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Background: The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) instruments and their correlation with psychological distress and time spent on Internet activities among university students in Ghana. Methods: In the present cross-sectional survey design study, 520 participants (35.96% female) were recruited with a mean age of 19.55 years (SD = 1.94) from several university departments (i.e., Behavioral Sciences, Materials Engineering, Nursing and Midwifery, and Biochemistry and Biotechnology) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) between 19 July and 04 August, 2023. Participants completed a survey that included the following measures: the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT), Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Smartphone Application Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and the external criterion measure: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out to evaluate the structure of the instruments. Cronbach's α, McDonald's ω, and composite reliability were used to evaluate internal consistency. Pearson correlation was used to examine the associations between the scores of instruments assessing PIU, time spent on Internet activities, and the level of psychological distress. Results: Model fits confirmed the (i) unidimensional structure of the GDT, BSMAS, SABAS, IGDS9-SF, (ii) two-factor structure of the GADIS-A, and (iii) four-factor structure of the NMP-Q. Additionally, the study found that different types of PIU were significantly associated with psychological distress and time spent on related Internet activities. Conclusion: The six instruments validated in the present study demonstrated very good to excellent psychometric properties when applied to university students in Ghana. The significant associations between Internet-related disorders, time spent on Internet-related activities, and psychological distress highlight the importance of addressing issues of PIU among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementation of exercise training in people with kidney failure may be affected by clinicians' attitudes. Objectives: To investigate Danish nephrology nurses' and medical doctors' attitudes towards: exercise for people undergoing dialysis; use of physical activity interventions in chronic kidney disease; and to compare Danish and previously reported Australian nurse attitudes. Design: Cross‐sectional survey. Participants: Nurses and medical doctors from the nephrology field in Denmark. Measurements: The questionnaire attitudes towards exercise in dialysis, and questions about exercise advice, counselling and interventions. Results: Nephrology nurses (n = 167) and 17 medical doctors (women 92%, age 47 ± 11 years) from 19 dialysis units participated. There were no differences between nurses' and medical doctors attitudes about training. Ninety‐five % and 88% of nurses and medical doctors, respectively, agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Exercise training was offered to people undergoing haemodialyses in 88% of 17 departments. Danish nurses reported more positive attitudes than Australian towards exercise (p < 0.05). Ninety‐five % and 86% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Six % and 35% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people with dialysis were too sick to exercise. Conclusion: Danish nephrology nurses and medical doctors had mostly positive attitudes to exercise training to people undergoing dialysis, and exercise to people with dialysis was offered frequently. Danish and Australian nurses had positive attitudes to exercise to people undergoing dialysis, it was however more positive in Danish nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a symptom‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaire for patients suffering from nasal obstruction. The instrument is designed specifically for patients with septal deviation and for the evaluation of the outcome of septoplasty. The aim of this study was to validate a Swedish version of the NOSE instrument for use in clinical practice and research. Methods: A Swedish version of the NOSE was tested in a case group consisting of 125 subjects with nasal obstruction (of which 31 underwent septoplasty) and a control group consisting of 65 healthy subjects. Base line data for the case and control groups were used to evaluate face validity, known groups validity, construct validity, internal consistency and factor structure analysis. Fifty participants in both the case groups and control groups were assessed both at baseline and after 2 weeks to evaluate test–retest reliability. The participants who underwent septoplasty were assessed at baseline and after 3–6 months to evaluate responsiveness. Results: The S‐NOSE was found to be reliable, valid, and responsive. Both Cronbach's α and McDonald Omega coefficients were >0.7, and the intra class coefficient was 0.942. The S‐NOSE scores were significantly correlated with nasal patency VAS in both the case group and the control group (p <.001 and p =.018, respectively). After septoplasty, the mean S‐NOSE score were significantly improved (p <.001). Furthermore, the S‐NOSE was shown to have excellent and robust psychometric properties. Conclusion: The S‐NOSE can be recommended in both clinical practice and research to evaluate the outcome of septoplasty in Swedish‐speaking populations. Level of Evidence: NA. A validation study of the Swedish version (S‐NOSE) of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale. The study shows that the S‐NOSE is reliable, valid, responsive, and psychometrically sound. The S‐NOSE can be recommended in both clinical practice and research to evaluate the outcome of septoplasty in Swedish‐speaking populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health literacy is important for health behavior engagement. Therefore, it is important to have a good instrument assessing health literacy with a theoretical framework. The present study aimed to examine the measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) of a newly developed health literacy instrument; that is, the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch models were used to examine the data collected from a large Iranian sample (N = 9678; 67.3% females; mean age = 36.44 years). All the participants completed the HELIA. CFA was used to examine if the HELIA had a five-factor structure (including reading, access to information, understanding, appraisal, and decision making/behavioral intention factors) and multigroup CFA to examine if the five-factor structure of HELIA was invariant across gender, educational level, accommodation, and age subgroups. Rasch models were used to examine whether each factor of HELIA was unidimensional and DIF contrast in Rasch to examine if the HELIA items were interpreted similarly across the aforementioned subgroups. The CFA results supported the five-factor structure of HELIA, and the Rasch models verified that each HELIA factor is unidimensional. Additionally, multigroup CFA supported the measurement invariance of HELIA across the following subgroups: male vs. female; highly educated vs. poorly educated; city residents vs. suburban residents; and younger age vs. older age. The DIF contrasts in the Rasch models additionally showed that there are no substantial DIF items in the HELIA across aforementioned subgroups. Therefore, the HELIA is a feasible and comprehensive instrument assessing health literacy across different populations in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound effect on mental health and it is therefore fundamental to evaluate individual psychological responses to COVID-19. The 7-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) assesses different aspects of the fear of coronavirus and has been applied worldwide. This study aimed to translate and validate the FCV-19S in the Portuguese population. The scale was administered to a convenience sample of 1203 Portuguese adults. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out on the initial model proposed by the authors of the FCV-19S. Further analysis revealed that the Portuguese version has good psychometric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the mediating role of anxiety, depression, sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep quality in the association between problematic social media use and quality of life (QoL) among patients with cancer. This cross-sectional survey study recruited 288 patients with cancer to respond to measures on anxiety, depression, sleepiness, insomnia, sleep quality, problematic social media use, and QoL. Structural Equation Modeling was used for the mediation analysis. There were significant relationships between all of the variables used in the study. It was revealed that problematic social media use did not directly influence the QoL of patients with cancer except via anxiety, depression, sleepiness, and insomnia. Sleep quality did not mediate the association between problematic social media use and QoL. Healthcare workers managing cancer should pay attention to the mental health needs of their patients even as they treat their cancer so as to improve their quality of life. Future studies may examine other variables that affect the QoL of patients with cancer as well as other mediating and moderating variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of four instruments related to internet use, namely the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), (nine-item) Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short Form (IGDS9-SF), and Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMPQ) as well as their associations with psychological distress among Malaysian university students. A total of 380 Malaysian university students (71.6% females, mean age 24.0 years) were recruited through convenience sampling and completed an online survey including questions concerning socio-demographic background, social media addiction, smartphone addiction, internet gaming disorder, and nomophobia. Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were applied to evaluate the psychometric properties of the instruments and Cronbach's alpha value and McDonald's omega value were used to confirm the internal consistency reliability of the instruments. The unidimensional structure was confirmed for the BSMAS, SABAS, and IGDS9-SF while the four-factor structure was confirmed for NMPQ. All instruments showed good internal consistency reliability. Promising validity and reliability were confirmed for BSMAS, SABAS, IGDS9-SF, and NMPQ. Therefore, they are useful to assess different types of problematic internet use among university students in Malaysia. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between internet use and psychological distress. The present study is the first to investigate the validity and reliability of BSMAS, SABAS, IGDS9-SF, and NMPQ among Malaysian university students using rigorous psychometric testing methods (i.e., Rasch analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to translate the Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS) into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties among postpartum women. Design: A total of 248 women aged 18–39 years participated in this psychometric study. The PPSS was translated into Persian using a forward‐backward method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch model analysis were used to assess the psychometric properties of the PPSS. In addition, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed simultaneously to assess the construct validity. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and corrected item‐total correlation. Results: The unidimensionality of the PPSS was supported in both CFA and Rasch analysis. The PPSS had a significant negative association with EPDS (r = −0.39 p <.001). The scale had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and the correlation between items and total score was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Persian version of PPSS with 20 items is a valid and reliable scale to assess postpartum support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A mediation model was proposed to explain how religiosity, religious cooping, and fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) explained anxiety and depression among older adults. Methods: With the use of a cross-sectional design, the Integrated Health System was used to randomly invite 1000 older adults residing in Qazvin to participate in an online survey. Within the period of November, 2020 to January 2021, 696 older Iranian adults (mean age = 69.56 years; 57.9% women) agreed to participate in the study and reported demographic information as well as measures of religiosity, fear of COVID-19, religious coping, anxiety, and depression. Results: Religiosity had direct effects on depression (B [SE] = -0.087 [0.037]; P = 0.023) but not anxiety (B [SE]=-0.063 [0.036]; P = 0.072). Moreover, both fear of COVID-19 and religious coping significantly mediated the association between religiosity and anxiety (B [SE] = -0.360 [0.035]; p = 0.002) and that between religiosity and depression (B [SE] = -0.365 [0.034]; P = 0.002). Conclusion: During the tough time of COVID-19 pandemic, religiosity and religious coping were protectors for older adults in developing good mental. Therefore, future research is needed to examine education programs that are effective for older adults to obtain correct knowledge concerning COVID-19, including the protective COVID-19 infection behaviors. Therefore, older adults may reduce their fear via their enhanced correct knowledge concerning COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main purpose of this study was the psychometric assessment of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale among Iranian older population. Methods: Using a standard "forward-backward" translation procedure, the original English version of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale was translated into Persian. Internal consistency of the scale was checked by the Cronbach's α coefficient. Convergent validity of the instrument was appraised by the Social Skills Scale and General Health Questionnaire. Factor structure of the Iranian version of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale and possible interplay between its subscales were checked through recruiting a convenient sample of 300 Iranian older people and performing the confirmatory factor analysis. Findings: The estimated Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficients for the Iranian version of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale were in the vicinity of acceptable range, that is, 0.87 and 0.93, respectively. The output of confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a four-factor model best fitted the study data (χ2 = 323.49; df = 129; p < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.913; Tucker–Lewis index = 0.901; root mean square error approximation = 0.074; standardized root mean square residual = 0.078). Rasch estimates of item difficulty ranged from –1.28 (less difficult) to 1.33 (more difficult). No significant cross-gender differences were observed regarding the Iranian version of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale's items indicating its invariant psychometric properties for use in the Iranian men and women subgroups. Ethical Considertaion: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the Tabriz university of medical science. Informed consent, information confidentiality, and voluntary participation were guaranteed. Conclusion: The study findings were indicative of applicability of the Iranian version of Jacelon's Attributed Dignity Scale as a reliable tool in measurement of the perceived social dignity among Iranian and probably other Persian-speaking older populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 9-Item Shared Decision- Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and the 9-Item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire--Physician version (SDM-Q-Doc) using comprehensive and thorough psychometric methods in an oncology setting. Methods: Cancer survivors (n = 1783; 928 [52.05%] males) and physicians (n=154; 121 [78.58%] males) participated in this study. Each cancer survivor completed the SDM-Q-9. Physicians completed the SDM-Q-Doc for each of their cancer patient. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch model were used to test the psychometric properties of SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc. Results: SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc demonstrated unidimensional structure in CFA and Rasch model. In addition, the measurement invariance was supported for both SDM-Q-9 and SDM-QDoc across sex using the multigroup CFA. Rash analysis indicates no differential item functioning (DIF)across sex for all the SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc items. SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc were moderately correlated (r = 0.41; P < 0.001). Conclusion: SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc are valid instruments to assess shared decision making in the oncology setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia is prevalent among older adults and frequently causes dependence on family caregivers. Caregivers may experience a form of stigmatization called affiliate stigma that negatively affects their mental health. The current study sought to establish the psychometric properties of a tool to measure affiliate stigma among Iranian caregivers. Methods: Overall, 541 caregivers of older people with dementia were included in this cross sectional study. Several measures were used to assess the psychometric properties of the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS) including the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form 12 (SF-12), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Convergent and discriminate validity were examined.Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were utilized to assess the factor structure of the Ass and a Rasch model was used to evaluate the measurement functioning of the scale. Results: Factor loadings ranged from 0.69 to 0.83 and test-retest reliability from 0.72 to 0.89.Item difficulty ranged widely from -0.66 to 0.89. No considerable differential item functioning (DIF) was found across gender. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the three cognitive,effective, and behavioral dimensions of the scale (comparative fit index [CFI]=0.931 to 0.995,root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.046 to 0.068). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α: 0.88 to 0.94). Significant and positive relationships were found between affiliate stigma and depression, anxiety, and care giving burden (β =0.35 to 0.46). Conclusion: The ASS is a psychometrically valid measure for assessing affiliate stigma in Iranian caregivers of people with dementia. Application of this tool among other caregivers, language sand cultures deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the high prevalence of excessive daytime disorder (EDS) among children and adolescents, daytime sleepiness should be effectively measured for them to design appropriate intervention program. However, the commonly used instrument Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) has little information in its psychometric properties. This study aimed to apply 2 different test theories to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian ESS-CHAD among a large sample of Iranian adolescents and children. Methods: In this methodological study, participants from 8 high schools (n=1371; 700 males), in Qazvin, Iran, completed the ESS-CHAD, a background information sheet, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The ESS-CHAD was translated by using a forward-backward translation method. Two weeks later, the participants completed the ESS-CHAD again. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), regression analysis testing the correlation between ESS-CHAD and ISI, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with measurement invariance, Rasch analysis with differential item functioning (DIF), and latent class analysis (LCA) were used to examine the psychometric properties of the ESS-CHAD. Results: The internal consistency (α=0.79), test-retest reliability (ICC=0.84), regression findings (β=0.39, P< 0.001), CFA (comparative fit index [CFI])=0.974, root-mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.040), supported measurement invariance (ΔCFI=-0.009 to 0.007, ΔRMSEA=-0.009 to 0.001), Rasch analysis (infit mean square=0.88 to 1.31, outfit mean square=0.68 to 1.19), and no substantial DIF (DIF contrast=-0.43 to 0.38) all indicated that ESS-CHAD is a reliable and valid instrument. The LCA further classified the sample into 2 distinct classes. Conclusion: Persian ESS-CHAD could be used to assess daytime sleepiness for adolescents who are speaking Persian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 9-item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior scale (EHFScB-9) is a self-reported questionnaire commonly used to capture the self-care behavior of people with heart failure (HF). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the EHFScB-9's factorial structure and categorical functioning of the response scale and differential item functioning (DIF) across subpopulations in Iran. Methods: Patients with HF (n = 380; 60.5% male; mean [SD] age, 61.7 [9.1] years) participated in this study. The median (interquartile range) of the duration of their HF was 6.0 (2.4-8.8) months. Most of the participants were in New York Heart Association classification II (NYHA II, 61.8%); few of them had left ventricular ejection fraction assessment (11.3%). All participants completed the EHFScB-9. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial structure of the EHFScB-9; Rasch analysis was used to analyze categorical functioning and DIF items across 2 characteristics (gender and NYHA). Results: The 2-factor structure ("adherence to regimen" and "consulting behavior") of the EHFScB-9 was confirmed, and the unidimensionality of each factor was found. Categorical functioning was supported for all items. No items displayed substantial DIF across gender (DIF contrast, j0.25Y0.31). Except for item 3 ("Contact doctor or nurse if legs/feet are swollen"; DIF contrast, j0.69), no items displayed substantial DIF across NYHA classes (DIF contrast,j0.40 to 0.47). Conclusions: Despite the DIF displayed in 1 item across the NYHA classes, the EHFScB-9 demonstrated sound psychometric properties in patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is a self-administered questionnaire to screen and detect individuals with a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. This study was designed to validate the Persian translated version of the short 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for use with the Iranian elder population. Method:A forward–backward translation method was performed to ensure the quality of the English to Persian translation. A sample of 300 Iranian elder (60 years and over) people was selected from locations known to be frequented by older adults residing in three cities in Iran. Factor of the GHQ-12 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were measured by estimating the Cronbach's alpha and Spearman correlation coefficients, respectively. Results:The study participants included 157 (52.3%) men and 143(47.7%) women with an average age of 66.5 years (SD = 5.5). Cronbach's alpha for Social dysfunction, psychological distress and overall score were 0.80, 0.78 and 0.82, respectively. The test–retest correlation coefficients among two sub-scales of the GHQ-12 as well as the overall scores ranged from 0.84 to 0.93. CFA revealed a good fit for a modified 12-item two-factor structure. Conclusion:The Persian version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable for measuring general health of Persian speaking elderly populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS) psychometrically in Iranian women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify the most frequent and efficacious coping strategies. Methods: A total of 306 women with MS participated in a cross-sectional study. A demographics questionnaire, the JCS, and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered. Forward-backward translation was used to achieve a Persian version of the scale. Cronbach α and test-retest were assessed for reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were tested using an item-scaling procedure. The association of the JCS with perceived stress was examined using multiple regression. The factor structure was also explored using rotated exploratory factor analysis. Results: Participants had a mean (SD) age of 32.0 (6.6) years, and nearly half reported visual impairment as the first symptom of disease. Cronbach α for the scale was 0.898 and for the subscales ranged from 0.254 to 0.778. Relatively good convergent and discriminant validity were achieved (success rate ≥69%). Subscales assessing optimistic, fatalistic, and emotive coping predicted stress levels. A four-factor solution explained 30% of the total variance. Optimistic and supportive coping styles were the most common and effective styles, respectively, reported. Conclusions: The JCS may be useful in assessing coping strategies in Iranian women with MS. Further studies are needed to better understand how coping styles used in practice are similar to their theoretical constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are only a few measures to assess quality of life among patients with liver disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Liver Disease Symptom Index Version 2.0 (LDSI 2.0), a disease specific measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), in Persian-speaking patients with chronic hepatitis B. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 312 patients were recruited. Data were collected from the patients using the LDSI 2.0, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, and EuroQol. Convergent and discriminant validity were investigated. Known-groups validity and factor structure of the scale were also determined. Receiver operating characteristics was used to discriminate patients based on their general health status. Results: Significant correlations were found between HRQOL measures. Disease duration, disease stage, and serum aspartate aminotransferase differentiated patients. Factor analysis determined a seven-factor solution that explained 70% of the total variance. Area under the curve in receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.706; 95% confidence interval = [0.648, 0.764]. Conclusions: The LDSI2.0 is an appropriate HRQOL scale for use among Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis B based on its solid psychometric properties in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking poses varions adverse effects on human health. Unfortunately, there is still a large population of smokers worldwide. Well understanding the potential consequences of smoking by the general public may prevent the initiation of smoking behavior and help the smokers to quit. Aims: The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and validate the Persian version of Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ). Design and methods: The backward-forward translation technique was used to setup the scales among 40 smokers. Using a convenient sampling method, 400 smokers were recruited from a smoking cessation department in Qazvin city. Internal consistency and test-retest method was used to assess reliability. Cronbach's Alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were used to assess Internal Consistency and Test-retest reliability. Predictive validity of Nicotine Dependence was measured by correlation between SCQ and Fagerstrom Test. The scale construction was verified by Factor Analysis (explanatory and confirmatory). Data are expressed as mean ± SD, which were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The average age of participants was 40 ± 0.6 (376 male, 24 female). More than half of the participants smoked between 11 and 20 cigarettes per day. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients test showed an acceptable internal consistency (ranged from 0.70 to 0.93). All items of the SCQ were significantly correlated with each other at two assessments with 2-week interval ( r ranged from 0.76 to 0.93). The ICC ranged from 0.73 to 0.89 for all factors ( p < 0.05). The scale well fitted the data (GFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.064). There were 10 factors on the scale which explained ∼78% of the variance. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Persian SCQ is a valid and reliable application among Iranian smokers. The scales can nicely recognize the smokers' views on health consequences across different languages and cultures, which is highly recommended in general public education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent problem in the female population in Iran. A subjective assessment instrument that allows cross-cultural comparison of FSD is urgently needed. Aim. The aims of the study were to translate, validate, and enhance cross-cultural comparability of an Iranian version (IV) of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)-the IV-FSFI. Methods. A total of 448 women (19-54 years, mean 29.7, standard deviation 7.3) from five different Iranian outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinics were eligible for this study. The IV-FSFI was developed through forward and backward translation, revision by a research team, and a subsequent pilot study. After an interview for clinical diagnosis of FSD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, all participants completed the IV-FSFI for the validation study. Three hundred sixty-two women completed the IV-FSFI again, 4 weeks after the first visit. Main Outcome Measures. Test-retest reliability was determined by Pearson's product-moment correlations. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis using varimax rotation and by subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Discriminant validity was assessed with between-groups analysis of variance. Results. The overall test-retest reliability coefficients were high for each domain of the IV-FSFI (r ranging from 0.73 to 0.86) and the internal consistencies within the acceptable range (α from 0.72 to 0.90). Principal component analysis with varimax rotation revealed a best fitting five-factor structure similar to the original FSFI (χ2 = 2.1, degree of freedom = 17, P < 0.001). CFA confirmed the underlying domain structure, supporting the factorial validity of the IV-FSFI. Conclusions. In conclusion, the newly developed IV-FSFI has demonstrated to be a reliable and valid instrument with good psychometric properties that allows a quick and accurate preliminary screening of women with unknown sexual health status in clinics and other medical settings. Fakhri A, Pakpour AH, Burri A, Morshedi H, and Zeidi IM. The Female Sexual Function Index: Translation and validation of an Iranian version. J Sex Med 2012;9:514-523. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to translate the EORTC quality of life questionnaire for brain cancer, the QLQ-BN20, into Persian, and to evaluate its psychometric properties when used among brain cancer patients in Iran. Methods: A standard backward and forward translation procedure was used to generate the Persian language version of the QLQ-BN20. The QLQ-BN20 was administered together with the QLQ-C30 to 194 patients diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Multitrait scaling and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the hypothesized scale structure of the questionnaire. Internal consistency reliability was estimated with Cronbach's alpha. The ability of the QLQ-BN20 to distinguish between patient subgroups formed on the basis of performance status and cognitive status was evaluated, as was the responsiveness of the questionnaire to changes in performance status over time. Results: Multitrait scaling and CFA results confirmed the hypothesized scale structure. The measurement model was consistent across men and women. Internal consistency reliability of the multi-item scales ranged from 0.74 to 0.89. The QLQ-BN20 distinguished clearly between patients with relatively good versus poor performance and cognitive status, and changes in scores over time reflected changes observed in performance status ratings. Conclusions: These results support the validity and reliability of the QLQ-BN20 for use among Iranian patients diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Future studies should examine the psychometrics of the questionnaire when used in patients with brain metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of the SF-12 questionnaire in a sample of Iranian patients undergoing hemodialysis. Materials and Methods. One hundred and forty-four hemodialysis patients were included from dialysis centers in Zanjan, Iran, and were asked to complete the SF-12 and SF-36 questionnaires. An initial test-retest reliability evaluation was performed on a sample of 70 patients from the total group, with a retest interval of 14 days. Reliability was estimated by internal consistency and validity was assessed using known-group comparisons and construct validity on the patient group as a whole. A linear regression analysis was used to assess any variation in the physical component summary and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 with the respective component summary scores of the SF-12. In addition, the factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing a confirmatory factor analysis. Results. Cronbach a for physical and mental component summaries were 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. The SF-12 showed a good discriminatory ability between subgroups of patients based on demographic and clinical variables. The confirmatory factor analysis for the original two-factor structure showed a good fit index (chi2 = 23.30, degrees of freedom = 13), goodness-of-fit index = 0.96, and root mean squared error of approximation = 0.079). Conclusions. In general, the SF-12 has good psychometric properties and can be used as a shorter version of the SF-36 questionnaire in future studies involving Iranian patients undergoing hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the study were to translate the Kidney Disease Quality of Life - Short Form version 1.3 (KDQOL-SF ver. 1.3) questionnaire into Iranian (Farsi), and to then assess it in terms of validity and reliability on Iranian patients. The questionnaire was first translated into Farsi by two independent translators, and then subsequently translated back into English. After translation disparities had been reconciled, the final Iranian questionnaire was tested. An initial test-retest reliability evaluation was performed over a 10 day period on a sample of 20 patients recruited from a larger group (212 patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis). Afterwards, reliability was estimated by internal consistency, and validity was assessed using known group comparisons and constructs for the patient group as a whole. Finally, the factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing exploratory factor analysis. All of the scales in the questionnaire showed good test-retest reliability (i.e. intraclass correlations between test and retest scores were >0.7). All of the scales met the minimal criteria (0.7) for internal consistency and Cronbach's-α ranged 0.71-0.93. Furthermore, results from a discriminate validity evaluation showed that the questionnaire could be used to discriminate between subgroups of the patients. Finally, a principal component analysis of the disease-specific scales indicated that this part of the questionnaire could be summarized into an 11 factor structure that jointly accounted for 79.81% of the variance. The Iranian version of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire is both highly reliable and valid for use with Iranian patients on haemodialysis. This paper addresses the issue of quality of life in patients with kidney failure describing the process of translating the well-known KDQOL into Iranian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the present study were to (i) re-evaluate and expand the psychometric properties of two weight stigma instruments—the Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS) and the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) among a large sample of adolescents using advanced psychometric methods and (ii) examine how the different types of weight stigma (i.e., PWSS and WSSQ) are associated with psychological distress. Cross-sectional study. In September 2023, a cross-sectional survey utilising convenience sampling was used to recruit 9995 adolescents (mean age = 16.36 years [standard deviation = 0.78]; 57.8% males). They completed the PWSS, WSSQ, and a measure on psychological distress. The data were analysed using Rasch analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modelling (SEM), and network analysis. The CFA and Rasch model results showed acceptable psychometric properties regarding factor structure, factor loading, difficulty, and infit and outfit mean squares (except Items 4 and 7 of the PWSS). There was no substantial differential item functioning for any tested items across the sex and weight categories. The CFA and SEM results showed promising validity indices with significant associations between both weight stigma scales and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress). Network analysis showed inter-variable connectivity between nodes PWSS3 (" People act as if they are afraid of you ") and WSSQF7 (" I feel insecure about others' opinions of me "). Both weight stigma scales had acceptable psychometric properties and were significantly associated with psychological distress, although each assessed different types of weight stigma. This suggests that researchers and clinicians can use these scales to reliably and validly assess weight stigmas among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gerascophobia or excessive fear of aging is a prevalent yet understudied phenomenon. • Gerascophobia can have significant impact on mental health. • The Gerascophobia or Excessive Fear of Ageing Scale (GEFAS) was developed as a brief instrument to assess fear of aging. • The GEFAS demonstrated high reliability with α > 0.80. • The GEFAS demonstrated also strong structural validity. Gerascophobia, or excessive fear of aging, is thought to be caused by a mixture of cognitive, experiential, and physiological factors acting on a person at particular time points. Measurement tools for evaluating geraschophobia remain insufficiently developed, despite this commonplace fear's distress. The objective of the current study was to develop and validate the Gerascophobia or Excessive Fear of Aging Scale (GEFAS) and analyze its psychometric properties. Three successive investigations were carried out with a total of 1594 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the GEFAS. Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed by examining relationships with measures of depression, anxiety, stress, death anxiety, psychosocial illness, and life satisfaction. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors that predict fear of aging. The GEFAS demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach alpha >0.8). Factor analysis supported a single-factor solution for the scale (fitness indices CFI, TLI, NNFI, NFI, RFI, and MFI all > 0.95; RMSEA=0.06. Significant positive correlations were found between fear of aging and depression (r = 0.270; p < 0.01), anxiety (r = 0.311; p < 0.01), stress (r = 0.285; p < 0.01), death anxiety (r = 0.600; p < 0.01), and psychosocial illness (r = 0.243; p < 0.01). A significant inverse correlation was observed with life satisfaction. Gender differences were also noted, with women exhibiting greater fear of aging than men (p < 0.01; d = 0.488). The GEFAS fills a significant gap in the psychological/psychiatric literature as a useful tool for evaluating the fear of aging. The study concludes that the excessive fear of aging contributes to poor mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that there is limited evidence concerning the psychometric properties of DASS-21 when applied to primary school students, the present study undertook a comprehensive exploration of the psychometric evidence supporting the use of the DASS-21 within this demographic. The research comprised three studies. In Study 1, the basic psychometric properties of internal consistency and construct validity were examined. A total of 3138 primary school students from three provinces in mainland China participated. The internal reliability of the overall scale was 0.93, and for all the subscales, it was higher than 0.80. Construct validity was partially supported. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses upheld the factorial validity of the original three-factor structure. While convergent validity was established, the results showed unsatisfactory discriminant validity. The bifactor model showed that DASS-21 raw scores predominantly indicated the general factor, evidenced by the high explained common variance and omega-hierarchical values. However, the contributions from the three specific factors were minimal, with their omega hierarchical values all below 0.15. In Study 2, a longitudinal design was adopted, tracking 1366 primary school students from Southwest China over a three-month interval. The results further confirmed that the DASS-21 exhibited scalar time-invariance. The latent mean analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the latent means of depression, anxiety, and stress between Time 1 and Time 2. In Study 3, which included 364 college students and 483 enterprise workers, the results demonstrated that the DASS-21 had measurement invariance across different populations. The latent mean analysis further confirmed that, in terms of the latent mean of all three subscales, both college students and enterprise workers had significantly higher scores than primary school students. Overall, the findings indicated that the DASS-21 is a suitable tool for screening schoolchildren for general psychological distress, but it is not suitable for discerning distinct negative mood state disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Several tools for the assessment of sexuality-related distress are now available. The Female Sexual Distress Scale ( FSDS) and its revised version ( FSDS- R) are extensively validated and among the most widely used tools to measure sexually related personal distress. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the FSDS- R in a population sample of Iranian women. Methods A total of 2,400 married and potentially sexually active women were recruited and categorized into three groups including (i) a healthy control group; (ii) a group of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder ( HSDD); and (iii) a group of women suffering from other female sexual dysfunction ( FSD). Participants were asked to complete a set of questionnaires including the Iranian version of the Female Sexual Function Index ( FSFI- IV), the FSDS- R, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Main Outcome Measures Sexuality-related distress and FSD as assessed by the Iranian version of the FSDS- R and the FSFI- IV are the main outcome measures. Results Internal consistencies and test-retest reliability of the FSDS- R across the three assessments points for the three groups were >0.70. The FSDS- R correlated significantly with anxiety, depression, and the FSFI total score. Significant differences in the FSDS- R scores were found between healthy women, women with HSDD, and women with other types of FSD. Factor analysis of the FSDS- R yielded a single-factor model with an acceptable fit. Conclusions The Persian version of the FSDS- R is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of sexuality-related distress in Iranian women and can be used to screen patients with HSDD. Azimi Nekoo E, Burri A, Ashrafti F, Fridlund B, Koenig HG, Derogatis LR, and Pakpour AH. Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised in women. J Sex Med 2014;11:995-1004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]