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Purpose: To develop an index to assess capacity to work in relation to common mental disorders (CMDs) in the general working population and field test its psychometric properties. Methods: Content analysis of three qualitative studies on people (n = 49) with their own experiences of working with CMD guided the items selected for the index. Face and content validity and test-retest reliability were performed. The index was field tested in two versions with 26 and 17 items, respectively, among health care professionals regarding internal reliability, component structure and concurrent validity. Results: The final version of the Capacity to Work Index (C2WI; 17 items) was normally distributed in the field test with high internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha, 0.84). Missing responses were randomly distributed and nonspecific. Principal component analysis showed one clear component with negatively framed items. Concurrent validity showed high correlation with the WHO-5 Well-Being Scale (Pearson's r, 0.68), but lower correlation for the general health question (r, − 0.44), one item of the Work Ability Index (r, − 0.33), and the Stress of Conscience constructs (r, 0.44). Conclusion: The C2WI showed promising psychometric qualities. Low and negative correlation with the item from Work Ability Index suggests that the C2WI measures additional dimensions, but further testing in larger and more diverse samples is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The EQ Health and Wellbeing (EQ-HWB) is a new questionnaire for measuring quality of life (QoL) from a broad perspective. The items of the EQ-HWB were derived based on a 'qualitative review' of literature, which reported primarily on Western studies. It can be argued that the QoL is a cultural-related concept and therefore people from China have a different understanding of the QoL. This study aimed to explore whether Chinese citizens could understand the EQ-HWB's candidate items and what they thought of those items. In doing so, we wanted to examine the face validity of the candidate items and explore if further cultural adaptation is necessary. Methods: This research was part of the E-QALY project, in which 36 candidate items were selected for the EQ-HWB from a 97-item pool. In China, three interviewers investigated the face validity of these EQ-HWB candidate items in semi-structured qualitative face-to-face interviews. Respondents were invited to report 'problems' with regard to the interpretation of the items and these problems were grouped into themes. We explored to what extent those themes related to specific cultural aspects in China. We also classified the rates of reported problems for each item into three groups: 1) less than 20%, 2) from 20–50%, and 3) over 50%. Results: For 17 items the rate of reported problems was less than 20%, 15 items fell into the second group (with 20 − 50%) and for 4 items the rate of problems reported was more than 50%. The thematic analysis revealed eight themes: ambiguous problems in the interpretation of 16 items; difficult to understand (11); contained a complex negative expression (10); examples used seemed inappropriate (7); misleading connotation in Chinese (2); long and complex (2); complex response options (1); and use of non-colloquial language (1). Discussion: Our research shows that EQ-HWB candidate items require careful examination to make them more comprehensible. Most of the reported problem themes were generic problems related to the items, and only a few face validity issues appeared to relate to specific cultural aspects in China, even though most of the items were based on Western studies. Our findings are reassuring for the instrument's international application, especially in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of deep learning (DL) in medicine introduces transformative tools with the potential to enhance prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment planning. However, ensuring transparent documentation is essential for researchers to enhance reproducibility and refine techniques. Our study addresses the unique challenges presented by DL in medical imaging by developing a comprehensive checklist using the Delphi method to enhance reproducibility and reliability in this dynamic field. We compiled a preliminary checklist based on a comprehensive review of existing checklists and relevant literature. A panel of 11 experts in medical imaging and DL assessed these items using Likert scales, with two survey rounds to refine responses and gauge consensus. We also employed the content validity ratio with a cutoff of 0.59 to determine item face and content validity. Round 1 included a 27-item questionnaire, with 12 items demonstrating high consensus for face and content validity that were then left out of round 2. Round 2 involved refining the checklist, resulting in an additional 17 items. In the last round, 3 items were deemed non-essential or infeasible, while 2 newly suggested items received unanimous agreement for inclusion, resulting in a final 26-item DL model reporting checklist derived from the Delphi process. The 26-item checklist facilitates the reproducible reporting of DL tools and enables scientists to replicate the study's results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the number of refugee youth whom require mental health support, there is a need to provide community-based interventions that can be easily scaled-up at a low cost. Yet, safety procedures associated with community-based intervention require careful consideration. The Cantril Ladder is a visual scale used to assess life satisfaction. It could be a useful tool to track the well-being of participants throughout an intervention. However, concerns have been raised about the validity of single-item life satisfaction measures and it is recommended they are tested when used in specific populations. This is particularly relevant to the refugee youth population who experience ongoing stress due to concern for family, friends, housing, and schooling and whose perceptions of life satisfaction may differ to the cohorts the Cantril Ladder has previously been tested with. The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of the Cantril Ladder as a measure of well-being and life satisfaction in refugee youth experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms by exploring the relationship between how the youth scored on the Cantril Ladder with their scores on measures of depression and self-efficacy. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was applied to self-reported survey data in order to test how refugee youth experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms (n = 51) score on the Cantril Ladder compared with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Self Efficacy Scale (GSE) scores. The mean Cantril Ladder score in the present sample was 5.33 (SD = 2.77). The PHQ-9 and GSE total scores together explained 19.1% of the variability in the Cantril Ladder score. The Cantril Ladder showed moderate concurrent validity with validated measures of depression and self-efficacy. These findings have important implications for intervention programs designed to support refugee youth experiencing post-traumatic stress, as the Cantril Ladder offers a promising way to track well-being throughout the program as part of a wider safety protocol procedure. Additional research is required to not only confirm these findings, but also to test the face validity of the Cantril Ladder for a more complete validation of life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray et al.'s (2003) Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ) is becoming an increasingly used self-report measure of sexual fantasy use. The current study analyzed the factorial structure and construct validity of the behavioral items of the SFQ using a nomological network of other sexuality-related measures in a large German-speaking sample (N = 846). Participants' (27.7% females) mean age was 30.8 years (SD = 11.0). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 65-item scale comprising five-factors, which were termed: normophilic sexual fantasies, sexualized aggression, sexualized submission, submissive courtship, and bodily functions. This German version of the SFQ was found to have high construct validity indicated by its association with other related constructs. Based on these results, we argue that the SFQ is a valid self-report measure that can be used in both research and clinical practice (foremost the factors sexualized aggression and sexualized submission). Suggestions for future research are discussed in light of the results and the study's limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The significance of narrative skills is evident due to their role in the development of language and their connection to significant social and academic skills. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Test of Narrative Language-Second Edition (TNL-2) for its use as a tool for the assessment of narrative language in Arabic-speaking Egyptian children. In a cross-sectional study design, the Arabic-translated version of the TNL-2 was administered to 200 typically developing Arabic-speaking Egyptian children ranging in age from 4 years to 15 years and 11 months for validation. The participants were categorized according to their age into ten groups and their scores were analyzed. Face validity was assessed by asking five expert phoniatricians to review the Arabic version of the TNL-2 and complete a questionnaire that assessed the test's effectiveness in measuring different narrative skills. Results: A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the TNL-2 scores among the age groups under study. In addition, there was a significant correlation between standardized Arabic language test scores and the total comprehension and total production subtests' raw scores of the TNL-2. The test-retest reliability and inter-rater agreement demonstrated a high level of reliability and inter-rater agreement. Experts have reached a consensus that the Arabic version of the TNL-2 is capable of evaluating the primary microstructural and macrostructural components of Arabic narratives. Furthermore, it can provide insights into the overall narrative skills of Egyptian Arabic-speaking children. Conclusion: The Arabic-translated version of the TNL-2 demonstrated validity and reliability as an instrument for assessing narrative language comprehension and production skills in Arabic-speaking Egyptian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires considered in this paper contain multiple subscales, although not all subscales are equally relevant for administration in all target patient populations. A group of measurement experts, developers, license holders, and other scientific-, regulatory-, payer-, and patient-focused stakeholders participated in a panel to discuss the benefits and challenges of a modular approach, defined here as administering a subset of subscales out of a multi-scaled PRO measure. This paper supports the position that it is acceptable, and sometimes preferable, to take a modular approach when administering PRO questionnaires, provided that certain conditions have been met and a rigorous selection process performed. Based on the experiences and perspectives of all stakeholders, using a modular approach can reduce patient burden and increase the relevancy of the items administered, and thereby improve measurement precision and eliminate wasted data without sacrificing the scientific validity and utility of the instrument. The panelists agreed that implementing a modular approach is not expected to have a meaningful impact on item responses, subscale scores, variability, reliability, validity, and effect size estimates; however, collecting additional evidence for the impact of context may be desirable. It is also important to recognize that adequate rationale and evidence (e.g., of fit-for-purpose status and relevance to patients) and a robust consensus process that includes patient perspectives are required to inform selection of subscales, as in any other measurement circumstance, is expected. We believe that the considerations discussed within (content validity, administration context, and psychometric factors) are relevant across multiple therapeutic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) are inherited neurological disorders that can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems. To assess the effects of interventions according to the perception of people affected, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) must be available. This paper presents the development process of the Person-Reported Ataxia Impact Scale (PRAIS), a new PROM in recessive ataxias, and the documentation of its content validity, interpretability, and construct validity (structural and discriminant). The development followed the PROMIS framework and the Food and Drug Administration guidelines. A mixed-method study design was used to develop the PROM. A systematic review of the literature, semistructured interviews, and discussion groups was conducted to constitute an item pool. Experts' consultation helped formulate items, and the questionnaire was sent online to be completed by people affected. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the structural and discriminant validity. A total of 125 people affected by recessive ataxia completed the questionnaire. The factor analysis confirmed the three components: physical functions and activities, mental functions, and social functions. The statistical analysis showed that it can discriminate between stages of mobility and level of autonomy. It showed very good levels of internal consistency (0.79 to 0.89). The Person-Reported Ataxia Impact Scale (PRAIS) is a 38-item questionnaire that assesses the manifestations and impacts of the disease according to the perception of people affected by recessive ataxia. It can be used in clinical and research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite ample research demonstrating the developmental and clinical importance of psychosocial competencies (e.g., prosociality, attention regulation, compliance to caregivers) in early childhood, few measures exist that are clinically relevant, developmentally appropriate, psychometrically validated, and pragmatic to administer, score, and interpret. One promising option is the Psychosocial Strengths Inventory for Children and Adolescents (PSICA), a parent-report measure of affective, attentional, and social competencies in youth. Although the PSICA has growing psychometric support, it remains a relatively lengthy measure (i.e., 36 items). Thus, we sampled 865 community caregivers (75% White, 59% mothers) of children ages 2–10 (72% White, 55% boys) to empirically develop and validate the PSICA–Short Form (PSICA-SF). Items were winnowed based on best-practice internal and external criteria (i.e., structural validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, and item-response discrimination indices), then further assessed for judgmental validity via quantitative survey completed by a snowball sample of 18 early childhood experts. These methods identified a 9-item version of the PSICA-SF, which retained the original PSICA's trichotomous structure and related subscales (i.e., Prosociality, Compliance, Attention), good internal consistency, face validity, and convergent validity. Collectively, these findings support the PSICA-SF as a more pragmatic, while equally psychometrically sound, multidimensional measure of child psychosocial competence that might be used for relevant child screening, case conceptualization, progress monitoring, and program evaluation. Highlights: We empirically winnowed the Psychosocial Strengths Inventory for Children and Adolescents (PSICA), a multidimensional caregiver-report measure of child psychosocial competencies (i.e., prosociality, compliance, attention), to develop a short form of the PSICA (i.e., PSICA-SF). The PSICA-SF is a 9-item, free measure which reduces assessment burdens (e.g., administration and scoring) of families, clinicians, and researchers. Our results provisionally indicate the 9-item PSICA-SF has equivalent psychometric properties to the original 36-item PSICA (i.e., good-to-excellent internal consistency, face validity, convergent validity, and structural validity). Initial findings suggest the PSICA-SF is a more pragmatic, yet psychometrically sound measure of child psychosocial competence that might be used for relevant child screening, case conceptualization, treatment progress monitoring, and program evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Half of the patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop one or more tumours called plexiform neurofibromas, which can have a significant impact on Quality of Life (QoL). The PlexiQoL questionnaire is a disease-specific QoL measure for adults with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL for the Netherlands. Methods: The PlexiQoL was translated using the dual-panel methodology, followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess face and content validity. The psychometric properties were evaluated by administering the questionnaire on two separate occasions to a sample of adults with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas. Feasibility was evaluated by the presence of floor/ceiling effects. Reliability was assessed by evaluating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability, using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to check for known group validity. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as comparator questionnaire to evaluate convergent validity. Results: The translation and cognitive debriefing interviews resulted in a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL that reflected the original concept and underlying semantic meanings of the UK English version. Forty participants completed the validation survey. The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.825) and test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.928). The questionnaire detected differences in PlexiQoL scores between participants based on self-reported general health and disease severity. Convergent validity was confirmed for relevant NHP subsections. Conclusions: The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and can be reliably used to measure plexiform neurofibroma-related QoL in adults with NF1 in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In endoscopic care, favourable patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy are essential for the patient's willingness to repeat the procedure. To ensure that significant experiences are measured, patients should be involved in creating the measurement instruments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop a colonoscopy-specific PREM by (1) operationalising patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure and (2) evaluating its content validity. Methods: The colonoscopy-specific PREM was developed in two stages: (1) operationalisation with item generation and (2) content validity testing. A previously developed conceptual model, based on a systematic literature review that illustrates patients' (n = 245) experiences of undergoing a colonoscopy, formed the theoretical basis. To assess the degree to which the PREM reflected patients' experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure, content validity was tested—through face validity with healthcare professionals (n = 4) and cognitive interviews with patients (n = 14) having experienced a colonoscopy. Content validity index (CVI) was calculated to investigate the relevance of the items. Results: The Patient Experience Colonoscopy Scale (PECS) is a colonoscopy-specific PREM consisting of five different constructs: health motivation, discomfort, information, a caring relationship and understanding. Each construct was defined and generated into a pool of items (n = 77). After face-validity assessment with healthcare professionals, a draft 52-item version of the PECS was ready for content validity testing by the patients. During cognitive interviews the patients contributed valuable insights that led to rewording and removal of items. Results from the CVI suggest that the PECS and its content are relevant (I-CVI range 0.5–1, S-CVI/Ave = 0.86). The final PECS consists of 30 items representing a colonoscopy-specific PREM. Conclusion: The PECS is a new 30-item PREM instrument designed for adult elective colonoscopy patients after they have undergone the procedure. Each item in the PECS derives from a conceptual model based on a systematic literature review. Patients and healthcare professionals were involved in developing the PECS, which measures colonoscopy-specific patient experiences before, during and after the procedure. The content validity testing positively contributed to the development of the PECS. Psychometric properties need to be evaluated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and perform the expert's content validation and pretesting of the first questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate performance-related pain among musicians with different backgrounds. Methods: The development of the Performance-related Pain Among Musicians Questionnaire (PPAM) was carried out in 4 phases: (1) item generation, (2) experts' panel evaluation and content validation (3) pretesting, and (4) conceptualization of the final version. For item generation we conducted two systematic reviews to identify the existing tools evaluating similar constructs and the predictive factors of performance-related pain. Four expert panel meetings and three pilot tests were performed, with a total of 94 musicians. Results: From the 1154 articles initially found in the literature search, 153 were included (65 related to pain tools and 88 related to predictive factors) and a pool of 115 items were created. After expert panel evaluation and pretesting, a final self-report questionnaire was defined, comprising 33 core items to evaluate 3 constructs (pain intensity, pain interference in general activities and pain interference in performance), as well as 32 additional items (optional module – predictive factors). Conclusions: The PPAM Questionnaire is specifically designed and validated for musicians and can be applied for all types of musicians (professional, amateur and music students), allowing the development of comparative studies between musicians. It is a new enriched tool, easy to respond and disseminate to large, multicentre, and international samples. PPAM is suitable for research and clinical practice purposes and will allow the improved assessment and monitoring of pain in this occupational context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on dysmorphic concerns (DC) in Arabic-speaking contexts is hampered by the lack of validated tools. Because DC are culturally dependent, psychometrically sound measures are needed at the national level to closely and accurately investigate the construct in specific societies and populations. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the psychometric properties of Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) in its Arabic translation in Lebanese adults. Methods: The study involved 515 participants (69.9% females, mean age of 27.55 ± 10.92 years) who completed a self-report, web-based questionnaire. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated excellent construct validity, as the one-factor structure of the Arabic DCQ fits well with the data. McDonald's omega was 0.89 in our sample, evidencing an excellent level of internal consistency. Furthermore, the results from the multigroup analysis showed that the DCQ holds similar structural model between genders at the metric, configural, and scalar levels. Finally, DC levels correlated inversely with body appreciation and self-esteem and positively with disordered eating symptoms, thus supporting the concurrent and convergent validity of the Arabic DCQ. Conclusion: The DCQ translated into Arabic appears to have a valid self-assessment measure to capture the presence of DC manifestations. It is anticipated that the Arabic DCQ will be advantageous for healthcare professionals and researchers working with Arabic-speaking people around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective treatment for individuals experiencing imbalance and dizziness, helps to improve the quality of life. Lack of culturally valid questionnaires to assess the outcome from VRT necessitates the development of reliable and culturally valid questionnaire to measure the outcomes of VRT. Hence, the current study aimed to develop a culturally valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring the outcome of VRT in Indian population and to translate it into Malayalam and Kannada. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of a tertiary care hospital. The questionnaire was constructed based on thorough literature search of existing questionnaires related to dizziness and vestibular disorders in relevant to the Indian context. Content validity was assessed by expert reviewers using a rating scale, and the questionnaire was translated into two south Indian languages (Malayalam and Kannada). The questionnaire was then administered on 12 patients undergoing VRT to assess its initial validation. The questionnaire was named as 'Effect of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Questionnaire (EVRT-Q)', consisted of 25 questions divided into three domains: symptom, function, and emotion. The questionnaire demonstrated good content validity with a Content Validity Index greater than 0.8 for each question in all domains. The questionnaire possesses a high internal consistency when measured using Cronbach's alpha. Hence, the EVRT-Q appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the outcome from VRT in Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Knowledge advancement exposes the pharmacists to new ethical and professional challenges in providing pharmaceutical care. The pharmacist's attitude towards the ethical challenges of pharmacy practice could be of great help in assessing pharmacist's ethical sensitivity. This study aimed to design a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring pharmacists' attitudes. Methods The present study is the second phase of a sequential exploratory mixed-method study for designing and psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire. In the first phase the questionnaire was developed using semi-structured interviews followed by content analysis. The psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire was performed examining the validity (face, content, and construct), and reliability (internal consistency and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and Standard Error of Measurement) in a sample of pharmacists practicing in community pharmacies in Tehran and Tabriz, Iran (n = 504). The construct validity of the questionnaire was determined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results The Scale-Content Validity Index/Average (S-CVI/AVE) was calculated at 0.84. The results of exploratory factor analysis supported 22 items in four factors including regulations and rules, professional communications, providing and supplying medicine, and consultation and providing pharmaceutical care that are explained by a total of 49.50% of the variance. Also, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed goodness of fit indices and model fit. Cronbach's alpha Coefficient was 0.919 and ICC was 0.914. Conclusions The psychometric evaluation of the present questionnaire shows a native, valid and reliable instrument to assess pharmacists' attitudes toward ethical challenges which could be a mirror of pharmacists ethical sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During transition to adulthood and transfer to adult healthcare, emerging adults with chronic conditions are at risk of deteriorating disease control, well-being, and acute, as well as long-term complications. Despite an increasing call for person-centred healthcare services attuned to young peoples' needs, few validated instruments exist pinpointing adolescents' and emerging adults' experiences of preparation for transition and transfer. Thus, the overarching purpose of this study was to develop a person-centred, clinically applicable instrument (Transitional care EXPeriences Questionnaire, TEXP-Q) adjustable to different chronic conditions, although the focus in the present study was Type 1 Diabetes. The specific aim was, therefore, to describe the development and psychometric evaluation of TEXP-Q in emerging adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Methods: Initial development of the TEXP-Q was inspired by existing research. Items were formulated in accordance with consensus recommendations for developing patient-reported measures, and extra consideration was taken to ensure person-centredness. Psychometric evaluation comprised two phases: In phase I, data from cognitive interviews, content validity indexing, and judgement of an expert panel provided information on face and content validity. In phase II, data from a cross-sectional study conducted at eight adult diabetes outpatient clinics in Sweden (n = 163) allowed for explorative factor analysis (EFA), as well as calculation of content validity, reliability and responsiveness. Results: Combining results from cognitive interviews, content validity index values and expert panel judgement, a test version of TEXP-Q was developed, the content and face validity of which were considered good. This version consisted of 17 items answered on a five-point Likert scale, and three open-ended questions answered in free text. During EFA, four items were removed, and a three-factor solution was recognised as most adequate, accounting for 60% cumulative variance and one single cross-loading. After EFA, the instrument comprised 13 questions, divided into three latent factors. Cronbach's alpha for the complete instrument was 0.866, which indicates good internal consistency. Crohnbach's alpha approximated to 0.8 for all factors respectively. Conclusion: TEXP-Q is a newly developed, person-centred instrument which has proven to be both valid and reliable when applied to youths with T1D. The questionnaire fills a need for instruments focusing on emerging adults' experiences of preparation for transition and transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual and reproductive health interventions' effectiveness should be evaluated using a valid instrument. This study aimed to validate a questionnaire on sexual and reproductive health in adolescents and young adults from São Tomé and Príncipe who voluntarily enrolled in a vocational school in Portugal to complete their 12th school year and obtain a professional card. A questionnaire consisting of perception and knowledge sections was adapted from previous questionnaires. We followed the steps of psychometric analysis. Firstly, we assessed face validity and content validity. We used factorial analysis to validate the perceptions section (which included Likert-type questions). For the knowledge section (which consisted of multiple-choice questions), we used the key check, discrimination index, and difficulty index. We evaluated internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha for the perceptions section and the Kuder-Richardson score for the knowledge section. Out of 105 invited students, a total of ninety students were enrolled in this study, of whom 88 completed most of the questions. The exploratory analysis showed that most students agreed with the right to refuse intercourse. However, while approximately 23% disagreed that consensual sex among adult women or men is always wrong, around the same proportion agreed. A considerable number of students recognized condoms and pills as effective methods of contraception. However, most students were unfamiliar with other methods. Most knowledge questions showed acceptable difficulty levels, and the discrimination index varied among questions. The knowledge questions demonstrated good consistency levels. This study enabled us to develop an appropriate instrument for evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions and identifying specific knowledge gaps in migrant populations from low-income countries. This will help prioritise topics to be addressed in sexual health education sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of Italian citizens unaware of their risk of cardiovascular disease it is still very high. Aim: This study aimed to translate and preliminarily validate a brief Italian version of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). Methods: PRHDS was culturally adapted to the Italian context. Then, the scale was administered to 772 healthy adults. By randomly dividing the sample into two subsamples, we tested the scale dimensionality through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Finally, we evaluated internal consistency. Results: Psychometric properties of the scale were appropriate. EFA and CFA evidenced a unidimensional structure of a brief version of the scale, composed of six items. Internal consistency was adequate. Conclusions: Italian version of the brief PRHDS is a promising self-report questionnaire to measure cardiovascular risk perception among Italian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is instrumental in ensuring that young people have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and practice safer sex. Worryingly, CSE is often not available to adolescents and young with disabilities. The Breaking the Silence (BtS) approach to CSE was developed to address this gap and help equip educators to teach CSE to adolescents and young people with disabilities. The TSE-Q was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BtS approach and monitor changes in educators' knowledge, skills, attitudes, self-confidence, and preparedness to teach CSE to young people with disabilities. The TSE-Q is aligned with an adapted version of the theory of planned behavior. This is a second validation study of the TSE-Q embedded within a feasibility study for the BtS approach. Fifty educators and support staff from two South African special schools for people with disability participated in a BtS training workshop and completed the TSE-Q before and after the workshop. Additionally, participants were asked to complete an adapted version of Rowe, Oxman, and O'Brien's validity questionnaire probing content validity, face validity, and ease of use. Baseline data from the TSE-Q was evaluated for reliability, while the validity questionnaire and verbal feedback were used to assess validity. Most scales show good reliability, but knowledge-based scales have lower reliability due to their multidimensionality. The TSE-Q shows good face validity, content validity, and ease of use, but should be done on different days to any intervention/training. Overall, the TSE-Q is a robust questionnaire with good content coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Cluster Headache Impact Questionnaire (CHIQ) is a specific and easy-to-use questionnaire to assess the current impact of cluster headache (CH). The aim of this study was to validate the Italian version of the CHIQ. Methods: We included patients diagnosed with episodic CH (eCH) or chronic CH (cCH) according to the ICHD-3 criteria and included in the "Italian Headache Registry" (RICe). The questionnaire was administered to patients through an electronic form in two sessions: at first visit for validation, and after 7 days for test-retest reliability. For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was calculated. Convergent validity of the CHIQ with CH features and the results of questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: We included 181 patients subdivided in 96 patients with active eCH, 14 with cCH, and 71 with eCH in remission. The 110 patients with either active eCH or cCH were included in the validation cohort; only 24 patients with CH were characterized by a stable attack frequency after 7 days, and were included in the test-retest cohort. Internal consistency of the CHIQ was good with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.891. The CHIQ score showed a significant positive correlation with anxiety, depression, and stress scores, while showing a significant negative correlation with quality-of-life scale scores. Conclusion: Our data show the validity of the Italian version of the CHIQ, which represents a suitable tool for evaluating the social and psychological impact of CH in clinical practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the predictors of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards Family Planning (FP) among pregnant Fijian women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over two months in 2019 with adult pregnant women attending the Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at Ba Mission Hospital (BMH), Fiji. Data was collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. Statistical analysis included correlation tests and regression analysis in determining predictors of KAP. Results: 240 pregnant women participated in this study with a mean age of 26.02 (± SD = 4.13). The results showed a moderate level of knowledge (mean 14.95, SD ± 3.15), positive attitude (mean 20.56, SD ± 5.68), and good practice (mean 4.97, SD ± 1.73). Linear regression identified that women with more than seven children had a knowledge score of 3.65, lower than null parity (t value = -2.577, p = 0.011). Women aged 20 to 24 had a 6.47 lower attitude score than women aged 18 to 19 (t value = -2.142, p = 0.033). Women in defacto relationships had a 2.12 lower attitude score compared to the married category (t value = -2.128, p = 0.034). Fijian women of Indian descent had a 1.98 lower attitude score than the I Taukei women (t value = -2.639, p = 0.009). Women aged 30–34 had 2.41 lower practice scores than those aged 18–19 (t value = -2.462, p = 0.015). Conclusion: This study found a medium knowledge of FP among pregnant women. These findings support a recommendation for further research to implement effective strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic violence is a common health problem that often affects women's mental health. Although domestic violence may not be reported during quarantine, it may increase due to increased restrictions. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to develop and validate the Domestic Violence during Quarantine Scale (DVQS) on a sample from Iran. Methods: Two hundred and three Iranians participated in this study and completed online questionnaires. This cross-sectional and methodological study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, item pool generation and questionnaire design was carried out through literature review. In the second phase, psychometric properties were assessed via an exploratory factors analysis (EFA). Internal consistency was examined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonalds' Omega. Results: In the EFA, three factors, including humiliation (seven items), threatening (six items), and restriction (four items) were extracted that together explained 64.4% of the variance of domestic violence during quarantine. Using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, the internal consistency of humiliation, threatening, and restriction was found to be 0.90, 0.896, and 0.76 respectively, and an alpha of 0.927 was found for the total scale. In addition, using McDonalds' Omega, internal consistencies of 0.82, 0.84, and 0.78 were found for the three factors respectively. Conclusion: The DVQS has good validity and reliability; therefore, it can be used in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at investigating the English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' perceptions of L1-based and L2-based elicitations in the English classroom employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. Ninety-seven Iranian intermediate EFL learners of English have been selected from Islamic Azad University (Science and Research Branch) in Tehran Province using a convenient sampling method. Of these, in the qualitative phase, 15 individuals were selected through a convenience sampling method as the focus group (N = 15; n = 8 for the L1 group and n = 7 for the L2 group). In the quantitative phase, 90 intermediate EFL learners were selected. The selected participants' L2 performances were assessed through L1-based and L2-based elicitation techniques. They completed two validated researcher-made questionnaires to capture their perceptions of the elicitation techniques. Accordingly, five separate exploratory factor analyses were run to investigate the underlying constructs of the five components of the L1-based and L2-based perception questionnaires, the results of which showed that the correlation matrices were not singular and there were perfect correlations among all variables of L1-based and L2-based perception questionnaires. The findings show that the majority of respondents prefer to use their L2 in speaking classes and believe that L2 should be the prior language in general speaking classes. More than two-thirds of the respondents prefer to use L2 when they want to communicate with each other inside and outside of the classroom and prefer to use L2 in doing their assignments or performing orally in class. More than half of the respondents prefer to use L2 in assessment sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the potential role of autonomic imbalance in mental and physical disorders, it would be useful to have a relevant self-report measure. The authors developed the Autonomic Spectrum Questionnaire for this purpose. The authors administered the Autonomic Spectrum Questionnaire and other measures to 801 college students. They conducted a factor analysis on the questionnaire, determined its score distribution and examined its convergent validity with the other measures. The Autonomic Spectrum Questionnaire has three factors and one second order factor. It yields a range of scores from highly parasympathetic dominant to highly sympathetic dominant and has good convergent validity with measures of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. The Autonomic Spectrum Questionnaire has three factors and good convergent validity. It appears to be a useful measure for studying autonomic nervous system imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted for developing and validating the Hardiness Based Parenting Behaviors Questionnaire (HBPBQ) for parents of children aged between 7 and 12. Based on a mixed-method approach, the research was carried out through the course of multiple stages. In the item development stage, items were generated by applying deductive and inductive methods. In Study 1, the exploratory factor analysis was evaluated, while Study 2 examined the construct validity of the questionnaire. Selected based on a convenience sampling method, a total of 663 parents made up the sample size of the two studies. In the item development section, three higher-order themes and 13 sub-themes were identified. In Study 1, the results of the exploratory factor analysis demonstrated a three-factor model (responsive interaction, empowering participation, and learning-oriented support) that is consistent with the existing research literature on hardiness. In Study 2, CFA results confirmed the factorial validity of the HBPBQ. The results also demonstrated that HBPBQ shows acceptable reliability and construct validity. Findings indicate that the 37-item HBPBQ can be applied in assessing parents' hardiness behaviors. However, further research is needed on the dimensions and application of the questionnaire in other cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop and validate a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire for patients with current or previous coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an international setting. Methods: This multicenter international methodology study followed standardized guidelines for a four-phase questionnaire development. Here, we report on the pretesting and validation of our international questionnaire. Adults with current or previous COVID-19, in institutions or at home were eligible. In the pretesting, 54 participants completed the questionnaire followed by interviews to identify administration problems and evaluate content validity. Thereafter, 371 participants completed the revised questionnaire and a debriefing form to allow preliminary psychometric analysis. Validity and reliability were assessed (correlation-based methods, Cronbach's α, and intra-class correlation coefficient). Results: Eleven countries within and outside Europe enrolled patients. From the pretesting, 71 of the 80 original items fulfilled the criteria for item-retention. Most participants (80%) completed the revised 71-item questionnaire within 15 min, on paper (n = 175) or digitally (n = 196). The final questionnaire included 61 items that fulfilled criteria for item retention or were important to subgroups. Item-scale correlations were > 0.7 for all but nine items. Internal consistency (range 0.68–0.92) and test–retest results (all but one scale > 0.7) were acceptable. The instrument consists of 15 multi-item scales and six single items. Conclusion: The Oslo COVID-19 QLQ-W61© is an international, stand-alone, multidimensional HRQoL questionnaire that can assess the symptoms, functioning, and overall quality of life in COVID-19 patients. It is available for use in research and clinical practice. Further psychometric validation in larger patient samples will be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review was to identify cross-cultural and psychometric characteristics of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and neck cancer questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) in various languages. A literature search was performed for original papers in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google scholar electronic databases on validation, psychometric properties of the EORTC-H&N35 questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer. A total of 17 papers had been reviewed systematically. The studies were conducted in 28 countries and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaire was validated in 21 different languages. The majority of papers reported high reliability having Cronbach's coefficient above 0.70. Low reliability was reported for senses and speech problems, pain, and less sexuality. Moderate to good convergent validity was found as the correlation coefficient was above 0.40 except for speech problems and social contact trouble. Discriminant validity (weak correlations < 0.70) was confirmed in 14 papers. This review provides comprehensive information on cross-cultural and psychometric properties of EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and can be recommended to implement in oncological practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite interest in psychological inflexibility as a marker of suicide risk, no measure of psychological inflexibility specific to SI exists. Methods: The present study utilized data from two internet- and one lab-based sample to establish and evaluate such a measure, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Suicidal Ideation (AAQ-SI). Reliability analysis of seven initial items identified four items in Sample 1 that measured this construct. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a one-factor solution fit these data in Samples 1 and 2. AAQ-SI scores demonstrated convergent validity (i.e., bivariate correlations) in all samples with another measure of general psychological inflexibility and measures of SI intrusiveness, avoidance, and comfort. AAQ-SI scores demonstrated a statistically significantly weaker correlation with depression symptoms compared to a measure of general psychological inflexibility in Sample 2. AAQ-SI scores were uniquely statistically significantly associated with SI severity in separate regression models within each sample, while an existing measure of general psychological inflexibility was not. Conclusions: The AAQ-SI appears to be an appropriate measure of psychological inflexibility specific to the experience of suicidal thoughts. Clinicians and researchers interested in this construct among suicidal individuals may opt for the AAQ-SI over other alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research questionnaires frequently include dozens—if not hundreds—of self-report items. Lengthy questionnaires, however, are often a necessity. In some cases, they are needed to assess the many variables found in a complex model; in other cases, they are the result of the inclusion of a single lengthy measure. This raises an important question: Do participants provide accurate responses to measures positioned at the end of a lengthy questionnaire? One possibility is that participants experience fatigue during questionnaire completion, leading them to engage in careless responding, and thus compromising the accuracy of their responses. Another possibility is that even the longest research questionnaires are generally too short to evoke participant fatigue. This latter possibility suggests that participants are largely able to maintain their attention while completing most questionnaires. Given the lack of clarity on this issue, we conducted two experiments (Study 1 N = 244; Study 2 N = 461) in which we randomly assigned each participant to complete a block of target scales at either the beginning or the end of a lengthy (> 300-item) questionnaire. Each participant also recruited an informant who provided reports of the participant's personality, attitudes, and behaviors. These informant data allowed us to examine the effects of the experimental manipulation on the target scales' convergent and criterion-related validity. The findings of both studies indicated that the target scales performed similarly across the two conditions. Given the ubiquity of lengthy questionnaires, these findings have far-reaching practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed-methods paper describes the development and preliminary validation of the Behavioral Intentions Questionnaire (BIQ), a multi-scale questionnaire developed to assess determinants influencing Puerto Rican adolescents' intentions to engage in abusive behaviors in dating relationships. Items were developed qualitatively, and face and content validity were established by expert and target population judges via semi-structured interviews (n = 48), discussions, and four focus groups (n = 6 each). The questionnaire was pilot tested twice. An initial pilot test was conducted with students aged 13 to 17 from a private alternative education program in San Juan, Puerto Rico (n = 32). A second pilot test was conducted with a sample of students from the same site (n = 22), in addition to students in the same age range from a private school (n = 88) in San Juan. Confirmatory and Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine construct validity and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the subscales internal consistency reliability. Correlations between subscales were examined. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Qualitative data suggested the need to revise or eliminate items and instructions and incorporate a social desirability measure. Factor analyses yielded a unidimensional structure for each subscale and each subscale demonstrated high internal consistency. Preliminary analysis on the factor structure, internal reliability, and validity of the BIQ were encouraging. However, further psychometric testing is needed before this measure can be considered a useful tool for measuring intentions to engage in abusive behaviors in dating relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress is ubiquitous in everyday life and hazardous for mental and physical health. To prevent or ameliorate stress-related disease, relaxation exercises aim to counteract stress by inducing short-lasting states of relaxation on a regular basis. Critically, current assessments capture the mid- and long-term consequences of relaxation, however, cannot measure its short-term effects on an individual's momentary psychological state. To address this problem, we developed the Relaxation State Questionnaire (RSQ). We assessed the psychometric quality of the questionnaire by investigating its item properties, reliability, and validity in an online study with 92 participants. Construct validity was examined through correlations with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ; Fliege in https://doi.org/10.23668/PSYCHARCHIVES.2889, 2009). An exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors capturing the momentary state of muscle tension, sleepiness, cardiovascular activity, and general relaxation. In a second online study with 99 participants, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis. Results revealed high item loadings (0.70–0.91), excellent reliability (α = 0.86) and excellent fit indices, and a good construct validity of the RSQ. These findings establish the RSQ as a tool to measure momentary states of relaxation. As such, the RSQ opens up research of the immediate subjective effects and the effectiveness of relaxation exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to translate and validate an Arabic version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Head and Neck Scale (FACT-H&N, v-4) for use among Sudanese oral cancer patients. Methods: The instrument underwent translation and validation following the standard FACT translation methodology. The translated instrument was pre-tested for face validity and content validity using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten oral cancer patients to assess acceptability. The questionnaire was pilot tested with 60 patients; reliability was tested for internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha while construct validity was tested using 'known-group validity'. Results: The pre-test study revealed no major issues, apart from a reluctance to answer questions on sexual satisfaction. The FACT-H&N demonstrated good internal consistency, it considered five particular constructs: PWB, SWB, EWB, FWB and FACT-H&N, their Cronbach's α values were positive and close to 1 with values of 0.85, 0.788, 0.86, 0.895 and 0.703 respectively, indicating that the questionnaire was valid and the responses consistent. Sixty patients were asked the global health-related quality of life item, 36.3% rated their QOL as very good or good (36.3%), while 41.7% rated it as average, and 21.7% as poor or very poor. Then FACT subscale mean scores were tabulated against three categories; patients with very poor/poor recorded significantly lower scores indicating construct validity. Some psychometric properties were consistent with other FACT-H&N translations such as the Chinese, French, Pakistani and Malaysian. Conclusions: This study validates the Arabic version of the FACT-H&N. It is a reliable tool and, will assist further QoL research in other Arabic-speaking countries. Plain English Summary: While survival rates are routinely used to evaluate treatment outcomes in oral cancer, increased understanding of the human cost of this disease highlights the need to also consider the impact of the disease and therapy on patients' quality of life (QoL). Measurement of quality of life outcomes requires a validated QoL questionnaire with proven applicability in that specific context. Little research has been undertaken on the QoL of cancer patients in Sudan and no published research exists to date on the QoL of Sudanese oral cancer patients. While an Arabic version of the FACT-G general questionnaire exists, the FACT-H&N module was not previously available in Arabic. This paper describes the translation of the FACT-H&N from English into Arabic to suit Sudanese patients and other Arabic-speaking patients, with a detailed pre-test review by 10 patients, a pilot study with 60 patients and further validation with 130 patients. This study represents the first QoL research undertaken in oral cancer patients in Sudan and provides some insight into the impact of oral cancer on their lives. Findings from this study indicate that the Arabic version of the FACT-H&N questionnaire is a valid, reliable and acceptable method for assessing health related QoL in Arabic-speaking Sudanese oral cancer patients. This work will benefit future researchers working with Arabic-speaking oral cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) is a self-administered instrument for determining pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The PFBQ was validated in English, but lately in other languages. However, a Chinese version has not been established. Thus, we aimed at validating a Chinese PFBQ version. Methods: We used a translation-back method to develop a PFBQ Chinese version and validated in 102 women, 51 with at least one PFD symptom participated in the patient group, and 51 without PFD in the control group. Construct validity was assessed by comparing groups and a content validity index (CVI) determined. For test–retest reliability, participants completed the questionnaire twice within 1-week interval and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's statistics. Results: Missing information after applying the translated PFBQ did not exceed 4% of any questions. Total scores between control and PFD women were significantly different (2.94 ± 1.84 vs. 10.29 ± 6.64; P < 0.001). The CVI for all items ranged from 0.800 to 1.000, and a good reliability was corroborated (α = 0.677, ICC = 0.938). Conclusion: The Chinese PFBQ version is a valid and reliable tool to identify the existence and severity of bothersome symptoms in Chinese women with PFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In areas where children have multiple environmental exposures to enteric pathogens, identifying the sources of exposure by measuring external and internal exposures to enteric pathogens and complementing by questionnaire and observational checklist to capture behaviors resulting risk of exposure is critical. Accordingly, this study was conducted to design valid and reliable questionnaire to assess behaviors and environmental conditions resulting exposure to enteric pathogens in the rural northwest Ethiopia. We began with a thorough exploration of relevant literature to understand the theoretical framework on the research objectives to identify variables to highlight what the questionnaire is measuring. We then generated items in each domain that can effectively address the study objectives and we refined and organized the items in a suitable format. Then after, we conducted face and content validity by involving experts on the research subject. After pre-testing a pre-final version of the instrument generated in the content validity study, we conducted a pilot study in 150 randomly selected rural households to test the internal consistency reliability. We used content validity ratio (CVR), item-level content validity index (I-CVIs), scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/UA), and modified kappa statistics to measure content validity of items. Moreover, we used agreement and consistency indices (i.e., Cronbach's alpha) to assess the internal consistency of items. The content validity test result showed that the value of CVR was 0.95, I-CVIs was 0.97, and modified kappa was 0.97 for the whole items, indicating all the items are appropriate. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/UA) was 0.95 for the whole items indicating the agreement among judges to each items is higher. The internal consistency reliability test result indicated that Cronbach's alpha for the pre-final version of the pre-final tool was 0.85, indicating the strong reliability of the tool. The final version of the questionnaire was, therefore, prepared with 8 dimensions and 80 items. In this study, we designed valid and reliable questionnaire to assess behaviors and environmental conditions that result high risk of exposure to enteric infections in rural settings. The questionnaire can be used as a tool in the rural settings of developing countries with some amendments to account local contexts. However, this questionnaire alone does not measure exposure of children to enteric infections. It only complements external and internal exposure assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With higher efficacy of cancer therapies, the numbers and types of side effects experienced by patients have also increased, evidencing a need for brief assessments of side effect bother. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) includes the item "I am bothered by side effects of treatment" (GP5). This study aimed to confirm GP5's validity in a large, diverse, real-world patient sample.Methods: Real-world data were drawn from 10 Adelphi Disease Specific Programmes (DSP™) conducted between 2015 and 2019 in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA, covering 10 cancer sites. We examined correlations between GP5 responses and varied measures of patient-reported global health and the number of side effects experienced. We explored whether more advanced patients and those with worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Rating (ECOG PSR) reported greater side effect bother. Finally, we conducted differential item functioning (DIF) assessment using the Mantel-Haenszel approach.Results: The sample included 6755 advanced cancer patients. GP5 responses were distributed similarly across most cancer sites. A moderate, negative correlation (rpolyserial =  - 0.43) between GP5 responses and global health evidenced convergent validity. Known groups validity was evidenced by dichotomised distributions of GP5, showing expected results between cancer stage 2 vs. 3 and 4 and with ECOG PSR (p < 0.001). Little evidence of DIF was found.Conclusion: GP5 exhibited evidence of validity across cancer sites and countries and appeared to measure the same construct across these countries. GP5 has significant promise as a summary indicator of side effect bother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood asthma is an important unmet need. To date, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for children with asthma have used a combination of caregiver or proxy-reported and self-reported measures. No comprehensive measure is available to assess the severity and impact of daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms and rescue medication use for self-completion by children aged 6–11 years. This study aimed to develop a novel, interactive, electronic Pediatric Asthma Symptom Diary (ePASD) measuring self-reported key symptom severity and proximal impacts of asthma in young children with varying reading ability and disease severity, consistent with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) PRO guidance and the International Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) good research practices. Methods: A targeted literature review and clinician interviews were undertaken to characterize symptoms and impacts experienced by children with mild-to-severe asthma. Concept elicitation interviews (CEIs) were conducted with 44 children and their caregivers (30 US; 14 UK). Following item and digital application development, the ePASD was assessed for relevance, understanding, and interpretability through cognitive debriefing interviews (CDIs) with 21 US children. Face validity/translatability assessments were also performed. Results: Key measurement concepts included cough, wheeze, difficulty breathing, chest tightness/discomfort, nighttime awakening, and daytime activity limitations. Concept saturation was reached during CEIs for primary asthma-related daytime and nighttime symptoms and core impacts. Most CDI participants found the ePASD items clear, understandable, and comprehensive. Standardized training is anticipated to facilitate reliable child self-report. Conclusion: The ePASD, a novel PROM for children aged 6–11 years with asthma, uses an innovative multimedia approach and has been developed in accordance with FDA PRO guidance and ISPOR good research practices, directly capturing the child's self-reported asthma symptoms, impacts on daily activities and nighttime awakening, and rescue medication use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Postpartum Sexual Quality of Life Scale (PSQLS) in Iran. We employed a mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase (17 interviews and two focus groups), we generated items for the scale. In the quantitative phase (N = 282), we assessed the psychometric properties of the pre-final version. The final version contained 22 items. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a 5-factor solution that jointly accounted for 59.6% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.87. The PSQLS showed good validity and reliability and could be used to evaluate women's postpartum sexual life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical practice, assessing digital health literacy is important to identify patients who may encounter difficulties adapting to digital health using digital technology and service. We developed the Digital Health Technology Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (DHTL-AQ) to assess the ability to use digital health technology, services, and data. The DHTL-AQ was developed in three phases. In the first phase, the conceptual framework and domains and items were generated from a systematic literature review using relevant theory and surveys. In the second phase, a cross-sectional survey with 590 adults age ≥ 18 years was conducted at an academic hospital in Seoul, Korea in January and February 2020 to test face validity of the items. Then, psychometric validation was conducted to determine the final items and cut-off scores of the DHTL-AQ. The eHealth literacy scale, the Newest Vital Sign, and 10 mobile app task ability assessments were examined to test validity. The final DHTL-AQ includes 34 items in two domains (digital functional and digital critical literacy) and 4 categories (Information and Communications Technology terms, Information and Communications Technology icons, use of an app, evaluating reliability and relevance of health information). The DHTL-AQ had excellent internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.95; 0.87–0.94 for subtotals) and acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.821, TLI = 0.807, SRMR = 0.065, RMSEA = 0.090). The DHTL-AQ was highly correlated with task ability assessment (r = 0.7591), and moderately correlated with the eHealth literacy scale (r = 0.5265) and the Newest Vital Sign (r = 0.5929). The DHTL-AQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure digital health technology literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrapersonal emotion regulation is accepted to have an important role on mental health. However, research investigating the effects of interpersonal emotion regulation on mental health is still in its infancy. The objective of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ) in Turkish samples. For this purpose, IERQ was translated into Turkish and psychometric properties of the scale were examined in two different samples. Structural, concurrent, and criterion validity, as well as reliability analyses, were conducted. Results confirmed the four-factor structure of the original scale. Supporting concurrent validity, IERQ score revealed moderate correlations with the measures of intrapersonal emotion regulation and interpersonal problems. Results of criterion validity analysis revealed that IERQ score successfully differentiated the group with low interpersonal problems from the group with high. The twenty-item Turkish IERQ appeared to be a reliable and valid measure of interpersonal emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatigue is a common and often disturbing sequela of serious chronic health conditions. In the widely applied HRQL instrument, the EQ-5D, this aspect is not included directly, for its assumed lack of additional information. We investigated the validity of this assumption by determining the gain—if any—of an additional fatigue item to the EQ-5D-5L in a general population sample. Methods: A Dutch general population sample (including diseased people) completed a web-based survey including the EQ-5D-5L and the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). The RPQ fatigue item was used to create the EQ-5D-5L + Fatigue. We head-to-head compared the psychometric performance contrasting the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-5L + Fatigue: distribution (e.g. ceiling), informativity cf. Shannon's indices, convergent validity, domain dependency, and explanatory power. Results were compared between subgroups with and without ≥ 1 chronic health condition. Results: The study population consisted of 3027 persons of whom 52% had a chronic health condition. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.83 and 48% experienced some degree of fatigue. Adding the fatigue item to the EQ-5D-5L decreased the ceiling effect, increased absolute informativity (Hʹ = 6.44 vs. Hʹ = 4.90) and relative informativity (Jʹ = 0.46 vs. Jʹ = 0.42). The extra fatigue item slightly increased convergent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = − 0.61 vs. − 0.62). Domain dependency analysis showed that all EQ-5D-5L domains are dominant over the fatigue item. Explanatory power of the EQ-5D-5L + Fatigue was higher compared to the EQ-5D-5L (R2 = 0.42 vs. 0.39). The gain is substantially larger in the subgroup with chronic health conditions. Conclusions: Adding a fatigue item to the EQ-5D-5L improved all psychometric performance criteria of the enriched instrument in the general population. Effects are substantially larger in the subgroup with chronic health conditions, indicating that adding a fatigue item to the EQ-5D-5L is especially relevant in evaluating the HRQL of diseased people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: This study was to translate and validate self-reported questionnaires, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) into Sinhala, the language spoken by the majority of Sri Lankans. Methods: A total of 270 patients were enrolled in this study. Two groups were selected with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)—cases and without POP—controls in a ratio of 1:2 respectively. Psychometric properties of the questionnaires were assessed using content validity, face validity, convergent validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and reliability. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) was used as the test to quantify POP. Results: Excellent content validity was demonstrated by a content validity ratio for all items by experts. Face validity was confirmed by non-experts using a five-point Likert scale and Mann–Whitney U test for all items. Internal consistency was found to be high for both questionnaires (Cronbach's alpha >0.8) in all items. Construct validity was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve is above 0.5 in all items in both questionnaires. Convergent validity was assessed using Pearson coefficient correlation, which was above 0.8 for all subscales. Reliability was low for all subscales in the paired t test. Conclusions: The Sinhala versions of PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 were valid, consistent, responsive, but have low reliability in the Sri Lankan setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to develop and validate a scale to assess the inhibitors to reflective writing of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. The other aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. To prepare the first item pool of the questionnaire, the researchers reviewed the previous related literature and prepared the first item pool with 62 items. At the next stage, based on the judgments of some experts in the field regarding the items of the questionnaire, 31 items were deleted and the next draft included 31 items. Then, 265 EFL teachers were invited to fill out the questionnaire. As the next step, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to investigate the construct validity of the scale. Based on the results of EFA, 10 items were deleted. The final draft of the questionnaire included 21 items with three factors including 'teachers' issues', 'students' issues', and 'institutions and educational system issues'. In addition, a Cronbach's alpha coefficient was run to measure the internal consistency of the scale and the findings indicated a satisfactory level of reliability. The findings have implications for pedagogy as well as further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) is a commonly used region-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that quantify upper extremity function (activity limitation) and symptoms. Current evidence suggests that measurement properties of the adapted versions of the DASH are not sufficiently examined. The Arabic DASH has evidence supporting its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness. On the other hand, the validity of the assumed unidimensionality of the Arabic DASH has not been examined previously. The aim of this study was to examine the structural validity of the Arabic DASH in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders using Rasch measurement model. Methods: Patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders were recruited and were asked to complete the Arabic DASH at their initial visit to physical therapy departments. The overall fit of the Arabic DASH to the requirement of the Rasch measurement model was examined using chi-square statistics for item-trait interaction, mean item and person fit residuals. The fit of individual items, thresholds ordering, local dependency, differential item functioning (DIF), and unidimensionality using the t-test approach were also examined. Results: The Arabic DASH did not fit the Rasch measurement model initially (χ2 = 179.04, p < 0.001) with major breach of local item independence and a pattern of high residual correlations among the activity-related items and among the impairment-related items. Combining items into activity-limitation and impairment testlets accommodated the local dependency and led to satisfactory fit of the Arabic DASH to the requirement of the Rasch measurement model (χ2 = 3.99, p = 0.41). Conclusions: Rasch measurement model supports the structural validity of the Arabic DASH as a unidimensional measure after the accommodation of local dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presbyopia is the age-related deterioration in the ability to focus on close objects. In order to develop a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to assess near vision functioning, the Near Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ) was adapted to incorporate modern technology (e.g. smartphones) and to be appropriate for use in phakic presbyopia, leading to the development of the NAVQ-Presbyopia (NAVQ-P). Additional single-item instruments of near vision correction independence (NVCI), correction preference (NVCP), and vision satisfaction (NVS) were also developed. The study aimed to evaluate the content validity of the NAVQ-P and additional instruments in individuals with phakic presbyopia. Methods: Participants in the US (n = 15), Germany (n = 10) and France (n = 10) took part in face-to-face, qualitative, cognitive debriefing interviews. Seven healthcare professionals (HCPs) were also interviewed to assess the clinical relevance of the PRO instruments. Interviews started with open-ended qualitative concept elicitation questioning; participants then completed the PRO instruments on an electronic tablet using a "think-aloud" process and were asked about their understanding and relevance of each item, instruction, response scale and recall period. Interviews were conducted in two rounds allowing for modifications between rounds. Results: The participants interpreted the majority of the PRO instruments and recall period correctly and consistently. They were able to select an appropriate response option without difficulty. Minor modifications were made to the PRO instruments based on interview findings. Instruction/item wording was modified to include reference to use of a magnifying glass, in addition to glasses and contact lenses. Two items were added to assess difficulty with precision tasks (e.g. sewing) and taking longer to adjust from distance to near vision. HCPs confirmed the relevance of the concepts being measured for presbyopia and recommended the addition of an item assessing contrast sensitivity. Conclusions: Developed in accordance with the FDA PRO Guidance, the findings support content validity of the NAVQ-P as a suitable, well-understood instrument of relevant near vision functioning concepts in individuals with phakic presbyopia. The NVCI and additional PRO instruments are appropriate to assess near vision correction independence, correction preference, and vision satisfaction. Future work will assess the psychometric properties of the NAVQ-P and additional PRO instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to validate the Italian version of the Religious Beliefs and Mental Illness Stigma Scale (I-RBMIS): a self-report measure of religious beliefs that may contribute to stigma regarding mental disorders. Scale validation included: linguistic validation; pilot test for understandability; face validity; factor analysis as test of dimensionality; Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test to evaluate sample sampling adequacy; internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha; scale validity was assessed through concurrent criterion validity using as gold standard the Italian version of Attribution Questionnaire 27 and mental health knowledge schedule; A total of 311 people agreed to participate in the study. Face validity showed that 13 items out of 16 were completely understandable while only three items (4, 9 and 13) highlighted small lexical concerns. The average compilation time was under 4 min. Bartlett's test for sphericity was statistically significant (Χ2 = 1497.54; df = 120; p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha values were acceptable both for the entire questionnaire (0.80) and for the morality/sin subscale (0.73), whereas it was slightly below the standard cutoff for the spiritually oriented causes/treatments (0.68). Scale validity showed a positive correlation between I-RBMIS and AQ-27-I, and a negative correlation between I-RBMIS and MAKS-I. I-RBMIS demonstrated good psychometric properties to assess stigmatizing religious beliefs toward mental illness in general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The LARS score is an internationally well-accepted questionnaire to assess low anterior resection syndrome, but currently there is no formally validated Italian version. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Italian version among Italian patients submitted to sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: The English version of the LARS score was translated into Italian following the forward-and-back translation process. A total of 147 patients filled out our version. Among them, 40 patients answered the questionnaire twice for the test-retest reliability phase. The validity of the LARS score was tested using convergent and discriminant validity indicators by correlating the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires. The LARS score capability to differentiate groups of patients with different demographic or clinical features was also assessed. Results: The test-retest reliability was excellent in 87.5% of patients, remained in the same LARS category in both tests. The convergent validity phase showed a relevant relationship of the LARS score with the EORTC domains, which was significant for 7 of 15 EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales, and for 14 of 29 EORTC QLQ-CR29 subscales. The LARS score was able to discriminate patients who received radiotherapy (p = 0.0026), TME vs. PME (p = 0.0060), tumour site at < 10 cm from the anal verge (p = 0.0030) and history of protective stoma (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The Italian version of the LARS score is a valid and reliable tool for measuring LARS in Italian patients after SSS for rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research is to examine the factor structure of the Interpersonal Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ), and the Interpersonal Behavior Questionnaire Self (IBQ-Self), two scales developed for the purpose of measuring supportive and thwarting interpersonal behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the psychometric proprieties, the nomological validity with the basic needs' satisfaction and frustration as well as the measurement invariance between gender, and differences across latent means. For the IBQ, 837 Portuguese gym members aged between 18 to 63 years old (M = 34.58; SD = 11.35) participated in this study. They had been practicing physical exercise for about 43.00 ± 37.00 months. For IBQ-Self, 612 trainers, with a professional experience that ranged from 12 to 492 months (M = 88.54; SD = 77.89), participated in this study. The analysis revealed that both scales had good fit, achieving convergent and discriminant validity. In addition, they show acceptable internal consistency and invariance between gender. Nomological validity displayed projected results, according to theoretical and empirical literature. Regarding analysis of the psychometric proprieties, IBQ and IBQ-Self can be applied to Portuguese exercisers and exercise physiologist to measure perceived behaviors from others and self-reported behaviors, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on deliberate and mindful parenting constructs, including metaparenting, has become increasingly popular. However, this topic has not been widely examined in China and Hong Kong. To provide a psychometrically-sound instrument for such research endeavor in the region, this study adopted the Metaparenting Profile Questionnaire Short-form (MPPQ-S) by Holden (2008) and examined the psychometric properties of its Chinese version including its factor structure, internal reliability and concurrent validity. Participants were 293 Chinese mothers in Hong Kong with a focal child in elementary school. They were invited to complete a set of questionnaires measuring their metaparenting thoughts, parental sense of competence and satisfaction, and parenting practices. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the proposed five-factor structure of the Chinese MPPQ-S had an acceptable fit. The questionnaire also demonstrated adequate internal reliability, and was associated with parental competence and satisfaction as well as self-reported parenting practices which supported its concurrent validity. The overall results suggest that the Chinese MPPQ-S is a satisfactory measure of metaparenting thoughts in the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate content validity of the IntraVenous and SubCutaneous Treatment Administration Satisfaction Questionnaires (TASQ-IV and TASQ-SC), for use in a clinical trial population of participants with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) undergoing eculizumab treatment. Methods: Participants underwent semi-structured combined brief introduction to disease history and full cognitive debriefing interviews to establish symptoms and key impacts of PNH and to explore the clarity and relevance of both sets of instructions (TASQ-IV and TASQ-SC). The clarity, relevance, response options, and recall period of the TASQ-IV items were also explored. Results: Ten participants with PNH were recruited. Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom (n = 7); the most commonly reported impact of PNH was on physical activity (n = 4). Nine participants indicated understanding and relevance of the TASQ-IV instructions; three participants suggested changes. Of the 20 TASQ-IV items, ≥ 15 were considered understandable, relevant and to have suitable response options (n ≥ 8). The TASQ-SC instructions were understood by all participants; seven participants indicated relevance. While a few participants suggested minor changes for the items, these reflected the one-off completion of the measure in an interview setting and were thus not considered sufficient to justify modification of the measure for clinical trial completion. Conclusions: Most participants understood the TASQ-IV and TASQ-SC instructions (n = 9 and 10, respectively) and the TASQ-IV items were considered clear, relevant and to have suitable response options, demonstrating face and content validity of the instruments for the clinical trial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNC) are one of the most traumatic forms of cancer because they affect essential aspects of life such as speech, swallowing, eating and disfigurement. HNCs are common in India, with over 100,000 cases being registered each year. HNC and treatment are both associated with considerable anxiety and depression. With increasing multinational research, no suitable measures in Indian languages are available to assess anxiety and depression in Indian HNC patients. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of cross-culturally adapted versions of Zung's self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Patient health questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9) in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi speaking Indian HNC populations. Methods: HNC patients were recruited from three tertiary cancer centres in India. Patients completed the cross-culturally adapted versions of SAS and PHQ-9. We assessed targeting, scaling assumptions, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses), convergent validity, and internal consistency reliability. Results: The study sample included 205 Tamil, 216 Telugu and 200 Hindi speaking HNC patients. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two-factor solution for PHQ-9 and four-factor solution for SAS in all three languages. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged between 0.717 and 0.890 for PHQ-9 and between 0.803 and 0.868 for SAS, indicating good reliability. Correlations between hypothesized scales were as expected providing evidence towards convergent validity. Conclusions: This first psychometric evaluation of the measurement properties of Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions of the SAS and PHQ-9 in large, Indian HNC populations supported their use as severity and outcome measures across the disease and treatment continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]