey to assess participants' demographics, knowledge, and attitudes. The STAARK score was calculated by combining normalized attitude and knowledge scores, ranging from 0 to 10, categorizing participants' comprehension and attitudes toward SLT usage awareness. The obtained scores were assessed twice for consistency evaluation of the scale, and vulnerable individuals were subjected to IRA for targeted intervention recommendations. Reliability and correlation analyses were performed, with Cronbach's alpha validating the scale's internal consistency. Results About 182 participants took up the assessment, with only 180 completing the survey among the population attending the awareness program. Demographic data revealed a diverse participant group, with ages ranging from 13 to 42 years. The survey assessed participants' knowledge and attitudes toward SLT, scoring them on a 0-10 scale for knowledge and a 10-60 scale for attitude. The STAARK scale was developed to combine these scores, providing a comprehensive measure of participants' understanding and attitudes toward SLT. The mean STAARK score was 5.27 with an observed lower limit of 2.40 and an upper limit of 6.50 in the responded population. Reliability testing using Cronbach's alpha showed acceptable internal consistency, though attitude had a weaker correlation with the overall STAARK score compared to knowledge. In a follow-up assessment with 88 participants, the STAARK score averaged 5.10, reinforcing the initial findings. The risk assessment of 17 participants with STAARK scores above six identified varying levels of risk, with most falling into the low- or moderate-risk categories. The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address SLT usage, particularly in populations with lenient attitudes toward its consumption. Conclusions The STAARK scale can serve as a key tool for evaluating SLT awareness programs by assessing participants' knowledge and attitudes and identifying high-risk individuals requiring personalized interventions for SLT usage cessation. It standardizes the assessment, enabling comparison across groups and times, and helps identify individuals with lenient attitudes toward SLT for targeted interventions. Its reliability ensures consistency, and by tracking changes in scores before and after programs, it assesses impact and guides future improvements. The STAARK scale is crucial for personalized, evidence-based public health efforts to reduce SLT use. However, eradicating SLT requires ongoing commitment, adaptability, and a focus on long-term outcomes to translate knowledge into lasting change.

Examination of the psychometric properties of the Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS) and Multicultural Identity Integration Scale (MULTIIS) in a multiracial population in the United States.

Ethnic identity is theorized to be a critical aspect of human development and is shown to be associated with health and well-being. The Ethnic Identity Scale is a widely used measure that assesses key aspects of ethnic identity development (Umaña-Taylor et al., 2004). The Multicultural Identity Integration Scale (MULTIIS) is a measure that has been more recently developed to assess key aspects of identity integration for individuals with multicultural identities (Yampolsky et al., 2016). Despite the ongoing utilization of these instruments, a comprehensive psychometric evaluation within Multiracial populations has yet to be established in extant literature. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to examine the internal consistency, factor structure, and other psychometric characteristics of the Ethnic Identity Scale and MULTIIS within a sample of 1,012 Multiracial adults in the United States. The majority of the sample identified as female (67.5%, n = 683), straight (80.1%, n = 798), having attained less than a college degree (62.3%, n = 627), and having a household income less than $60,000 (57.4%, n = 552). The majority of participants (55%, n = 557) were classified as having White and non-White racial/ethnic backgrounds, 45.0% (n = 455) as non-White. Findings suggest the Ethnic Identity Scale fits the data poorly by all measures, despite supporting the three-factor structure recommended in the original study; the MULTIIS fits the data acceptably by all measures and supports both a three-factor first-order and eight-factor second-order structure recommended in the original study. Analyses of the MULTIIS three-factor first-order model's measurement invariance across race, gender, educational attainment, and household income identified variance for specific latent factors. Overall, the MULTIIS performed acceptably; however, studies relying on the MULTIIS should account for differential measurement. Implications for clinical, scientific, and public health practice are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Establishing a Method of Systematic and Reliable Analysis of Psychodynamic Process Notes.

Introduction: Process notes contain unique information concerning core elements of a psychodynamic treatment. These elements may be both conscious and unconscious for the author. One element for study is the tendency to which a therapist writes about providing either supportive or expressive interventions. This study sought to establish a method of systematically and reliably identifying the records of therapists' interventions as supportive or expressive. Methods: Three early-career clinicians were trained in the use of a process note intervention rating scale constructed specifically for this study. Quantitative statistical analyses assessed the scale's reliability and internal consistency. Results: Interrater reliability analysis determined at a p of 0.005 a Fleiss's kappa of 0.24 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.264, suggesting a low but statistically significant reliability between the raters. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.67 and a McDonald's omega of 0.53 suggested questionable internal consistency. Discussion: Early-career clinicians can reliably code the manifestations of interventions in psychodynamic process notes as supportive or expressive. Future studies may improve the reliability and internal consistency of the scale, add measures of interpretation content, and evaluate these data in relation to other core elements of process notes, such as the author's emotional engagement as manifested in language measures and clinical outcome.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Brief Resilience Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Among Older Sexual Minority Women in the U.S.

Objective This study sought to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and measurement invariance of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) among older sexual minority women with disabilities. Method Participants (n = 208) consisted of sexual minority women aged 55 and older with disabilities recruited online. Results CFA results showed a one-factor structure fit BRS data, RMSEA = .050 (90% CI [.00, .107]), SRMR = .015, CFI = .990, TLI = .975, with good internal consistency (alpha = 0.863, omega = .864). For the MSPSS, CFA showed a three-factor structure fit the data, RMSEA = .080 (90% CI [.064, .096]), SRMR = .037, CFI = .959, TLI = .947, with excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.937, omega = .937). Full scalar invariance was achieved for both BRS and MSPSS when comparing single and partnered individuals. Additionally, full scalar invariance was also achieved for MSPSS when comparing individuals with a single and multiple health conditions. For BRS, partial scalar invariance was established across health conditions. Conclusions The original factor structures of the BRS and MSPSS fit with good internal consistency, providing preliminary evidence of construct validity and reliability of scores on both scales in this population.

Testing the Psychometric Properties of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale Among Residents in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Pilot Study.

Background and Purpose: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) was created to determine the patient's readiness for discharge to home from the hospital. The purpose of this study is to determine the scale's internal consistency and predictive validity in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting. Methods: Participants (N = 30) over the age of 65 were conveniently selected from 10 different SNFs in the Midwest to complete the RHDS prior to discharge. Results: Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.917. Participants with higher RHDS scores, those who were male, respondents with less education, and participants with Medicare Advantage insurance were more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge to home. Conclusions: The results indicate that the RHDS has a good internal consistency in the SNF setting.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Fear of Dependency Scale Into European Portuguese.

Dependency is defined as a person's inability to meet basic human needs. In the context of aging, biopsychosocial changes compromise functionality, predisposing older adults to rely on others to perform daily activities. Fear of dependency describes the fear people have of appearing and/or being weak and/or reliant on others. The Fear of Dependency Scale (FDS), developed by Adams-Price and Ralston in 2016, aims to assess the fear of dependency by measuring an individual's attitudes toward being helped. This study presents a European Portuguese version of the FDS and examines its psychometric properties (internal consistency reliability and content validity). The translation and both cultural and linguistic adaptation of the FDS were performed by a panel of experts. A cross-sectional study was then performed to evaluate the psychometric properties (in terms of its reliability and validity) of the translated version of the FDS among a sample of 100 community-dwelling older adults. The European Portuguese version of the FDS exhibited good psychometric properties. The scale's internal consistency was 0.84. The European Portuguese version of the FDS is a reliable, valid, and practical instrument for assessing the fear of dependency in older adults in the Portuguese population. It can be used in the context of health care provision and research.

Validation of the Persistent Somatic Symptom Stigma Scale for Healthcare Professionals

ObjectivePersistent somatic symptoms (PSS) describe recurrent or continuously occurring symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or pain that have persisted for at least several months. These include single symptoms such as chronic pain, combinations of symptoms, or functional disorders such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome. While many studies have explored stigmatisation by healthcare professionals towards people with PSS, there is a lack of validated measurement instruments. We recently developed a stigma scale, the Persistent Somatic Symptom Stigma scale for Healthcare Professionals (PSSS-HCP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the measurement properties (validity and reliability) and factor structure of the PSSS-HCP. Study Design and SettingThe PSSS-HCP was tested with 121 healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom to evaluate its measurement properties. Analysis of the factor structure was conducted using principal component analysis. We calculated Cronbach’s alpha to determine the internal consistency of each (sub)scale. Test re-test reliability was conducted with a sub-sample of participants with a two-week interval. We evaluated convergent validity by testing the association between the PSSS-HCP and the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS) and the influence of social desirability using the short form of the Marlowe Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). ResultsThe PSSS-HCP showed sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84) and sufficient test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation = 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99, p<0.001). Convergent validity was sufficient between the PSSS-HCP and the MCRS, and no relationship was found between the PSSS-HCP and the MCSDS. A three factor structure was identified (othering, uneasiness in interaction, non-disclosure) which accounted for 60.5% of the variance using 13 of the 19 tested items. ConclusionThe PSSS-HCP can be used to measure PSS stigmatisation by healthcare professionals. The PSSS-HCP has demonstrated sufficient internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity and minimal influence of social desirability bias. The PSSS-HCP has demonstrated potential to measure important aspects of stigma and provide a foundation for stigma reduction intervention evaluation.

Community efficacy for non-communicable disease management (COEN): Conceptualization and measurement.

The importance of community-based non-communicable disease (NCD) management has been internationally recognized. However, currently, no instrument is available to evaluate a community's ability to provide NCD management for its residents. This study defined such an ability as "Community Efficacy for NCD Management" (COEN), and aimed to conceptualize, develop and validate a scale to measure COEN. We first conducted literature review, expert interviews, and Delphi panels to conceptualize COEN and select scale items. Then, we conducted two rounds of community surveys and interviews to validate the COEN scale among local residents in three cities in China. We used Cronbach's alpha to test the scale's internal consistency, Kappa test for test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis for structural validity. COEN was conceptualized as "the ability of a community to provide NCD management for its residents, reflected by its natural environment, social relationships, community resources, health services, and resident-engaging activities." The first community research among 345 residents yielded a 38-item COEN scale with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and acceptable test-retest reliability (Kappa value >0.2). The second community research tested a shortened COEN scale among 657 residents, yielding a final COEN scale with 14 items from five factors: community management (n = 3), social relationships (n = 4), resource accessibility (n = 3), community health services (n = 2), and resident engagement (n = 2), with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. COEN is a meaningful concept in contextualizing and evaluating NCD management anchored in the community, and the COEN scale is a multi-domain reliable tool to quantify COEN, which can be used to guide future related research and practice in public health.

Evaluating the efficacy of cognitive restructuring and exposure therapies on secondary school chemistry students' test anxiety: A randomized trial.

This study explored how cognitive restructuring (CR) and cognitive exposure therapy (CET) impacted test anxiety in chemistry students from Nsukka, Enugu State. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the investigation. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest, posttest, and 2 experimental groups was employed. The study involved 154 SSII chemistry students from 4 purposefully chosen schools within Nsukka. The Chemistry Test Anxiety Scale, Cognitive Restructuring Chemistry Treatment Package, and Cognitive Exposure Chemistry Treatment Package served as the data collection instruments. The Chemistry Text Anxiety Scale's internal consistency, measured by Cronbach alpha, was found to be 0.86, indicating good reliability. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) addressed the research questions, while Analysis of Covariance tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Results showed that the students who were exposed to CR therapy had pretest mean test anxiety score of M̄ = 78.31, standard deviation (SD) = 8.63 and posttest mean test anxiety of mean [M] = 27.06, SD = 5.71, while those exposed to cognitive exposure had a pretest mean test anxiety score of M = 77.39, SD = 8.68 and a posttest mean test anxiety score of M = 32.62, SD = 11.04. The reduction in text anxiety scores of -51.25 and -44.77 for the students exposed to CR and cognitive exposure respectively. The students exposed to CR therapy had lesser posttest mean test anxiety score than those exposed to CET. The results revealed that students receiving CR therapy displayed lower posttest anxiety scores compared to those receiving CET. Additionally, no significant interaction between treatment and gender on test anxiety was found. It was concluded that CR therapy is better than CET in the management of test anxiety among chemistry students. Based on these findings, it was recommended that cognitive behavioral therapists should be invited periodically to educate students on the negative effects of irrational thoughts on academic performance.

The ecological validity of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and momentary food addiction symptoms.

This study assessed the ecological validity of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0) with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and explored the internal consistency and convergent validity of a momentary food addiction scale. Adults (N = 49) who met criteria for binge-eating disorder and/or food addiction (age = 34.9 ± 12.1 years; 77.1% cisgender female; 55.1% non-Hispanic White) completed online questionnaires and a 10-day EMA protocol. Analyses examined (a) associations between the YFAS 2.0 and EMA-measured variables corresponding to food addiction criteria, (b) reliability of a momentary food addiction scale (EMA-FA), and (c) concurrent associations between EMA-FA and EMA-measured negative affect, impulsivity, eating expectancies, body satisfaction, consumption of palatable food, and taste response to palatable food. YFAS scores were associated with EMA-reported variables corresponding to food addiction criteria (ps < .045). The multilevel reliability for EMA-FA was adequate (ω = .75-.94). Individuals with higher EMA-FA scores reported greater negative affect, impulsivity, appetite, palatable food consumption, taste response to palatable food, and contrary to expectations, greater body satisfaction (ps < .01). Within-person effects emerged for EMA-FA predicting higher negative affect, impulsivity, likelihood of palatable food consumption, more pleasurable taste responses after consuming palatable foods, yet lower body satisfaction, appetite, and eating expectancies (ps < .01). Results support the ecological validity of the YFAS 2.0, and additional evidence of convergent validity and internal consistency was demonstrated for a momentary food addiction scale. This assessment of the psychometric properties of the YFAS will ultimately further its utility and relevance in the study and diagnosis of food addiction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Gratitude at Work Scale in Employed Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Gratitude at Work Scale, originally developed by American scholars, has been widely administered to mental health professionals and human service workers to explore gratitude in the workplace. No Chinese-language instrument is currently available for assessing workplace gratitude. The aims of this study were to (a) translate the original English version of the Gratitude at Work Scale into a traditional Chinese version (TC-GAWS), confirm its factor structure, and analyze its psychometric properties among newly employed nurses and (b) develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the TC-GAWS short form. A psychometric study using a cross-sectional web-based design was conducted in Taiwan. Three hundred twenty-two employed nurses completed a battery of self-administered online questionnaires that included a demographic datasheet, the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10, and the Thoughts of Quitting Scale. IBM SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 28.0 were used for data analysis, and Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's correlation were used to assess reliability and concurrent validity. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. The internal consistency and stability of the TC-GAWS total scale were .88 and .91, respectively. The exploratory factor analysis showed a satisfactory Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of .88 and a Bartlett's test value of 654.01 ( p < .001), suggesting that 64.55% of the total variance was explained by the two-factor TC-GAWS. After item reduction, the CFA of the six remaining items of the TC-GAWS short form revealed adequate fit statistics for a two-factor structure and a second-order factor. Strong correlations were found between the 10-item and six-item TC-GAWS ( r > .94) in the two samples, suggesting good concurrent validity. The overall scores for the 10-item and six-item TC-GAWS had similar convergent validity, with moderate-to-strong correlations for the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form ( r = .45 and .540), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 ( r = .49 and .51), and Thoughts of Quitting Scale ( r = -.57 and -.53). The CFA yielded a two-factor, six-item model that exhibited good fit with the latent constructs of χ 2 / df = 11.06/8 = 1.38, p = .198, comparative fit index = .996, goodness-of-fit index = .979, root mean square error of approximation = .045, root mean square residual = .030, and standardized root mean squared residual = .023. Both the 10- and six-item TC-GAWS instruments demonstrated good reliability and validity in nurse participants. The TC-GAWS may be used to measure gratitude in nurses in the workplace. This instrument has the potential to facilitate a better understanding of gratitude in nurses, which may be applied to the improvement of nursing management, research, and education.

Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire Assessing Changes in Dietary Behaviors Among School Children Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan.

This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess changes in dietary behaviors among school children in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 253 school-aged children from public schools across Jordan. The dietary and lifestyle behavior inventory (DLBI) was developed, incorporating cultural and regional dietary preferences. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were assessed using the content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to evaluate the underlying factor structure. The DLBI demonstrated excellent content validity with a scale content validity index (S-CVI) of 0.997 and a high level of agreement among expert reviewers (total agreement = 116). Reliability analysis showed high internal consistency for dietary behavior scales, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.9 for fruit (0.869) and vegetable (0.916) consumption scales. Factor analysis revealed strong associations between dietary behavior variables, with factor loadings ranging from 0.688 to 0.889. The study identified significant reductions in physical activity levels among children, with an average Cronbach's alpha of 0.835 for physical activity-related items. The average time to complete the questionnaire was 15 minutes (SD = 5 minutes), with a completion rate of 45.6%. The validated DLBI is a robust tool for assessing changes in dietary behaviors among school-aged children in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight significant dietary patterns and physical activity shifts, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions.