Test-retest Method Research Articles

Validity and reliability of the physical fitness test instrument for retired martial art athletes

Background and Study Aim. Developing exercise programs to maintain the fitness and health of retired athletes is crucial as a preventive measure against common health problems in this population. Equally important is the creation of an exercise evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of these programs. This study aims to test the validity and reliability of a physical fitness test instrument for retired martial arts athletes. Material and Methods. This study used an evaluation approach with data collected through tests and measurements. A total of 147 subjects participated. For validity testing, there were 35 retired male martial arts athletes and 37 retired female athletes. For reliability testing, there were 36 retired male and 39 retired female martial arts athletes. The instruments used included body mass index (BMI) measurements with digital scales, flexibility measurements with the sit-and-reach test, muscle strength measurements with a leg and back dynamometer, and cardiovascular endurance measurements with the Cooper test. Validity was assessed using a concurrent validity approach. Reliability was tested using the test-retest method. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used for validity analysis, while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The JASP software was used for the analysis. Results. For male athletes, the r-values for each test item exceeded the r-table value of 0.275, confirming the validity of the body mass index (BMI), sit-and-reach test, leg and back dynamometers, and the Cooper test. Similarly, female athletes demonstrated r-values above the r-table value of 0.267, confirming the validity of all test items. The reliability of each item was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha values, which were above the 0.7 threshold for both male and female athletes. The Cronbach's alpha value for BMI was 0.998 for both male and female athletes, indicating excellent reliability. Other test items, such as flexibility and muscle strength, also showed strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.742 to 0.985. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of developing valid and reliable instruments to assess the physical fitness of retired martial arts athletes. Such instruments are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of training programs aimed at maintaining the health and fitness of retired athletes. The findings of this research confirm the value of structured fitness tests. These tests effectively evaluate key physical components such as body composition, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

Parenting behaviour and student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya

Discipline in schools is an issue that especially concerns educators, parents, and other stakeholders. In an environment that lacks order and discipline, it is impossible for students to learn effectively. Thus, order and discipline are indispensable for achieving positive educational results. The family assumes a pivotal role in shaping the early years of an individual. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of parenting behaviour on student discipline in public boarding secondary schools in Western region of Kenya. Family composition and structural-functionalism theories served as guiding principles for the research. The investigation was conducted using an ex post facto design. The study's target population consisted of 5583 class teachers and 369 deputy principals (administrators-in-charge) from 369 public boarding secondary institutions. The sample included 123 deputy Principals and 558 class teachers from the 123 randomly selected schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 558 class teachers while purposive sampling was used to select 123 deputy Principals. For the purpose of data collection from the participants, a questionnaire and an interview schedule were employed. The assessment of the instruments' reliability was conducted using the test-retest method, results of the pilot study reveal that all scales were trustworthy because their reliability values were more than the required threshold of 0.7. Data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, weighted averages, correlations and multi-regression analysis. The study concluded that parenting behavior influence the discipline of students in public secondary schools. Therefore, it was recommended that school management boards should organize for the sensitization meetings on effective parenting behaviour, this will enable curb indiscipline among students.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian version of the Heidelberg Form for Emotion Regulation Strategies (HFERST)

Background and Objectives: This study aims to measure the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Heidelberg form for emotion regulation strategies (HFERST). Methods: In this study conducted from November to December 2022, participants were 333 people aged 18-60 years in Iran who were selected by a convenience sampling method. To evaluate the convergent and divergent validity of the Persian HFERST, the acceptance and action questionnaire-second edition, the difficulty in emotion regulation scale, and the depression, anxiety and stress scale were used. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest method. The data analysis was done in SPSSsoftware, version 25 and LISREL version 8.8. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 8-factor solution of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the subscales of rumination, reappraisal, acceptance, problem solving, suppression of emotional expression, suppression of emotional experiences, avoidance and social support were 0.88, 0.87, 0.90, 0.91, 0.84, 0.89, 0.92, and 0.90, respectively. In addition, the four-week test-retest reliability for the mentioned subscales were 0.83, 0.80, 0.85, 0.89, 0.80, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian HFERST is a reliable and valid scale for measuring emotion regulation strategies in Iranian samples.

Stigma assessment scale for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A new tool for spine deformity stigma evaluation.

Stigma is the negative attitudes towards an illness or difference. The literature lacks detailed scales specifically addressing stigmatization in AIS. This study aimed to develop Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Stigma Assessment Scale (AIS-SAS) to measure stigmatization in AIS patients. In creating the AIS-SAS, we developed items via literature review and expert input, confirmed content validity, and conducted a field test for construct validity and reliability. Our experts designed 38 items in three subscales: Scoliosis, Brace, and Surgery-related stigma. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and convergent validity were examined for construct validity. The convergent validity of AIS-SAS was assessed through its correlations with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), SRS-22, and Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). Reliability was gauged via internal consistency and test-retest methods. Sixty-seven adolescents with AIS were included in the study. EFA results confirmed one-dimensionality for each subscale, with factor loadings from 0.51 to 0.96, leading to the removal of 8 items with loadings below 0.3 from the AIS-SAS. The final AIS-SAS has three subscales: scoliosis (18 items), brace (5 items), and surgery-related stigma (7 items). Regarding convergent validity, the scoliosis-related stigma scores significantly correlated with SRS-22 self-image (r= -0.413 p = 0.001) and SAQ-Appearance (r = 0.441 p = 0.002). The RSES-Total score shows a negative correlation with Scoliosis, Brace, and Surgery-related stigma scores: -0.500 (p < 0.001), -0.435 (p = 0.049), and -0.498 (p = 0.042), respectively. AIS-SAS subscales showed good reliability (Cronbach-α > 0.8 ICC > 0.8). AIS-SAS is the first valid and reliable high-quality scale assessing stigmatization from AIS, measuring scoliosis, brace, and surgery-related stigma via three subscales.

Effects of mastery learning strategy on senior school students’ performance in mathematics in Osogbo, Nigeria

This study aimed to explore the effects of Mastery Learning Strategy (MLS) on senior school students’ performance in Mathematics in Osogbo, Nigeria. The quasi-experimental study’s goals were to investigate how MLS affected mathematics students' performance according to their gender and score levels. A purposive sampling technique was used to select two intact classes of 191 SS II students from two co-educational government senior secondary schools in Osogbo. The Geometric Constructions Test (GCT) which was made up of five theory questions adapted from WAEC mathematics past questions was used as the research instrument. GCT was revalidated by experts from the Department of Mathematics, University of Ilorin. The reliability index of 0.75 was obtained by test–retest method and Cronbach Alpha. Three research questions were raised from which three hypotheses were formulated. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that MLS significantly improved students’ performance (t(189) = 10.22, p < 0.05) while there was a significant difference in the performance of male and female students in favour of males (F(1, 94) = 33.06, p < 0.05). The strategy apparently helped to bridge the gap among students’ scoring levels (F(2, 94) = 6.72, p < 0.05). The study found that, in comparison to the conventional method, MLS greatly enhanced students performance in mathematics. Hence, it was recommended that mathematics teachers should endeavour to adopt MLS in teaching Mathematics, especially in the perceived difficult topics.

Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Work-Related Stress Scale: A study among search and rescue workers responding to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

This study evaluates the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Work-Related Stress Scale (WRSS) among search and rescue workers who responded to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Data were collected from 275 workers between January and April 2024 using the Personal Information Form and the Turkish version of the WRSS. Language, content, and construct validity were assessed, and reliability was determined using item-total correlation, Cronbach's alpha, split-half, and test-retest methods. The scale demonstrated strong content validity with a CVI range of 0.9-1.0 and a mean CVI of 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis yielded factor loadings from 0.469 to 0.932, resulting in four factors that explained 75.3% of the variance. The reliability coefficients for the sub-dimensions ranged from 0.833 to 0.900, with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.913. These results indicate that the Turkish WRSS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing stress among search and rescue workers.

Evaluation of validity and reliability of coronavirus preventive behaviors in pregnant women based on health belief model

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which spread from China, had a high prevalence and mortality rates and affected all age groups. Pregnant women were among the affected people. This study aims to design and evaluate the validity and reliability of a tool for measuring the preventive behaviors of pregnant women in Iran against COVID-19 based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods: This descriptive-applied study was performed on 20 pregnant women in Qom, Iran in 2021. The questionnaire was sent to the participants electronically using the prepared link. The validity was assessed based on the opinions of 9 faculty members, and reliability was assessed using the test re-test method (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) and Cronbach’s α. Results: The final draft had 44 questions; 5 items related to perceived sensitivity, 6 items related to perceived severity, 8 items related to perceived benefits, 8 items related to perceived barriers, 8 items related to cues of action, and 9 items related to self-efficacy. Cronbach’s α for the overall scale was 0.87, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.86. Conclusion: The designed HBM-based tool has acceptable validity and reliability for measuring preventive behaviors against COVID-19 in pregnant women in Iran. It can be used in other relevant studies. Further similar studies in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

Validity and reliability of the scale for determining nursing students' perceptions of stigmatization

IntroductionStigmatization can negatively affect the relationship between the patient and health professional. AimsThe aim of this study was to develop the Scale for Determining Nursing Students' Perceptions of Stigmatization. MethodsThe population of the study consisted of 403 nursing students. A literature review and qualitative interviews with 24 students were conducted to generate the initial items. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were applied to examine the construct validity of the scale. The reliability of the scale was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient and item-total score correlation coefficients. ResultsAfter confirmatory factor analysis, the Scale for Determining Nursing Students' Perceptions of Stigmatization was finalized with 19 items and five sub-dimensions. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness of fit values of the scale was determined as χ2/sd: 2.957; GFI: 0.902; AGFI: 0.869; IFI: 0.906; TLI: 0.937; CFI: 0.905; RMSEA: 0.070; SRMR: 0.063. The reliability of the scale over time was evaluated with the test-retest method, and it was found that the agreement between the responses was very good (ICC: 0.980; p < 0.001). The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.824. ConclusionsIt was determined that the Scale for Determining Nursing Students' Perceptions of Stigmatization is a short, easy-to-understand, and psychometrically sound measurement tool that can be safely applied to nursing students. Nursing students' perceptions of stigmatization can be determined using this scale. The nursing education curriculum can be restructured in line with the findings obtained.

Design and Psychometrics of the Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women Over 35.

The purpose of the present study was to design the Farsi Scale of Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns of never-married women over 35 and to assess its psychometric properties. This mixed method research had two phases. The first phase was qualitative (Conventional Content Analysis). We interviewed never-married Iranian women over 35; from their responses, we extracted specific statements which to be used as questionnaire items. To validate the questionnaire psychometrically, we tested its validity (face, content, and structure) and reliability (internal consistency and stability). For qualitative face validity, 15 never-married women and 5 experts commented on the style of sentences. For quantitative face validity, we used the impact score. For qualitative content validity, 15 experts commented on the items based on their appropriateness, and for quantitative content validity, we performed the Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to Construct Validity. To evaluate structural validity, a cross-sectional sample of 240 never-married women over the age of 35 completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's Alpha was used for internal consistency. In addition, the test-retest method and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient were used to ensure stability. The Sexual-Reproductive Needs and Concerns Scale of Iranian Never-Married Women over 35 was developed with 15 items and three dimensions (Emotional burden; Sexual needs; Stigma). Cronbach's alpha for the instrument was 0.81 and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.98. The results of the study showed that the developed scale has acceptable validity and reliability, and thus can be used to assess the sexual-reproductive needs and concerns of never-married Iranian women of 35 and over.

Validity, Reliability and Psychometric Properties of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire among Physically Active Young Adults

Background: Exercise Dependence (ED) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable exercise behaviors leading to physiological and psychological symptoms. Valid assessment tools are crucial for identifying ED in understudied populations. The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) among physically active young adults in Iran. Methods: This psychometric validation study used a cross-sectional design with 200 participants aged 18-35 years (49% male, 51% female) recruited through clustered random sampling from sports clubs in Tabriz, Iran. The EDQ was administered between May-July, 2021. Validity was assessed through forward backward translation, content validity analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and testretest (intraclass correlation, ICC) methods. Ceiling and floor effects, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were also determined. Results: The EDQ demonstrated good content validity (CVI=0.88, CVR=0.73). EFA yielded a 7-factor model explaining 59.45% of variance. Key factors were withdrawal symptoms, exercise for health/social reasons, positive reward, interference with life, insight into problems, and stereotyped behavior. CFA showed moderate fit. Internal consistency was adequate overall (α=0.8) but lower for some subscales. The ICC confirmed good test-retest reliability (0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84). No ceiling and floor effects were detected. SEM and SDC were 0.52 and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that the Persian version of the EDQ is a valid and reliable scale for assessing ED.

Adaptation of the health literacy survey19-Europe-Q12 into Turkish culture: A psychometric study.

Misinformation can lead to adverse outcomes on the health beliefs and behaviors of individuals. Therefore, health literacy skills are needed as a central competency to recognize the trustfulness of health-related knowledge in any resources. To ensure this, a time-efficient, skill-oriented psychometric tools are needed to measure the comprehensive general health literacy level of communities. This research was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 12-item Health Literacy Survey-Europe (HLS19-Q12) regarding Turkish culture. A methodological design was adopted. The population consisted of adult individuals registered to two family health centers in Ankara. The sample was determined based on 5-10 times the number of scale items rule (ntotal = 192). A questionnaire and Health Literacy Survey-Europe-Q12 were used to collect data. Language, content and construct validities and internal consistency reliability tests were performed through IBM-SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 24.0 programs. The content validity was determined via the Davis technique. The construct validity was examined by exploratory (EFA) (n1 = 120) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n2 = 72). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Time invariance was evaluated by test-retest method (nretest = 32) 4 weeks later. The mean age was 30.17 ± 10.37 (min. 18-max. 61). The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin test result was 0.898, and the Bartlett's Test of Sphericity result was 604.889 (p < 0.001). The model-fit indices showed good fit. The difference between the first and the second measurements was statistically insignificant (t = -1.659, p = 0.107). The Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. The HLS19-Q12-TR was a valid and reliable measurement tool in determining the health literacy level of the Turkish adult population. As one of the social determinants of health, easy measurement and generating a general health literacy map of the population is considered a necessity.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Translation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Self-assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents

Background: Regularly assessing the oral health of children and adolescents is crucial. Researchers seek valid and reliable questionnaires to obtain comparable global data, enabling oral health evaluation in large populations, remote regions, or even during an epidemic like COVID-19, while saving time and money. Objectives: The present study was conducted to translate and validate the Persian version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Self-assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents. Methods: In 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran. The Persian questionnaire was tested on 20 individuals to assess the fluency and clarity of the Persian translation. The questionnaire was then filled out by 40 individuals, and reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method. The final questionnaire was completed by 878 randomly selected participants aged 7 - 18 years online. To establish concurrent validity, the researchers added three questions related to the presence of toothache without dental visits, filled teeth, and teeth with endodontic treatment. Internal consistency was checked by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: A total of 290 students aged 7 to 12 and 588 students aged 13 to 18 participated in the study. Cronbach’s alpha for the entire questionnaire was 0.656 for students under 12 years old and 0.643 for those over 12 years old. The intra-cluster correlation coefficient for both age groups was between 0.81 and 0.87. Examining the concurrent validity of this questionnaire showed that the three additional questions added by the researchers have a significant relationship with the questions describing the health of teeth and gums (oral health), the number of times participants felt toothache in the last 12 months, and the problem of biting and chewing. However, they had no significant relationship with the risk factor related to nutrition. Moreover, the questionnaire is multifactorial. Conclusions: The Persian version of the WHO Oral Health Self-assessment Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents is reliable over time. If the questionnaire is repeated and the responses of people in the same population are collected, it yields similar results. It has internal consistency, but it is a multi-factor questionnaire.

DEVELOPMENT OF A TEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

The aim of this study was to develop a critical thinking test for B.Ed. trainees. The developmentalresearchmethod was used for the construction of the test. A sample of 238 and 276 trainees were selected purposively from the various B.Ed. colleges affiliated to DAVV, Indorefor the preliminary tryout and establishing the reliability of the test respectively. Most of the Critical Thinking Tests are constructed in the foreign countries and some of tests are constructed in Indian context, but the test which are constructed in Indian context, emphasis is given on aspects related to Process of Thinking, Product of Thinking, in one tool whereas in another tools Interpretation, Analysis, Evaluation, Inference, Explanation and Self - regulation related items were included. In these tools dimensions like facts, opinion, induction-deduction reasoning are not included, so investigators decided to construct a Critical Thinking Skill Test for assessing the B.Ed. trainees Critical Thinking Skill. Content validity /face validity was used for the validation of the assessment and test-retest method was used for establishing the reliability of the test. The result showed the test was validly developed with the reliability coefficient 0.91.

Psychological Skills Among Postgraduate Students

The current research aims to identify Psychological skills among postgraduate students, Statistically significant differences in psychological skills according to the variable (gender/males - females).Statistically significant differences in psychological skills according to the variable of specialization/scientific-humanities). To achieve the objectives of the research, the researcher built a measure of psychological skills. It may be in the final form of (30) items, and each item has four alternatives: It applies to me always - It applies to me sometimes - It applies to me rarely - It applies to me at all. To achieve the objectives of the research, the researcher prepared a scale (skills The psychological questionnaire, in its form, consists of (30) items, and each item has (5) alternatives, which are (always applies to me, often applies to me, sometimes applies to me, rarely applies to me, never applies to me). The researcher extracted the psychometric characteristics of discrimination and validity of its logical, phenomenological, and structural types. As for reliability, it was extracted using the test-retest method and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The researcher applied the tool to a randomly selected research sample consisting of (300) male and female postgraduate students, with (150) male and (150) female students from the colleges and departments of Tikrit University. The statistical methods used in the research are (Chi-square test, t-test for one sample, t-test for two independent samples, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha equation). The results showed the following: Graduate students have a high level of psychological skills. There are no statistically significant differences on the psychological skills scale according to the variable (gender, specialization). In light of the research results, several recommendations and proposals were crystallized.

الأسلوب التربوي في قصيدة "وصية الألبيري لابنه":دراسة تحليلي

This study examines the educational methods derived from Al-Ilbiri's advice to his son, a significant Islamic heritage text that offers valuable educational guidance. The research aimed to analyze this advice from a contemporary educational perspective and explore its applicability in modern education. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data from a diverse sample of teachers, researchers, and academics. The findings revealed that the educational methods presented by Al-Ilbiri, such as the promotion of ethics and values, encouragement of critical thinking and independence, and providing practical life advice, remain highly effective and can be integrated into current curricula. The study also found a notable alignment between these methods and modern educational practices, with potential adaptations to meet contemporary needs. The validity of the questionnaire was ensured through expert review, and its reliability was measured using the test-retest method. The research concludes that integrating the principles of Al-Ilbiri's advice into educational curricula can significantly contribute to the development of moral values and the enhancement of cultural identity among students, with recommendations for developing interactive educational units focusing on the values discussed in the advice.

Validity and reliability of the Sustainable HEalthy Diet (SHED) index by comparison with EAT-Lancet diet, Mediterranean diet in Turkish adults.

Food consumption and diet are strongly associated with sustainability. The Sustainable HEalthy Diet index was developed to measure the nutritional, environmental, and sociocultural components of sustainable diets and healthy eating patterns. However, a methodological approach has yet to be proposed for Turkish adults. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the SHED index in Turkish adults. Data were collected from 558 healthy adults using a web-based questionnaire. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and repeatability was evaluated using the test-retest method. Construct validity was investigated using the EAT-Lancet diet and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and the adapted SHED index structures' accordance was evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis. Good reliability and repeatability were found (r = 0.758 and 0.795, respectively). A higher SHED index score was related to a greater intake of grains, fruits, and vegetables and a lower intake of meat, eggs, and dairy compared to EAT-Lancet diet food groups. A higher SHED index score was associated with a lower saturated fat and added sugar intake. While the SHED index was associated with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (r = 0.334, p < 0.001), it was negatively associated with non-alcoholic and diet non-alcoholic beverage consumption (r = -0.257 and -0.264, respectively; p < 0.001). The SHED index showed good validity and reliability in Turkish adults. Our results suggest that the SHED index can be used in epidemiological and intervention studies because it allows the measurement of diets in terms of health and sustainability to propose adaptations accordingly.

Impact of Reflective Practice on the Successful Implementation of Teacher Education Programs: A Case Study of Punjab Province

The study set out to investigate the relationship between reflective practice and the successful implementation of teacher education programs in Punjab. A quantitative research design was applied. The numerical data was collected to find the patterns and relationships regarding reflective practice and its effects. Teachers from different educational levels within the Punjab Education Department comprised the population, and we selected a sample of 250 teachers through simple random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire, including closed-ended questions to capture comprehensive insights. Expert review and factor analysis ensured the validity of the tool, and Cronbach's alpha and test-retest methods assessed its reliability. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between reflective practice and teaching effectiveness, confidence, and classroom management. Besides, the demographic analyses indicated that senior teachers and those in rural areas saw greater benefits from reflective practices. To maximize professional development, reflective practice requires customized programs and collaborative cultures, according to the study.

Breastfeeding health literacy scale for pregnant women: A scale development study.

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants, and health literacy significantly influences breastfeeding rates. This study aimed to develop a tool to assess the breastfeeding health literacy levels of pregnant women. This methodologically structured study was conducted with 590 pregnant women who visited the pregnancy follow-up clinic between January and April 2024 and met the sampling criteria. Data were collected using a participant form and the Health Literacy Scale for Breastfeeding for Pregnant Women (BFHLS). To assess the BFHLS validity, the content validity index (CVI) and factor analysis were used, while the reliability was evaluated using the test-retest method, item-total score correlation, and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient. The BFHLS for pregnant women is structured into four dimensions, comprising 25 items. To assess the scale's stability, test-retest measurements were conducted with a minimum interval of 2 weeks, revealing no significant difference in mean scores (p > 0.05). The CVI for each item was 99%. The corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.48 to 0.92, and Cronbach's alpha value was determined to be 0.96. The BFHLS developed for pregnant women is a valid and reliable tool. Higher scores on the scale indicate a greater level of breastfeeding health literacy in pregnant women. This scale can effectively be used to assess the breastfeeding health literacy levels of pregnant women.

Perceived Financial Value and the Adoption of the Cashless Payment System in the Matatu Transport Sector in Nairobi County, Kenya

Cashless payment systems have emerged as a transformative force in the global financial landscape, offering convenience and efficiency in transactions. Despite their widespread development, the adoption of these systems has been uneven, with only a select number of companies in specific countries making notable progress. This research investigated the correlation between perceived financial value and the adoption of cashless payment systems in Nairobi's Matatu sector. The central question was how perceived financial value influences this adoption. This research was grounded on institutional theory, the study used an explanatory research design with a target population of 1,176 Matatu SACCO managers and staff, from which a sample of 289 was selected using stratified and simple random sampling. Data was collected via a questionnaire, with validity assessed through Pearson Moment Correlation and reliability through the test-retest method. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS. The findings revealed a significant impact of perceived financial value on cashless payment adoption (β=0.534, t=10.744, p&lt;0.05) and a 67.9% positive correlation. The study concluded that a suitable legal and institutional framework is needed, requiring collaboration between the private and public sectors to support technological adoption among Matatu operators in Nairobi. In light of the study's findings, the researchers recommended that the lack of a suitable legal and institutional framework for e-payments necessitates a joint effort from both the private and public sectors to establish the necessary legal and institutional structures, thereby fostering an environment conducive to technology integration among Matatu operators in Nairobi and beyond.

Adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Quality in Universities in Rivers State

In spite of the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Nigeria, it appears that significant progress has not been made by public sector organisations in its implementation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the adoption of IPSAS has influenced financial reporting quality in universities in Rivers State. Cross sectional survey research design was used for the study and the area of the study was Rivers State, Nigeria. The population of the study was 37 senior Accounting Personnel from the three universities studied. The entire population of 37 was used as sample, hence census was employed for the study. The instrument used for the collection of data was a self-structured questionnaire developed using a four-point rating scale of Very High Extent, High Extent, Moderate Extent and Low Extent. The instrument was validated by two Business Educators and one Measurement and Evaluation expert, all from the Faculty of Education, Rivers State University. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the test re-test method; this was done through the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) and a reliability coefficient of 0.96 was obtained. Data was analysed using mean and standard deviation while the hypothesis was tested using one-way Analysis of Variance. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the adoption of international public sector accounting standards has influenced financial reporting quality in universities in Rivers State albeit to a moderate extent. The study further found that there was significant difference in the mean score of Senior Accounting Personnel in the three universities on the extent to which financial performance, financial position and cash flow standards have influenced financial reporting quality in universities in Rivers State. The study concludes that universities in Rivers State are still at an elementary stage of the adoption of IPSAS in the preparation of financial statements and as such the quality of their financial statements cannot be reasonably assured. One recommendation made, amongst others, was that Accounting Personnel of universities in Rivers State, especially those handling Final Accounts, should be made to undergo thorough training on IPSAS to enhance their financial reporting skills; the training should be practical and not theory-based and experts who have been involved in the successful implementation of IPSAS should champion the process.