Varimax Rotated Factor Analysis Research Articles

Statistical Studies of Soil Geochemical Data from Gbongan-Odeyinka Area, Southwestern Nigeria

Statistical Studies of Soil Geochemical Data from Gbongan-Odeyinka Area, Southwestern Nigeria In order to follow up some geochemical anomalies discovered in a regional stream sediment survey in parts of southwestern Nigeria, a medium density geochemical soil survey was carried out in Gbongan-Odeyinka area of Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. As a result, soil geochemical data on 13 elements (Ag, As, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn) obtained from 186 samples from the study area were subjected to statistical analysis involving frequency distribution, Pearson correlation and R-mode varimax rotated factor analysis techniques. The frequency distribution plots revealed that all the elements investigated except Ag and Fe, which display approximately normal distribution, are positively skewed with Au and Zn being the strongest. The Pearson correlation study and factor analysis enabled separation of the 13 elements into the following three factors or metal associations: 1) Pb-Co-Ni-Fe-Cr- As-Mn-Cu; 2) Sn-Ag-Au-Cd; and 3) Zn-Cd, which are interpreted to reflect the influence of both environmental and mineralization factors on the soil of the study area. Of the three associations only the Sn-Ag-Au-Cd is considered related to metallic mineralization in the study area based on the existing knowledge of Au and Sn mineralization in the adjacent Ife-Ilesa area. The gold is believed to be hosted by schists and the tin by pegmatites. The other metal associations are interpreted in terms of environmental factors. On the basis of the presence of Fe and Mn in the Pb-Co-Ni-Fe-Cr-As- Mn-Cu association, it is inferred that the scavenging action of iron and manganese oxides was at least partly responsible for forming such trace elements association in the soil. In the case of the Zn-Cd association, both metals are considered to be anthropogenic, being possibly introduced to the soil through the application of pesticides on cocoa and kolanut plantations of the study area, although the possibility of Zn being derived from other sources cannot be ruled out.

A new measure of sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD): the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR)

The objective of this study was to create a valid, reliable, and responsive sexual function measure in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) for both sexually active (SA) and inactive (NSA) women. Expert review identified concept gaps and generated items evaluated with cognitive interviews. Women underwent Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) exams and completed the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), a prolapse question from the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire (ISI scores), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Principle components and orthogonal varimax rotation and principle factor analysis with oblique rotation identified item grouping. Cronbach's alpha measured internal consistency. Factor correlations evaluated criterion validation. Change scores compared to change scores in other measures evaluated responsiveness among women who underwent surgery. A total of 589 women gave baseline data, 200 returned surveys after treatment, and 147 provided test-retest data. For SA women, 3 subscales each in 2 domains (21 items) and for NSA women 2 subscales in each of 2 domains (12 items) emerged with robust psychometric properties. Cronbach's alpha ranged from .63 to .91. For SA women, correlations were in the anticipated direction with PFDI-20, ISI, and FSFI scores, POPQ, and EPIQ question #35 (all p < .05). PFDI-20, ISI, and FSFI subscale change scores correlated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire International Urogynecological Association-revised (PISQ-IR) factor change scores and with mean change scores in women who underwent surgery (all p < .05). For NSA women, PISQ-IR scores correlated with PFDI-20, ISI scores, and with EPIQ question #35 (all p < .05). No items demonstrated differences between test and retest (all p ≥ .05), indicating stability over time. The PISQ-IR is a valid, reliable, and responsive measure of sexual function.

Development process and psychometric testing of foot health assessment instrument

To describe the development process of the foot health assessment instrument for the assessment of foot health in older people and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the foot health assessment instrument. In clinical nursing, assessment of foot health and recognition of foot problems in older people is fundamental for maintain older persons' independent functional ability. However, valid and reliable nurse-administered foot health assessment instruments are lacking. A cross-sectional methodological design. The foot health assessment instrument was developed in 2008-2011 based on a literature review and expertise in podiatry and nursing. Content validity was evaluated in four expert panels. Inter-rater reliability between nurses' and researcher (MS) assessments was evaluated in the pilot test and in the empirical testing of the instrument with a sample of visiting home nurses. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with Cohen's kappa, internal consistency reliability was examined with Cronbach's alpha coefficients and item analysis, and construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis with Varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis. Content validity was guaranteed by the expert analyses. Inter-rater reliability improved after pilot test. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total foot health assessment instrument was satisfactory. Item-to-total correlations varied between but most of them were acceptable. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the four component structure of the foot health assessment instrument. The 23-item foot health assessment instrument showed preliminary acceptable psychometric properties. However, further modifications and testing are needed to strengthen the psychometric properties of the foot health assessment instrument. The existence of a foot health assessment instrument and its application would considerably improve the assessment of foot health in daily nursing practice. The foot health assessment instrument developed in this study is short and easy to administer.

Use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among obstetricians in Israel

ObjectiveTo examine attitudes toward and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by obstetricians during pregnancy and childbirth. MethodsBetween 2010 and 2011, obstetricians from 7 medical centers (n=170) in Israel completed questionnaires examining the use and recommendation of CAM treatments during pregnancy and childbirth. Attitudes were examined via the CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ). ResultsOver half of the participants (58.8%) reported using at least 1 CAM treatment, and nearly two-thirds had recommended or would recommend CAM to pregnant patients. By contrast, use of CAM during childbirth was recommended by only 26% of respondents. The total CHBQ score was moderately high (mean±SD, 40.4±7.30; possible range, 7.0–70.0), indicating an overall positive attitude toward CAM. Female board-certified specialists answered more favorably regarding attitudes toward CAM (P=0.004). The structural validity of the CHBQ was examined using varimax rotation factor analysis, which produced a 3-factor solution explaining 63.1% of the variance. ConclusionsMost obstetricians exhibited positive attitudes toward CAM and recommended its use during pregnancy, but did not support CAM use during childbirth. This discrepancy might be partly due to the involvement of Israeli obstetricians in predominantly high-risk cases of childbirth requiring intervention.

The CYRM-12: A Brief Measure of Resilience

This article details the reduction of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) from a 28-item to a 12-item measure. The CYRM-28 is a measure of youth resilience that accounts for cultural and contextual diversity across youth populations. A reduced version of the CYRM is better suited to inclusion in omnibus surveys. Data from two samples of youth from Atlantic Canada are included in the analysis: a) a sample of multiple-service-using youth (n=122; mean age = 18); b) a school-based sample of youth (n=1494; mean age = 15). Three iterations of an Exploratory Factor Analysis were conducted on data from the first sample of youth to identify items for inclusion in the CYRM-12. In the third analysis, a varimax rotated factor analysis of the 12 items resulted in a four-factor solution, with 10 of the items loading well. Reliability of this grouping of questions is satisfactory (α=0.754). Confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted on the second sample of youth. A satisfactory fit was obtained (χ² (51, N=1540) = 255.419, p=0.0001; Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index = 0.960; Comparative Fit Index = 0.957; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.050). Cronbach's Alpha for the 12 items was also satisfactory (α=0.840). Results show sufficient content validity of the CYRM-12 to merit its use as a screener for resilience processes in the lives of adolescents.

Is a self-rated instrument appropriate to assess mentalization in patients with mental disorders? Development and first validation of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ)

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a self-rating scale for a differentiated assessment of mentalization. A pool of 40 items was developed and evaluated on n=434 inpatients with mental disorders at three time points. Symptom severity, self-injuring behavior, suicidal tendency and attachment style were also assessed. A varimax-rotated factor analysis supported the extraction of four factors. The model fit was checked by confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) was .81. The relation between symptom severity and MZQ scores was found to be significant, and significant group differences were found between patients displaying self-injuring behavior and those who did not as well as between patients with and without suicide attempts. The MZQ can be considered as a practicable self-rated instrument with acceptable reliability and sufficient validity to assess at least aspects of mentalization in patients with mental disorders.

Development of an individual well-being scores assessment

This study describes the development and validation of an individual-level well-being assessment and scoring method (IWBS) adapted from the population-based Gallup-Healthways Well-being Index across six domains (physical health, emotional health, healthy behaviors, work environment, basic access and overall life-evaluation). Exploratory analyses were conducted on half the sample (n = 2036) using principal component analyses (PCA) with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the second half of the sample (n = 2100) using structural equation modeling to validate the measurement model found by the PCA. Optimal results in the exploratory sample were achieved for a seven-factor solution, accounting for 52.0% of the variance. All domains displayed adequate reliability, ranging from .42 to .79. The IWBS met each of the criteria that were established for measurement development. Findings indicated that there was initial support for using the IWBS to assess well-being at the individual level. The IWBS has acceptable psychometrics of reliability, internal and external validity.

Distribution and source apportionment of atmospheric non–methane hydrocarbons in Mumbai, India

Concentrations of non–methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in atmosphere were measured at six urban sites in Mumbai from February 2005 to January 2006. Seventeen hydrocarbons, i.e., ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, iso–butane, n–butane, iso–pentane, n–pentane, hexane, benzene, heptane, toluene, ethyl benzene, p–xylene, o– xylene and n–decane have been identified in 254 urban air samples using a cryogenic pre–concentration system attached to a Gas Chromatograph (GC) with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID). C2–C5 hydrocarbons were determined on 2 m x 2 mm i.d., stainless steel (S.S.) column packed with n–octane/Poracil C. The components of C6 and above are determined on a 3 m x 2 mm i.d., S.S. column filled with 10% OV – 101 on chromosorb WAW. All these species show well–defined winter season (November–February) high and summer season (March–June) low values. Factor analysis (FA), a receptor modeling technique, has been used for quantitative source apportionment. Varimax rotated factor analysis identified five possible sources. The mean percent contribution from the vehicular exhausts was found to be 33% while that from refinery sources contribute 21%. Petrochemical industries and paint solvent contributed 15% and 11% respectively. Eight percent of the NMHCs were coming from polymer manufacturing industries. The remaining 12% is contributed by other unidentified sources.

The structure of semantic meaning: A developmental study

According to the “Semantic Differential” the connotative meaning of words can be quantified in statistically defined dimensions where every word is uniquely located on the dimensions Evaluation (E), Potency (P), and Activity (A). We studied 249 children between 9 and 18 years of age who rated 72 German nouns on 12 bipolar adjective scales. Three age groups were compared: 9–11, 12–14, and 15–18 years. Varimax-rotated factor analysis yielded the classical EPA dimensions that were independent of age. This indicates that the basic structure and dimensionality of the semantic space is stable. On the other hand, the connotative meaning of individual words changed with age, and it was also affected by gender. In about half of the cases boys differed in their ratings from girls. Our data confirm that the EPA structure is stable, and is not affected by age. Development of connotative meaning or emotion is reflected, however, by systematic changes of the factor scores of individual words over the 10 years span studied.

Validated scales to assess adult decisional balance to eat more fruits and vegetables

A scale to measure adult decisional balance to eat more fruits and vegetables was developed and confirmed, and its psychometric properties were assessed. Two simple random samples of adults ages 25–60 years were selected from a nationally representative sampling frame. The development survey had a 72% response rate ( n = 231). The confirmation survey had a 67.4% response rate ( n = 2132). In both surveys, a self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, fruit and vegetable intakes, stages of change, and decisional balance. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. The decisional balance scale had three reliable subscales: “health pros,” “non-health pros,” and “cons.” Model fit was adequate for a “pros” and “cons” hierarchical structure. For both fruits and vegetables, health pros increased significantly between precontemplation and contemplation stages, surpassing the cons. Non-health pros increased significantly between precontemplation and contemplation fruit stages, surpassing the cons in preparation stage. Between precontemplation and action stages, health pros increased (mean effect size = 0.90 [fruit] and 0.80 [vegetables]) and cons decreased (mean effect size = 0.27 [fruit] and 0.35 [vegetables]). Heterogeneity in this sample may have diluted these effect sizes. This decisional balance scale is valid and reliable.

Leaves of Lolium multiflorum as indicators of airborne trace element distribution in Central Italy

Ambient air contains particles, ranging from sub-micrometric aerosols to clearly visible dust and sand grains. Plants during evolution developed the ability to maximise light interception and CO2 assimilation and also the efficiency to collect the airborne pollutants. Therefore, plant tissues have been used as indicators of trace elements air pollution. Lolium multiflorum leaves were used as a sampler to describe the distribution of selected elements in the area of Carrara (Tuscany, Central Italy). Unwashed healthy leaves collected in September 2007 from nine sampling sites were analysed by ICP-MS. Enrichment factors (EFs) were calculated taking Al as crustal reference element. Cd and Mo exhibited the highest EFs, with some values above 10,000. Varimax rotated factor analysis identified three main source groups of elements, namely crustal components, marine aerosol spray and anthropogenic sources.

Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students’ self‐evaluation of core competencies

Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students' self-evaluation of core competencies. This paper is a report of a study to test the psychometric properties of the Self-Evaluated Core Competencies Scale for baccalaureate nursing students. Baccalaureate nursing students receive basic nursing education and continue to build competency in practice settings after graduation. Nursing students today face great challenges. Society demands analytic, critical, reflective and transformative attitudes from graduates. It also demands that institutions of higher education take the responsibility to encourage students, through academic work, to acquire knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the modern workplace, which favours highly skilled and qualified workers. A survey of 802 senior nursing students in their last semester at college or university was conducted in Taiwan in 2007 using the Self-Evaluated Core Competencies Scale. Half of the participants were randomly assigned either to principal components analysis with varimax rotation or confirmatory factor analysis. Principal components analysis revealed two components of core competencies that were named as humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. The initial model of confirmatory factor analysis was then converged to an acceptable solution but did not show a good fit; however, the final model of confirmatory factor analysis was converged to an acceptable solution with acceptable fit. The final model has two components, namely humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. Both components have four indicators. In addition, six indicators have their correlated measurement errors. Self-Evaluated Core Competencies Scale could be used to assess the core competencies of undergraduate nursing students. In addition, it should be used as a teaching guide to increase students' competencies to ensure quality patient care in hospitals.

Indoor/outdoor concentrations and elemental composition of PM10/PM2.5 in urban/industrial areas of Kocaeli City, Turkey

This study presents indoor/outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations measured during winter and summer in 15 homes in Kocaeli, which is one of the most industrialized areas in Turkey. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations and elemental composition were determined using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Quantitative information was obtained on mass concentrations and other characteristics such as seasonal variation, indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio, PM2.5/PM10 ratio, correlations and sources. Average indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 29.8 and 23.5 microg/m(3) for the summer period, and 24.4 and 21.8 microg/m(3) for the winter period, respectively. Average indoor and outdoor PM10 concentrations were 45.5 and 59.9 microg/m(3) for the summer period, and 56.9 and 102.3 microg/m(3) for the winter period, respectively. A varimax rotated factor analysis (FA) was performed separately on indoor and outdoor datasets in an effort to identify possible heavy metal sources of PM2.5 and PM10 particle fractions. FA of outdoor data produced source categories comprising polluted soil, industry, motor vehicles, and fossil fuel combustion for both PM fractions, while source categories determined for indoor data for both PM2.5 and PM10 comprised industry, polluted soil, motor vehicles, and smoking, with an additional source category of cooking activities detected for the PM2.5 fraction. Practical Implications In buildings close to industrial areas or traffic arteries, outdoor sources may have an important effect on indoor air pollution. Therefore, indoor and outdoor investigations should be conducted simultaneously to assess the relationship between indoor and outdoor pollution. This study presents the simultaneous measurement of PM fractions (PM2.5 and PM10) and their elemental compositions to determine the sources of respirable PM and the heavy metals bound to these particles in indoor air. Factor analysis of indoor data indicated that the contribution of outdoor pollutant sources to indoor pollution was about 70%, making these sources the most significant for indoor heavy metal pollution, wheras other sources of indoor pollution included smoking and cooking activities.

Applying the integrated E-configuration management systems to improve logistics engineering

The purpose of this paper is to show that the integrated electronic configuration management systems (E-CMS) can be applied to integrate logistics engineering (LE) and improve partner relationship on the logistics pipeline. This paper is based on conceptual framework of the E-CMS developed by previousresearchers applied with information tech1 nology (IT). The E-CMS have been successfully provided an application on the shipbuilding program in Chain Sh pbuilding Cooperation (CSBC). Based on the integrated E-CMS, this paper proposes a model in acquisition of logistics demands through the integrated operation systems including end users, depot and suppliers. To evaluate the effectiveness of the E-SCM, this research based on the model, proposed by Wilson and Jantrania (1996), of conceptualizing relationship value to develop a questionnaire. Meanwhile, applying varimax rotated factor analysis determined the underlying variables of the E-CMS benefits. It points out the logistics pipeline from an original initiative through the redesign integration systems to effectively increase in performance of shipbuilding project management

Measurement properties of the Arnetz and Hasson stress questionnaire in Swedish university freshmen

The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Arnetz and Hasson seven-item stress questionnaire in order to select high-risk freshmen for a stress and alcohol intervention research project. Two complete cohorts of university freshmen at two universities were asked to participate in an intervention study. All subjects responded to seven Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) measuring common areas associated with stress. Measurement properties were evaluated by analysing internal consistency and construct validity. A total of 2,032 (72%) freshmen agreed to participate. In total 14,184 out of 14,224 (99.7%) of the Visual Analogue Scales were answered. The Chronbach's alpha coefficient for the complete scale was 0.787. The Varimax rotation factor analysis, using an eigen value of 1, resulted in one factor that covered all items with factor scores of 0.50 and over. This factor explained 46% of the variance. A logistic regression analysis established that mental symptoms, living outside a serious relationship, and female gender were associated with a high stress level. The Arnetz and Hasson stress questionnaire is easy to use and offers sufficient internal consistency and construct validity.

Source Apportionment of Coarse and Fine Particulate Matter at Navi Mumbai, India

Atmospheric particulate matter in two size fractions 2.5-10 μm and ≤ 2.5 μm were collected on nuclepore polycarbonate filter papers and were analyzed for elements using NAA and EDXRF. Varimax rotated factor analysis identified five major sources contributing to coarse and fine particulate mass. FA-MLR technique is applied to apportion the sources. Source apportionment studies showed maximum contribution of the coarse fraction was from sea salt (35%) and crustal (25%) sources. A considerable amount of the mass was also contributed from industrial (14%), vehicular (10%) and fugitive emissions (7%). These results also showed the percentage contribution of soil, two-stroke emission with fugitive dust, industrial emission, motor vehicles and sea salt to the average fine mass concentration was 3%, 18%, 23%, 29% and 9%, respectively. The contribution of each source to their constituent elements also has been determined using the same technique.

Characterization and Identification of the Sources of Chromium, Zinc, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Manganese and Iron in Pm10 Particulates at the Two Sites of Kolkata, India

Monitoring of ambient PM10 (particulate matter which passes through a size selective impactor inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at 10 microm aerodynamic diameter) has been done at residential (Kasba) and industrial (Cossipore) sites of an urban region of Kolkata during November 2003 to November 2004. These sites were selected depending on the dominant anthropogenic activities. Metal constituents of atmospheric PM10 deposited on glass fibre filter paper were estimated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). Chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) are the seven toxic trace metals quantified from the measured PM10 concentrations. The 24 h average concentrations of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn and Fe from ninety PM10 particulate samples of Kolkata were found to be 6.9, 506.1, 79.1, 3.3, 7.4, 2.4 and 103.6 ng/m3, respectively. The 24 h average PM10 concentration exceeded national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) as specified by central pollution control board, India at both residential (Kasba) and industrial (Cossipore) areas with mean concentration of 140.1 and 196.6 microg/m3, respectively. A simultaneous meteorology study was performed to assess the influence of air masses by wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, relative humidity and temperature. The measured toxic trace metals generally showed inverse relationship with wind speed, relative humidity and temperature. Factor analysis, a receptor modeling technique has been used for identification of the possible sources contributing to the PM10. Varimax rotated factor analysis identified four possible sources of measured trace metals comprising solid waste dumping, vehicular traffic with the influence of road dust, road dust and soil dust at residential site (Kasba), while vehicular traffic with the influence of soil dust, road dust, galvanizing and electroplating industry, and tanning industry at industrial site (Cossipore).

Sources of heavy metals in the Western Bay of Izmit surface sediments

The study aimed to examine source apportionment of heavy metals of the surface sediments in the <63 µm size fraction. The sediment samples collected from 34 sites at the Western Bay of Izmit were subjected to a total digestion technique and analysed for major (total organic carbon, Al, Fe, Mg, and S) and trace (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) elements by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The results were compared with the marine sediment quality standards, as well as literature values reported to assess the pollution status of the sediments. A factor analysis/multiple regression (FA/MR) multivariate receptor modelling technique was used for quantitative source apportionment to estimate the contributions from each source of contamination. Source fingerprints were obtained from the literature. A varimax rotated factor analysis was applied to the whole data set, and four probable source types were identified as the iron and steel industry, paint industry, crustal and sewage for heavy metals, explaining about 84% of the total variance. Source apportionment results derived from the FA and FA/MR methods agree well with each other.

Development and psychometric tests of the Chinese-version Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire

To develop and assess the psychometric validity of a Chinese language Vision Health related quality-of-life (VRQoL) measurement instrument for the Chinese visually impaired. The Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (LVQOL) was translated and adapted into the Chinese-version Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (CLVQOL). The CLVQOL was completed by 100 randomly selected people with low vision (primary group) and 100 people with normal vision (control group). Ninety-four participants from the primary group completed the CLVQOL a second time 2 weeks later (test-retest group). The internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, item-internal consistency, item-discrimination validity, construct validity and discriminatory power of the CLVQOL were calculated. The review committee agreed that the CLVQOL replicated the meaning of the LVQOL and was sensitive to cultural differences. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the split-half coefficient for the four scales and total CLVQOL scales were 0.75-0.97. The test-retest reliability as estimated by the intraclass correlations coefficient was 0.69-0.95. Item-internal consistency was > 0.4 and item-discrimination validity was generally < 0.40. The Varimax rotation factor analysis of the CLVQOL identified four principal factors. the quality-of-life rating of four subscales and the total score of the CLVQOL of the primary group were lower than those of the Control group, both in hospital-based subjects and community-based subjects. The CLVQOL Chinese is a culturally specific vision-related quality-of-life measure instrument. It satisfies conventional psychometric criteria, discriminates visually healthy populations from low vision patients and may be valuable in screening the local community as well as for use in clinical practice or research.

Development and evaluation of psychometric tests of the Chinese-version of low vision quality of life questionnaire

To develop and evaluate a Chinese language vision health related quality-of-life (VRQoL) questionnaire. The low vision quality of life questionnaire (LVQOL) was translated and adapted into the Chinese-version low vision quality of life questionnaire (CLVQOL). The systematic protocols were set as 3 forward translations, 2 committee reviews and 1 back-ward translation. The CLVQOL was performed in 100 randomly selected people with low vision (primary group) and 100 people with normal vision (control group). Ninety-four participants from the primary group completed the CLVQOL and repeated 2 weeks later (test-retest group). The results were compared with patient demographics and the internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, item-internal consistency, item-discrimination validity, construct validity and discrimination validity of the CLVQOL were calculated. The review committee agreed that the CLVQOL replicated the meaning of the LVQOL and was sensitive to cultural adaptations. The Cronbach alpha coefficient and the split-half coefficient for the four scales and total CLVQOL scales were 0.75 to 0.97. The test-retest reliability as estimated by intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.69 to 0.95. Item-internal consistency was > 0.4 and item-discrimination validity was generally < 0.40. The varimax rotation factor analysis of the CLVQOL identified four principal factors. All of the scores of four subscales and the total score of CLVQOL of the primary group were lower than those of the control group, both in patients and local residents. CLVQOL scores were highly correlated with visual acuity. The CLVQOL is a culturally specific VRQOL measure instrument. CLVQOL can satisfy conventional psychometric criteria, can discriminate visually healthy populations from low vision patients and is valuable in the clinical practice and in the screening of the community populations.