Taiwanese Version Research Articles

Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine Nasal Irrigation Solution After Sinonasal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative nasal irrigation with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution in patients undergoing sinonasal surgery. Single-blind, randomized controlled study. This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and hypertrophic inferior turbinates who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and inferior turbinate reduction were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated using the Taiwanese version of the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (TWSNOT-22), rhinomanometry, endoscopic examination, and bacterial cultures. One week after the operation, patients were randomly assigned to either a 0.1% PVP-I nasal irrigation group or a control (normal saline) irrigation group. We then compared the two groups' results to illustrate the effects of nasal irrigation with PVP-I solution following sinonasal surgery. Of the 55 patients that completed the study, 27 patients were in the PVP-I group and 28 were in the control group. In both groups, the TWSNOT-22 scores, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores, and total nasal resistance (TNR) all revealed significant improvements at 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperative measurements (all, P < .05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in TWSNOT-22, endoscopic, or TNR scores 3 months after the operation (all, P > .05). A dilute 0.1% PVP-I nasal irrigation as a postoperative care modality after sinonasal surgery did not provide additional benefit compared with normal saline irrigation. 2 Laryngoscope, 132:1148-1152, 2022.

Gender Differences in Depression and Sex Hormones among Patients Receiving Long-Term Opioid Treatment for Chronic Noncancer Pain in Taiwan-A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Long-term use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain is associated with sex hormone disturbances. The interferences with sex hormones, sexual function, and depression were investigated in patients with chronic noncancer pain. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey was conducted on 170 officially registered outpatients receiving long-term opioid treatment in nine medical centers in Taiwan between October 2018 and July 2019. Serum sex hormone levels were examined after the collection of self-administered questionnaires containing the Taiwanese version of the Brief Pain Inventory, depressive status, and sexual function interference. Results: Among 117 (68.8%) questionnaire responses from 170 enrolled outpatients, 38 women and 62 men completed the sex hormone tests, among whom only 23 (23%) had previously received blood hormone tests. Low serum total testosterone levels were detected in 34 (89.5%) women (<30 ng/dL) and 31 (50%) men (<300 ng/dL). Over 60% of women and men reported reduced sexual desire and function despite a nearly 50% reduction in pain intensity and daily function interference over the previous week after opioid treatment. Women generally had higher risks of a depression diagnosis (p = 0.034) and severe depressive symptoms (p = 0.003) and nonsignificantly lower opioid treatment duration (median 81 vs. 120 months) and morphine milligram equivalent (median 134 vs. 165 mg/day) compared with men. Conclusions: This survey demonstrated the high prevalence of depression diagnosis, low sex hormone levels, and reduced sexual function among Taiwanese patients with chronic noncancer pain receiving prolonged opioid therapy. Regular hypogonadal screenings are recommended for further management.

Changes in accessibility of suicide-related information on websites in Taiwan during 2016 and 2019

To the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined longitudinal changes in the accessibility of suicide-related content on Chinese-language websites. We investigated changes between 2016 and 2019 in suicide-related materials likely to be accessed by individuals through websites in Taiwan.In March 2019, we searched the Taiwanese versions of Google and Yahoo! using six suicide-related terms and compared the results to a search performed in 2016. Website characteristics (e.g., pro- or anti-suicide) generated by various keywords were calculated and compared in 2016 and 2019.The number of anti-suicide websites exceeded that of pro-suicide websites in 2016 and 2019. Between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of pro-suicide sites decreased slightly from 16.3% (61 out of 375 sites) to 12.3% (51 out of 417 sites) (p = 0.10). User-generated webpages constituted the primary source of pro-suicide content at both time points. Over the same period, the proportion of pro-suicide information on internet forums decreased from 59.1% to 17.8% (p < 0.001); by contrast, pro-suicide content on news websites increased significantly, from 1.9% to 11.3% (p = 0.005). Searches with the term "painless suicide" were more likely to yield pro-suicide websites and less likely to generate anti-suicide ones than searches with "suicide" in both 2016 and 2019.Harmful suicide-related information circulating on websites remained easily accessible to internet users in Taiwan, particularly through user-generated and news websites. Proper site moderation and implementation of online suicide reporting guidelines are still warranted.

Effect of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Gustatory Function in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

In this study, we investigated the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on gustatory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Forty-three patients with CRS who underwent FESS were included in this study. Prior to FESS and 3 months after surgery, the severity of rhinosinusitis was assessed using the Taiwanese version of the 22-item SNOT (SNOT-22), endoscopic examination, and acoustic rhinometry. The olfactory function was evaluated using the phenylethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test and the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and the gustatory function was evaluated using the whole mouth suprathreshold taste test (WMTT) and the taste quad test (TQT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on CRS phenotypes and endotypes. The SNOT-22 significantly improved 3 months after FESS for all patients with CRS. The endoscopic score and olfactory function significantly improved in patients with eosinophilic CRS and in patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The WMTT sweet and bitter scores were significantly lower after FESS in CRSwNP, but the TQT sweet score was significantly higher in patients without nasal polyps. In addition, patients with noneosinophilic CRS had significantly decreased WMTT and salty scores 3 months after FESS. Our results showed that the effect of FESS on gustatory function of patients with CRS was different with the different testing procedures, the association with nasal polyps, and the underlying inflammatory patterns.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction for Military Cadets on Perceived Stress.

This study aimed to develop a program of mindfulness-based stress reduction for military cadets (MBSR-MC). On the basis of a pretest-posttest design, participants were assigned to either a control or an experimental group to examine the effectiveness of MBSR-MC. First, 60 volunteering cadets of National Defense University were randomly assigned to the MBSR-MC group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). In the pretest, all participants were required to complete the Taiwanese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (T-FFMQ) and a perceived stress scale (PSS). Subsequently, the MBSR-MC group participated in the 8-week MBSR-MC program, whereas the control group did not receive any experimental treatment. One week following the completion of the program, a posttest consisted of the same questions as the pretest was conducted. Statistical analysis showed that (1) Comparing with the control group, the MBSR-MC group showed superior performance in three subscales of T-FFMQ, namely Acting with awareness, Non-judgment, and Non-reactivity. However, no significant difference was found in the remaining two facets: Observing and Describing. (2) The perceived stress score of the MBSR-MC group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Furthermore, an analysis of mediating effect showed that Acting with awareness, Non-judgment, and Non-reactivity were mediating variables of the relationship between MBSR-MC and perceived stress. The aforementioned results indicated that MBSR-MC training significantly increased military cadets' Acting with awareness, Non-judgment, and Non-reactivity, thereby significantly reducing their perceived stress. Therefore, this study supported the effectiveness of the MBSR-MC program on perceived stress.

Attitudes toward Homosexuality among Nurses in Taiwan: Effects of Survey Year and Sociodemographic Characteristics.

This study aimed to compare the level of attitudes toward homosexuality among nurses in Taiwan between 2005 and 2017 and with various demographic characteristics, as well as the roles of demographic characteristics in the changing trend of attitudes toward homosexuality between 2005 and 2017. This survey study recruited nurses from three hospitals in 2005 (Survey 2005, N = 1176) and 2017 (Survey 2017, N = 1519). Participants’ four dimensions of attitudes toward homosexuality, including condemnation, immorality, avoiding contact, and stereotypes, were assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that nurses in 2017 exhibited lower levels of avoiding contact with lesbian and gay patients and stereotypes toward homosexuality but higher levels of condemnation of gay and lesbian individuals and perceptions of gay and lesbian individuals as immoral than did nurses in 2005. Age moderated changes in some dimensions of attitudes toward homosexuality from 2005 to 2017. The need to develop training programs aimed at improving not only the quality of nursing skills but also their negative attitudes regarding homosexuality is urgent.

Survival-Weighted Health Profiles in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients

IntroductionIn treating nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients, excellent tumor control and patient survival rates can be achieved in the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). However, treatment-related toxicities affect the quality of life (QoL) of NPC survivors. This study was devised to estimate the life expectancy (LE), quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) and survival-weighted psychometric scores (SWPS) in NPC patients.MethodsA sample of 875 non-metastatic NPC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013 was collected for estimation of lifetime survival function. All patients were followed up until death or censored on December 31, 2015. To obtain the utility and psychometric score for estimation of LE, QALE, and SWPS, 99 patients were measured with the Taiwanese version of the EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D) and the Taiwan Chinese versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 between October 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. By utilizing linear extrapolation of a logit-transformed curve, the LE of NPC patients can be estimated. The QALE and SWPS can be obtained by combining the LE and the corresponding QOL function.ResultsThe mean age of the 875 non-metastatic NPC patients was 50.3 years. The estimated average LE and QALE for NPC patients and for the reference population were 15.5 years and 14.3 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 29.5 years and 29.5 QALYs, respectively. On average, the estimated lifelong duration of pain and painkiller use were 6.0 years and 2.2 years. The estimated lifelong duration of impairment of swallowing, speech, smell and taste were 14.0, 9.8, 8.7, and 7.5 years, respectively. The estimated lifelong duration of problems with dry mouth, teeth, emotion, fatigue, sleep, and social contact were 13.4, 10.1, 9.1, 12.3, 6.7, and 4.5 years, respectively. The estimated lifelong duration of tube-feeding was 1.3 months.ConclusionsThe estimated LE and QALE for NPC patients were 15.5 years and 14.3 QALYs. Furthermore, SWPS could help people understand more about the impact of radiotherapy on NPC patients. These data could also be useful for policy makers to allocate limited resources in health care.

Mandarin version of dementia and driving decision aid (DDDA): Development and stakeholder evaluation in Taiwan

Dementia causes cognitive and memory difficulties which can reduce the driving safety of the individuals. The decision-making process for driving retirement is challenging, and yet limited guidance is available. This article reports the development of the Taiwanese version of dementia and driving decision aid (DDDA) and the evaluation from stakeholders through a dementia and driving education programme. A multi-method approach was adopted using a pre-test, post-test survey and focus group interviews. A total of 154 healthcare professionals, family caregivers and people with dementia participated education programme, and 12 experts attended the focus group discussion. The survey included demographics, knowledge, confidence, competence and awareness of using DDDA. Participants completed a survey prior and immediately after the education programme. We translated a 32-page interactive DDDA booklet from the original English version to Mandarin. The education programme consisted of three-hour dementia and driving education module delivered both face-to-face and online. The majority of participants described the booklet as balanced (91.7%) with the information presented in a 'good' or 'excellent' manner (93.4%). Most participants (85.3%) felt that DDDA helps them in making decisions about driving. Five themes were extracted from the focus group interview: (1) approach targeted to people with dementia, (2) specific content and additional information, (3) culturally appropriate modification, (4) having the right to drive and (5) booklet dissemination. The knowledge, confidence, competence and awareness of using the DDDA increased significantly (p<0.001) after the education programmes. We anticipate that use of the DDDA booklet will raise awareness of this social and health issue among the general public and facilitate collaborations with clinicians, municipalities and related organisations in providing a decision-making resource material for those with people living with dementia and their families. This study was not a clinical trial and the focus of this study was development and evaluation of the DDDA booklet. As mentioned in the methods section, participants were invited to attend the education program and provided their thoughts on the DDDA booklet based on their satisfaction level. Moreover, the education program was a one-day, workshop type program. This study was neither "prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions" nor "to evaluate the effects on health outcomes", according to the definition of clinical trial by WHO. Therefore, we did not consider this study was a clinical trial. There is an urgent need for supporting people with dementia and their families to negotiate the complex decision-making involved in deciding to change their approach to driving. The DDDA booklet can fill an important gap in service delivery to people with dementia who are adjusting to life without driving.

Proposing and Validating the Diagnosis Scale for Internet Gaming Disorder in Taiwanese ADHD Adolescents: Likert Scale Method Based on the DSM-5.

The paper aims to adjust the Taiwanese version of Internet gaming disorder-short form Likert scale with Likert (IGD-SF-T-L) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to a Likert scale model and test its psychometric property among children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted for validity and the Cronbach’s α for reliability of IGD-SF-T-L. The ROC (receiver operating curves) was used to propose the cut-off point for assessing the instrument’s psychometric properties and its corresponding indices for the diagnostic accuracy. In total, 102 children and adolescents with ADHD were recruited. The construct validity of IGD-SF-T by CFA was model well fitted with excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.918). The ROC using the Chen’s CIAS > 56 as the state variable for IGD diagnosis showed the AUC (areas under the curves) was 0.918. The cut-off point proposed for IGD-SF-T-L to indicate a diagnosis of IGD was ≥ 10. The corresponding indices of accuracy: sensitivity, specificity, LR (likelihood ratio) +, LR-, and AUC were 0.893, 0.826, 5.134, 0.130, and 0.859, respectively. The proposed IGD-SF-T-L is an adequate, standardized psychometrical measurement for diagnosing IGD among Taiwanese adolescents with ADHD. More attention should be paid toward recent ADHD youth with Internet gaming disorder and their family.

Effect of Long-Term Diving Exposure on Sleep of Male Occupational Divers in Southern Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Divers with a history of decompression sickness may be at high risk for sleep problems. However, limited studies have investigated the relationship between diving exposure and sleep problems of occupational divers. This study investigated the association between diving exposure and sleep quality and quantity among male occupational divers in southern Taiwan. This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 52 occupational divers and 121 non-divers recruited from southern Taiwan in 2018. Survey data were collected using the Taiwanese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and a self-report questionnaire that included demographic variables, diving exposure/protocols, and factors associated with sleep quality. Among all participants examined, occupational divers were significantly more likely to have both poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48-6.06; P = 0.002) and excessive daytime sleepiness (adjusted OR = 4.49; 95% CI = 2.12-9.52; P < 0.001). The diving exposure time, depth, ascent rate, and decompression table use showed no significant associations between poor and good sleepers in the divers group. However, a history of decompression sickness was associated with poor sleep quality among divers (adjusted OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.07-4.54; P = 0.032). Our results showed that occupational divers had poor sleep quality and more excessive sleepiness than non-divers. Decompression sickness likely contributes to poor sleep quality. Prevention and early detection of decompression sickness-related sleep problems should be an occupational health priority.

Empowerment perception and health-related quality of life among schizophrenic patients

Objective: The study aims to explore the perception of empowerment, HRQoL and their relationship in schizophrenia patients in rehabilitation ward.Methods: Cross-sectional correlational design and convenience sampling were used to recruit 102 subjects from rehabilitation wards of a psychiatric hospital in southern Taiwan. Three instruments were used: the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Empowerment Scale (subscales: self-esteem and self-efficacy, power-powerlessness, righteous anger, and community autonomy), and the Taiwanese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) with four domains (physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environment).Results: (1) Overall empowerment perception and overall HRQoL were at a moderate and above level in patients with schizophrenia in rehabilitation ward. (2) Older patients having a lower empowerment perception with power-powerlessness than youngers; the more severe the psychiatric symptoms, the lower the righteous anger. (3) Male patients scored higher than female patients on overall HRQoL and “environment” domain. The duration of mental illness also influenced at “environment” domain, 6-10 years group scored higher than ≤ 5 years group. (4) Actively participate in rehabilitation activities correlated positively; psychiatric symptoms correlated negatively with overall HRQoL and with each individual domain. (5) Empowerment perception correlated positively with overall HRQoL and with each individual domain.Conclusions: Mental health workers should assist chronic schizophrenic patients in coping with their psychiatric symptoms, allow patients to express negative emotions, and provide opportunities for patients to make their own decisions and exercise their own rights.

Using early recollections to explore personality trait, self-efficacy, and insight in depressive patients

Objective: Early life experience forms a template for the self-perception of an individual, and negative representations make individuals vulnerable to depression. To explore the deep inner world of patients with depression using objective early life experience measures is not easy. In the present study, we intended to clarify the use of subjective early recollections (ER) in exploring the inner world of depressive patients. Methods: We interviewed 80 depressive inpatients with ER and evaluated whether they had a feeling sense of belonging to their caregivers, and whether they had a positive self-image. They were also assessed using the Taiwanese version Type D Scale-14, Chinese version General Self-efficacy Scale, the Taiwanese version of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and Insight Interview. Results: Independent t-test was used to test the significant differences between feeling belonging/not feeling belonging groups and between positive or negative self-image groups on the variables of Type D personality traits, self-efficacy, illness insight, and comorbid psychiatric disorders with effect sizes ranging from 0.4 to 1.3. Conclusion: Our study showed that ER could function as a window through which depressive patients' inner life. Thus, we suggested that ER can be considered an important part of the clinical assessment methods for depressive patients.

Validation of the Taiwanese Version of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire

Validation of the Taiwanese Version of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire

The Benefit of Enhanced Daycare of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment Related Adverse Events: A Retrospective Study of Medical Records.

Objective:Cancer patients undergo therapies that might lead to severe adverse events. The enhanced daycare of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) we describe was intended to help cancer patients suffering from severe adverse events to obtain relief. We used the Taiwan brief version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 (Taiwan brief version questionnaire of CTCAE) as a primary measurement to evaluate the efficacy of the enhanced day care of TCM. The secondary measurements were the Taiwanese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-T) questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, which were used to quantify fatigue and quality of life (QOL), respectively.Methods/Design:This is a retrospective study of medical records. There were 401 patients treated with enhanced daycare of TCM from June 2017 to November 2019.Results:Among 22 common adverse symptoms in the Taiwan brief version questionnaire of CTCAE4.0, 14 symptoms achieved a significant improvement, and the change of the total scores was also statistically significant (P < .001). Cancer stages II to IV showed significant improvement on the CTCAE and BFI-T; stage I only showed improvement on the BFI-T. On the WHOQOL questionnaire, there was a statistically significant difference in self-evaluation of the quality of life (P = .001) and self-evaluation of the total health condition aspect (P < .001).Conclusions:The enhanced TCM daycare program helped cancer patients decrease the severity of their adverse events and improve their fatigue and QOL. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04606121.

Developing a culturally appropriate version of family management measure in Taiwan: a cognitive interviewing study

ABSTRACT A measure concerning family management of children with chronic conditions is needed to identify the relationship between family management and family and child outcomes. This study aimed to use cognitive interviews to apply the Family Management Measure (FaMM) to Taiwanese families with children who have chronic conditions. When using a measure from other cultures, cultural adaption should be considered besides the language translation from foreign language to first language. Conducting a cognitive interviewing study is an efficient way to examine semantic equivalence and culture applicability of a measure. Our study involved cognitive interviews with 28 caregivers to develop the Family Management Measure Taiwanese Version (FaMM-TW). Through cognitive interviews, three types of problems in the initial translation version were identified. Four items were modified due to semantic problems. One language expression and three items with colloquial and idiomatic problems were rephrased. One item was revised for cultural and experiential reasons. Each modified item in the translated version was culturally adapted, but the key concepts in the original measure were still reserved. This paper shed light on the application of cognitive interviews to cross-culturally adapt the FaMM for Taiwanese participants with different family types.

Association between mean corpuscular volume and cognitive impairment in an 8‐year cohort study in the community‐dwelling elderly

AbstractBackgroundMean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the average volume of red blood cells (RBC). Larger MCV reduces the amount of RBC reaching the brain, while smaller MCV was associated with iron‐deficiency anemia and the subsequent cognitive impairment. Few studies have relating MCV levels to cognitive impairment and their findings were inconsistent. This study aimed to explore this association in community‐dwelling older adults.MethodThis study is part of an ongoing cohort study Taiwan Initiatives for Geriatric Epidemiological Research (TIGER, 2011‐ present). A total of 605 non‐demented older adults (age 65+) were recruited at baseline (2011‐2013). After exclusion of participants with dementia at baseline, history of stroke, brain tumor, loss of consciousness, missing data of MCV, 319 elderly were included for analysis. Global and domain‐specific cognition (logical memory, attention, verbal fluency, and executive function) were assessed for each participant at baseline, 2‐year, 4‐year, and 6‐year follow‐ups. MCV was assessed at baseline and then tertitled; high MCV indicates the highest tertile (≥92.7 fL); low MCV indicates the lower tertiles (&lt;92.6 fL). The generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to estimate the association between MCV and cognitive impairment adjusted for important covariates.ResultAt baseline, the mean age of the study participants was 71.6 years old and the mean MCV at baseline was 90.7 fL. For the multivariable analyses, the effect of baseline MCV on global cognition (assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment–Taiwanese version, MoCA‐T) increased as age increased [MCV×age interaction: β= ‐0.07, 90% confidence interval (CI)= ‐0.14 to ‐0.004, p‐value= 0.04], which became more evident in women (β= ‐0.15, 95% CI= ‐0.23 to ‐0.06). After stratification by age groups, the increase of baseline MCV was associated with poor global cognition in the older group (age ≥75: β= ‐0.90, 95% CI= ‐1.65 to ‐0.15). No significant findings were observed in cognitive domains or other strata.ConclusionHigh baseline MCV was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment as age increased. MCV may be used an early marker for dementia in the community‐dwelling older adults.

T-STAT for detecting autism spectrum disorder in toddlers aged 18-24 months.

The benefits of early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder highlight the importance of early diagnosis. Reliable diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder can be made before 24 months of age. However, many children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a later age. Delayed diagnosis can occur for children with less severe symptoms and lead to missed opportunities for early intervention. This current study was executed to examine the Taiwanese version of the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds in detecting autism spectrum disorder in toddlers between 18 and 24 months of age. One strength of this study was the inclusion of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder or mild-autism spectrum disorder using the strict and relaxed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) criteria for autism spectrum disorder simultaneously. The results of this study supported that diagnosis of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder could be made reliable before 24 months of age. And the Taiwanese version of the Screening Tool for Autism in Two-Year-Olds was a Level 2 autism-specific screening tool for toddlers aged from 18 to 24 months in Taiwan.

The Psychometric Properties of Taiwanese Version of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer

ContextThe Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) has been used in different countries to assess the specific anxiety of patients with prostate cancer. ObjectivesThis research aims to test the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese version of the MAX-PC (MAX-PC-T). MethodsPatients with prostate cancer in the urology clinics of three hospitals are recruited via a convenience sampling. Patients completed the MAX-PC-T, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Short Form (SF)-12 Health Survey. The internal consistency is tested to determine the reliability of the MAX-PC-T. The correlation among the MAX-PC-T, PANAS, and SF-12 is used to test concurrent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis is performed to determine the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. ResultsThe MAX-PC-T conforms to the three structures of the original MAX-PC, which includes the prostate cancer anxiety subscale, prostate-specific antigen anxiety subscale, and fear of recurrence subscale. The factor loading of the items in each subscale is >0.50. The MAX-PC-T was significantly negatively correlated with the positive affect subscale of the PANAS and the mental component summary of the SF-12 and significantly positively correlated with the negative affect subscale of the PANAS. Cronbach's α value of internal consistency is 0.94 in the MAX-PC-T. ConclusionThe MAX-PC-T demonstrates appropriate reliability and validity. It can be used with patients with prostate cancer to assess their specific anxiety.

Reliability and validity of the severe impairment battery in Taiwanese patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Background:The severe impairment battery (SIB) was developed to evaluate cognitive functions in moderate to severe dementia patients. We aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese version of the SIB (T-SIB) in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:AD patients with clinical dementia rating (CDR) stage 2 (n = 79) or 3 (n = 21) and scores <15 on the Taiwanese version of mini mental state examination (T-MMSE) were recruited from six hospitals in Taiwan. Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the T-SIB. The CDR and functional assessment staging (FAST) scores were used to assess dementia severity.Results:We recruited 100 AD patients (73 women and 27 men; mean T-SIB score, 56.4 ± 24.8). The mean T-SIB total score for patients with CDR 2 and 3 were 60.3 ± 23.3 and 41.2 ± 24.9, respectively. The internal consistency of the T-SIB was 0.96. The T-SIB was moderately correlated with the T-MMSE (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.76). The areas under the curve for discriminating between CDR 2 and CDR 3 were 0.81 (95% CI = 0.91–0.71) and 0.72 (95% CI = 0.84–0.61), respectively. Using a cut-off score of 59, the T-SIB had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 61% for discriminating between CDR 2 and CDR 3. Using a cut-off score of 45, the T-SIB had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 73.1% for discriminating between the FAST stage 7c.Conclusion:T-SIB is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring cognition of severely demented Taiwanese AD patients.

Reliability and validity of the Taiwanese version of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (Tw-NDDI-E)

IntroductionDepression is the most commonly seen psychiatric co-morbidity of epilepsy. Depression in patients with epilepsy (PWE) is underrecognized. The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) is a useful tool to screen for major depressive episodes (MDEs) in PWE. This study validated the Taiwanese version of the NDDI-E using data from adult PWE in our hospital. MethodPWE were recruited from the Taipei Veterans General Hospital from April 2017 to December 2019. The Chinese version of the NDDI-E for the Taiwanese population and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were completed as part of the self-rated psychiatric assessments. The mood disorder module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was completed as part of the psychiatric assessment before the self-rated assessment. Internal consistency, external validation, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to assess the utility of the Taiwanese version of the NDDI-E. ResultsWe recruited 109 patients during the 33-month study period. The mean age was 33.1 ± 8.94 years old. The mean NDDI-E score was 12.32 ± 4.96. The mean BDI-II score was 13.26 ± 12.77. All NDDI-E items were significantly positively associated with the corrected overall NDDI-E score (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.902, r = 0.825, p < 0.0001). The cut-off point for the NDDI-E determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is 15 (sensitivity = 85.0%, specificity = 87.64%). ConclusionThe Chinese version of the NDDI-E adapted for the Taiwanese population is a reliable and valid self-reported questionnaire for detecting MDE in Taiwanese PWE.