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In this research, we conducted two studies to validate a multidimensional scale of fan engagement behavior. In Study 1, we generated survey items through a systematic review of the relevant literature, collected data from fans of professional baseball (n = 319) and soccer (n = 301), and provided evidence for the construct and concurrent validity of the scale composed of six dimensions. In Study 2, we reassessed construct validity in professional baseball (n = 582) and found that fan engagement behavior was represented by the proposed six dimensions with a final list of 21 items. Further, our predictive analysis throughout a season showed that fan engagement behavior fully mediated the relationship between predictor (team identification and awareness of fan engagement initiatives) and outcome variables (media viewing frequency, attendance frequency, and flourishing). The developed scale advances our understanding of fans' voluntary actions that are culturally embedded in spectator sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) and 360° video can provide new opportunities for testing and training in sport. Both options offer different benefits in terms of efficacy for training, ease of use, and cost. This creates questions about the implementation of immersive technologies, and research is required to further understand their use. We aimed to gain initial evidence of athletes' perceptions of face validity and fidelity in VR and 360-video. Thirty-nine international pathway cricketers experienced five overs in VR cricket and in a 360-video recording. After trying each technology, players completed questionnaires to measure perceptions of presence and task workload. Participants reported immersive experience in both methods, but higher levels of realism, possibility to act, physical effort, temporal constraints, and task control in VR. 360-video offers a better possibility to visually examine the environment, while VR offers enhanced realism and physical elements, but 360-video may still offer affordable solutions for visual tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: An easy-to-administer, function-based questionnaire to assess patients with various foot problems was required for a Greek-speaking population. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Quick Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (Quick-FAAM) into Greek and evaluate its reliability and validity. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Established international guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires were followed. The face and content validity of the Greek version of the Quick-FAAM (Quick-FAAM-GR), as well as the internal consistency and test-retest reliability upon repeated administration after 5 days, were examined. In addition, the construct validity of the scale was examined via exploratory factor analysis as well as by testing for associations with the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, the 12-item Short-Form Survey (version 2), and a functional balance assessment test--the Y-Balance Test. Results: Sixty participants (18 women) with self-reported chronic ankle instability symptoms, with a median (interquartile range) age of 27 (7.7) years, participated in the study. Half of the participants were included in the test-retest reliability study. The Quick-FAAM-GR demonstrated face and content validity. Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach a =.961) and intrarater test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC[2,1] = .93) were demonstrated, with a comparable error margin to the original version (standard error of the measurement = 2.1, 95% minimum detectable change = 5.9). Associations of the Quick-FAAM-GR scores to other questionnaires ranged from weak to strong (Spearman rho), all being statistically significant (Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index from -.26, P = .04, to -.67, P< .001, and 12-item Short-Form Survey, version 2, between .41 and .72, P<.001), and to the Y-Balance Test between lower-limb differences (-.35 to -.58, P< .001). The exploratory factor analysis confirmed the single- factor structure of this scale. No floor/ceiling effects were observed. Conclusions: The Greek Quick-FAAM has proven to be a valid and reliable tool for evaluating chronic ankle instability and can be used for clinical and research purposes in Greek- speaking individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This body image study tests the viability of transferring a complex psychophysical paradigm from a controlled in-person laboratory task to an online environment. 172 female participants made online judgements about their own body size when viewing images of computer-generated female bodies presented in either in front-view or at 45-degrees in a method of adjustment (MOA) paradigm. The results of these judgements were then compared to the results of two laboratory-based studies (with 96 and 40 female participants respectively) to establish three key findings. Firstly, the results show that the accuracy of online and in-lab estimates of body size are comparable, secondly that the same patterns of visual biases in judgements are shown both in-lab and online, and thirdly online data shows the same view-orientation advantage in accuracy in body size judgements as the laboratory studies. Thus, this study suggests that that online sampling potentially represents a rapid and accurate way of collecting reliable complex behavioural and perceptual data from a more diverse range of participants than is normally sampled in laboratory-based studies. It also offers the potential for designing stratified sampling strategies to construct a truly representative sample of a target population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) show promise in supporting epilepsy self-management (eSM). To delve deeper into this potential, we conducted a systematic review of epilepsy mHealth apps available on both iOS and Android platforms, examining articles related to eSM. This review allowed us to identify important domains related to eSM. Furthermore, based on the findings, we developed an epilepsy mHealth app framework that aims to improve self-management for the local population. This study aims to assess the practicality and usability of the proposed mHealth app framework designed to improve eSM. We will conduct an expert panel review to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the framework. Material and methods: Content validity was assessed by an expert panel comprising epileptologists and pharmacists. The validation process involved scoring the items within each domain of the framework to evaluate their practicality and usability (quantitative component). In addition, a panel discussion was conducted to further explore and discuss the qualitative aspects of the items. Results: A total of 4 domains with 15 items were highly rated for their practicality and usefulness in eSM. Conclusions: The locally validated framework will be useful for developing eSM mobile apps. Seizure Tracking, Medication Adherence, Treatment Management, and Healthcare Communication emerged as the most crucial domains for enhancing eSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) describes social cognitive constructs related to behaviour change. A validated questionnaire is needed to measure these constructs in paediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to improve an existing HAPA-based questionnaire for parents regarding brushing their children's teeth and to assess its validity and reliability in a population of parents of high caries risk children. Methods: Parents of high caries risk children of 3–10 years filled out the adjusted HAPA-based questionnaire. Mokken scale analysis, graded response model analyses, factor analyses and reliability analyses were performed according to the protocol of Dima. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing the mean scores of the HAPA constructs between two groups of participants, based on different levels of caries experience, brushing frequency and education level of the mother. Results: The Mokken scale analysis and factor analyses indicated a multidimensional eight factor scale. The graded response model did not fit our data. The subscale action control could be identified as a two-factor subscale. Reliability indices from the Dima protocol varied, for instance Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.73 to 0.96. The constructs coping self-efficacy, action planning and action control discriminated between brushing frequencies. Conclusions: The adjusted HAPA-based questionnaire is an improved, valid and reliable instrument that could be used to evaluate HAPA-based interventions to improve children's oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of autobiographical memory is challenging in clinical settings. The Autobiographical Fluency Task (AFT) – that is designed to test both Episodic Autobiographical Memory (EAM) and experience‐near Personal Semantics (enPS) – may represent a feasible and rapid method to test access to autobiographical memories. Here we tested the reliability and the construct validity of the AFT. A total number of 51 individuals participated in the present study, with 24 included in Experiment 1 and 27 in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, participants performed both the AFT and the Survey of Autobiographical Memory (SAM). In Experiment 2, participants completed the AFT and the Autobiographical Interview (AI). The AFT showed a moderate‐to‐high reliability. Also, EAM and enPS scores significantly correlated with the episodic subscale of the SAM. Results of Experiment 1 were replicated and expanded in Experiment 2. Again, the AFT showed a high reliability. Both EAM and enPS showed a significant correlation with the number of internal details produced during the AI; enPS also correlated with the number of external details. Overall, the present results show that the AFT may be a feasible instrument to assess autobiographical memory, especially for testing episodic autobiographical memory and experience‐near personal semantics in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive reserve explains the differences in the susceptibility to cognitive impairment related to brain aging, pathology, or insult. Given that cognitive reserve has important implications for the cognitive health of typically and pathologically aging older adults, research needs to identify valid and reliable instruments for measuring cognitive reserve. However, the measurement properties of current cognitive reserve instruments used in older adults have not been evaluated according to the most up-to-date COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). This systematic review aimed to critically appraise, compare, and summarize the quality of the measurement properties of all existing cognitive reserve instruments for older adults. A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies published up to December 2021, which was conducted by three of four researchers using 13 electronic databases and snowballing method. The COSMIN was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies and the quality of measurement properties. Out of the 11,338 retrieved studies, only seven studies that concerned five instruments were eventually included. The methodological quality of one-fourth of the included studies was doubtful and three-seventh was very good, while only four measurement properties from two instruments were supported by high-quality evidence. Overall, current studies and evidence for selecting cognitive reserve instruments suitable for older adults were insufficient. All included instruments have the potential to be recommended, while none of the identified cognitive reserve instruments for older adults appears to be generally superior to the others. Therefore, further studies are recommended to validate the measurement properties of existing cognitive reserve instruments for older adults, especially the content validity as guided by COSMIN. Systematic Review Registration numbers: CRD42022309399 (PROSPERO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeogiraffa is a poorly understood giraffid genus from the Vallesian of Axios Valley (Northern Greece), Turkish Thrace and Central Turkey. The Axios Valley remains come from three non-contemporaneous Vallesian faunas from the localities: Pentalophos, Ravin de la Pluie, and Xirochori, whereas the Turkish remains come from the Vallesian faunas of Middle Sinap, Yulafli, and Küçükçekmece. Remains from Pentalophos and Ravin de la Pluie were described as congeneric with the Iberian Deccenatherium, although they were later attributed to a new, distinct genus known by three different species: Palaeogiraffa macedoniae , Palaeogiraffa pamiri , and Palaeogiraffa major. The type species of the genus, Pg. macedoniae, was based on the most abundant Pentalophos material, while the rest of the species was established mainly on size difference criteria. Here we provide a review of the Palaeogiraffa material in order to (i) test its validity, (ii) re-discuss hypotheses about the genus phylogenetic relationships with other Late Miocene giraffids, and (iii) re-explore intrageneric diversity and number of recognized species based on the available Eastern Mediterranean samples. We confirm Palaeogiraffa as a distinct genus from other Late Miocene giraffids based on its unique proportions, as well as its dental and postcranial morphology. Furthermore, we endorse the likelihood of Palaeogiraffa being phylogenetically linked to the sivatherine lineage, based mainly on its dental and metatarsal morphological features. The generic attribution of specimens from Xirochori, Ravin de la Pluie, Middle Sinap, Yulafli and Küçükçekmece to Palaeogiraffa is adequately supported by the present data. Nevertheless, the recognition of three species is more open to discussion, though they should be retained until more material is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on Branscombe et al.'s conceptualization of social identity threat, we developed and validated a multidimensional measure of this concept: the Social Identity Threat Scale (SITS). We conducted three studies that examined social identity threat to U.S. Americans (Study 1, N = 468; Study 2, N = 457) and e-cigarette users (Study 3, N = 395) when they read negative messages directed at their social groups. Results provided evidence for the reliability, criterion-related validity, and construct validity of the SITS. Moreover, findings showed that social identity threat can be represented by five types of threat—categorization, distinctiveness, competence, morality, and generalized threats. The measure can be an essential tool for future research on social identity threat and for studies of intergroup relations more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to determine base rates of response bias in veterans and service members (SM) referred specifically for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluation. Method Observational study of various performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) in a sample of SMs (n  = 94) and veterans (n  = 504) referred for clinical evaluation of ADHD. Results SVT and PVT failure rates were similar between the samples, but they were lower than previous Veterans Affairs (VA) and SM studies that were not exclusive to ADHD evaluations. Invalid reporting across all SVT scales on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Personality Assessment Inventory was relatively uncommon, with rates of invalid scores falling at less than 7%. In both samples, free-standing PVTs were failed at about 22%. Conclusions Although the base rates of PVT and SVT failures in ADHD-specific evaluations were lower than previously published data on non-ADHD-specific evaluations in veterans and SMs, the current study continues to support the inclusion of these measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine whether the 360° turn test is a reliable and valid evaluator that can be used to assess dynamic balance in patients with early (radiographic grades I and II) and advanced (radiographic grades III and IV) knee osteoarthritis. This study is a methodological research. For the test time and step count of 360° turn test; test-retest reliability were determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient and concurrent validity in patients with knee osteoarthritis was investigated by correlation with the timed up and go test time. The final analysis was made on 117 participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient values for the test time and step count of 360° turn test in patients with early knee osteoarthritis are 0.931 and 0.902, respectively, while they are 0.923 and 0.943 in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the time and step count of 360° turn test and the test time of the timed up and go test in patients with early knee osteoarthritis, respectively; while they are 0.547 and 0.388, the correlation in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis are 0.697 and 0.700, respectively (p < 0.01). The 360° turn test is a evaluator that has excellent test-retest reliability and moderate to strong concurrent validity in patients with both early and advanced knee osteoarthritis and can be used in the assessment of dynamic balance in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have evaluated the final-year Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine (PAM) summative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) examinations in a four-year graduate medical degree program, for the previous three years as a baseline comparator, and during three years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). A de-identified analysis of medical student summative OSCE examination performance, and comparative review for the 3 years before, and for each year of the pandemic. Internal reliability in test scores as measured by R-squared remained the same or increased following the start of the pandemic. There was a significant increase in mean test scores after the start of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic for combined OSCE scores for all final-year disciplines, as well as for the PAM role-play OSCEs, but not for the PAM mental state examination OSCEs. Changing to online OSCEs during the pandemic was related to an increase in scores for some but not all domains of the tests. This is in line with a nascent body of literature on medical teaching and examination following the start of the pandemic. Further research is needed to optimise teaching and examination in a post-pandemic medical school environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop and validate the Evaluator Competencies Assessment Tool (ECAT) Cultural Competencies Subscale, which measures cultural competence among evaluators. By addressing the scarcity of validated tools in this area, the study offers professionals a valuable resource to assess their strengths and areas for improvement. The subscale comprises 11 items rated on a seven-point Likert scale, derived from the American Evaluation Association (AEA) Evaluator Competencies. Validation involved a survey of 116 AEA members, employing multiple validity procedures. The subscale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α=.96) and significant correlation with the Cultural Competence of Program Evaluators scale, confirming its convergent validity. However, the subscale's structural validity yielded mixed results, indicating the need for further exploration. Moreover, the demographic analysis highlighted underrepresentation of Asian and younger members. Overall, the ECAT Cultural Competencies Subscale shows promise for assessing cultural competency, but refinement of its factor structure and additional research are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sit-to-stand (STS) movement is fundamental in daily life. STS tasks have been used to assess lower limb muscle strength, balance control, and functional abilities in various populations, but limited information is available on their use in older individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Objective: We here examined the intra-rater, inter-rater, and test–retest reliability of the 30-s and 5-time STS tests, and calculated the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Moreover, we explored the concurrent validity of these tests by analysing their correlation with knee muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and physical function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Method: This cross-sectional study included 60 older participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Baseline demographic information and data on pain, stiffness, and physical function using the modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) were obtained. Participants performed the 30-s and 5-time STS tests as well as knee muscle strength assessment using a hand-held dynamometer. After 1 week, 30 participants were reassessed to evaluate test–retest reliability. Results: The 30-s and 5-time STS tests had excellent intra-, inter-, and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.990–1.000, 0.996–0.999, and 0.841–0.853, respectively) with a large SEM and MDC. Both STS tests significantly correlated with knee extensor and flexor strength and all modified WOMAC domains (Pearson's correlation coefficients: 0.28–0.61, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 30-s and 5-time STS tests are reliable assessment tools and correlate with knee muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and physical function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Key Points • The 30-s and 5-time STS test can serve as surrogate measures in various aspects of knee health, including muscle strength, pain levels, stiffness, and overall physical function, in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. • Both these STS tests are dependable tools, accessible for both experienced and inexperienced assessors to administer effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) are essential to neuropsychological evaluations, helping ensure findings reflect true abilities or concerns. It is unclear how PVTs and SVTs perform in children who received radiotherapy for brain tumors. Accordingly, we investigated the rate of noncredible performance on validity indicators as well as associations with fatigue and lower intellectual functioning. Methods Embedded PVTs and SVTs were investigated in 98 patients with pediatric craniopharyngioma undergoing proton radiotherapy (PRT). The contribution of fatigue, sleepiness, and lower intellectual functioning to embedded PVT performance was examined. Further, we investigated PVTs and SVTs in relation to cognitive performance at pre-PRT baseline and change over time. Results SVTs on parent measures were not an area of concern. PVTs identified 0–31% of the cohort as demonstrating possible noncredible performance at baseline, with stable findings 1 year following PRT. Reliable digit span (RDS) noted the highest PVT failure rate; RDS has been criticized for false positives in pediatric populations, especially children with neurological impairment. Objective sleepiness was strongly associated with PVT failure, stressing need to consider arousal level when interpreting cognitive performance in children with craniopharyngioma. Lower intellectual functioning also needs to be considered when interpreting task engagement indices as it was strongly associated with PVT failure. Conclusions Embedded PVTs should be used with caution in pediatric craniopharyngioma patients who have received PRT. Future research should investigate different cut-off scores and validity indicator combinations to best differentiate noncredible performance due to task engagement versus variable arousal and/or lower intellectual functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investing in the preparation of middle-aged individuals for healthy old age can empower them to surmount the challenges aging. This study was conducted to create and assess the reliability and validity of a scale designed to measure the readiness of middle-aged individuals for healthy aging, referred to as the Middle-Age Preparation Scale for Healthy Aging (MPHA). The research employed a mixed sequential exploratory design. During the qualitative phase, items for the questionnaire were generated by reviewing existing literature and conducting interviews with participants. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated by analyzing its face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability. The reliability and validity of the MPHA were tested with a sample of 440 middle-aged individuals in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. The statistical analyses performed included exploratory factor analysis, measures of internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Initially, the item pool contained 80 items, which was narrowed down to 44 items during the face and content validation phase. The structural validity assessment resulted in a final 33-item scale, encompassing five factors associated with preparation for healthy aging: financial preparation, maintenance and promotion of physical and mental health, psychological preparation, sustaining communication, and planning productive leisure time. These factors explained 60.37% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall MPHA was 0.90, and ranged from 0.79 to 0.91 for the five subscales. The MPHA exhibited satisfactory validity and reliability for assessing preparation for healthy aging in the Iranian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current methods used to investigate emotional inference and conflict resolution knowledge are limited in their suitability for use with children with language disorders due to a reliance on language processing. This is problematic, as nearly 8% of the population are estimated to have developmental language disorder (DLD). In this paper, we present 'Zoti's Social Toolkit', a set of animated scenarios that can be used to assess emotion inferencing and conflict resolution knowledge. All animated scenarios contain interpersonal situations centred around a gender‐neutral alien named Zoti. Four studies investigated the face and construct validity of the stimuli. The final stimulus set can be used with children, who may or may not have language difficulties and is openly available for use in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In functional MRI (fMRI), effective connectivity analysis aims at inferring the causal influences that brain regions exert on one another. A common method for this type of analysis is structural equation modeling (SEM). We here propose a novel method to test the validity of a given model of structural equation. Given a structural model in the form of a directed graph, the method extracts the set of all constraints of conditional independence induced by the absence of links between pairs of regions in the model and tests for their validity in a Bayesian framework, either individually (constraint by constraint), jointly (e.g., by gathering all constraints associated with a given missing link), or globally (i.e., all constraints associated with the structural model). This approach has two main advantages. First, it only tests what is testable from observational data and does allow for false causal interpretation. Second, it makes it possible to test each constraint (or group of constraints) separately and, therefore, quantify in what measure each constraint (or, e..g., missing link) is respected in the data. We validate our approach using a simulation study and illustrate its potential benefits through the reanalysis of published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms (GS) that are not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. FGIDs are related to lower quality of life, increased demands on medical resources, and greater somatization and emotional instability. Furthermore, GS appears to be an indicator of dysbiosis in gut-microbiota, affecting the gut-microbiota-brain relationship. To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a new instrument called the Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Scale (GSSS) using a web-based survey in a sample of neurotypical children and adolescents from Spain. Instrument development and validation processes were applied to the GSSS following its administration as part of an online survey. The sample included 1242 neurotypical children and adolescents. The mean age of participants was 13.95 years, with a standard deviation of 1.37 years. Overall, 13.8% suffered infectious diarrhea, 12.6% suffered abdominal pain, 5% suffered dyspepsia and 2.6% suffered gastro-esophageal reflux. A single-factor model produced good fit indices. Furthermore, internal consistency and test-retest reliability outcomes were acceptable. The GSSS was found to have acceptable metric measurement invariance. Significant correlations with other instruments were produced and were of expected direction and magnitude, confirming scale validity for hypothesis testing. Conclusions: The GSSS shows promising psychometric properties for assessing GS in neurotypical Spanish adolescents and children. What is Known: • To the best of our knowledge, instruments assessing the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in children and adolescents are still too few. What is New: • The GSSS shows promising psychometric properties for assessing GS in neurotypical adolescents and children. The GSSS may help improve understanding of GS involvement in the gut-brain microbiota axis in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to test the validity of commonly used measures of exposure to and production of online extremism. Specifically, we investigate if a definition of hate influences survey responses about the production of and exposure to online hate. To explore the effects of a definition, we used a split experimental design on a sample of 18 to 25-year-old Americans where half of the respondents were exposed to the European Union's definition of hate speech and the other half were not. Then, all respondents completed a survey with commonly used items measuring exposure to and perpetration of online hate. The results reveal that providing a definition affects self-reported levels of exposure and perpetration, but the effects are dependent on race. The findings provide evidence that survey responses about online hate may be conditioned by social desirability and framing biases. The findings that group differences exist in how questions about hate are interpreted when definitions of it are not provided mean we must be careful when using measures that try to capture exposure to and the production of hate. While more research is needed, we recommend providing a clear, unambiguous definition when using surveys to measure online hate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researchers' aims for this preliminary study was to develop an instrument, guided by the Theory of Health-related Family Quality of Life, to measure health-related family quality of life (HR-FQoL) as perceived by women with cancer. The researchers used a two phase design for instrument development: (1) establishing face validity of a 38-item instrument with an expert panel and patient review, and (2) focusing on the internal structure and construct validity of the instrument with responses from female patients (N = 236) with a cancer diagnosis (breast, gynecologic). The researchers identified a final 25-item HR-FQoL instrument with four sub-scales that each captured multiple concepts within the Theory of HR-FQoL. The resulting instrument maybe used by researchers and clinicians to assess various aspects of health-related family quality of life among female breast and gynecological cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) in an Ethiopian context. Data were obtained from 202 women with a child less than 1 year of age. Narrow standard deviations characterized responses to most BIMF items, but a handful of items had wider standard deviations associated with bimodality. Most interitem correlations were < |.15|, and 13 of the 20 BIMF items did not load satisfactorily on any factor in exploratory factor analyses. Two factors emerged from the remaining items, one with three items and the other with four. Although poor reliability results relating to internal (interitem) and temporal consistency could be attributed to limited variability in the data, a number of concerns are raised about the BIMF itself, including its content validity, instructions, response options, and usefulness in healthcare settings. Suggestions are made for improving the assessment of maternal functioning in Ethiopia and other contexts. More generally, this research demonstrates that researchers should not assume that the psychometric properties and appropriateness of scales will remain robust when those scales are used in contexts that differ from the contexts in which they were created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Perceived Barriers of Mammography Scale (PBMS-23). Based on a mixed method design researchers generated item pool through qualitative data and literature review and next, 500 women ages 40 to 69 years completed the questionnaire. Based on exploratory and confirmatory Factor Analysis, 23 items, researchers revealed eight domains of fate and destiny, breast conflict, defense avoidance, inconveniences/difficulties of mammography screening, contrasting/competing priorities, fear, distrust of mammography, and lack of knowledge with appropriate fitness for the data. PBMS-23 is valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived barriers of mammography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at greater risk of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) due to multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. IMPACT2DM (Inappropriate Medication Prescribing Assessment Criteria for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) is a tool designed to identify PIP for adults with T2DM. Objectives: To assess PIP for adults with T2DM in Ethiopia using the IMPACT2DM and to test the face validity and clinical validity of the tool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using data extracted retrospectively from the medical records of adults being managed for T2DM at Debretabore Hospital. PIP was assessed using IMPACT2DM. Some items/item components of IMPACT2DM were modified to increase the tool's applicability for the outpatient setting, to clarify content or to use the terms most common in this particular setting. Multivariant logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with PIP. Results: More than 90% of medical records had at least 1 PIP. Prescribing omission (80.9%) was the most commonly identified type of PIP. Adults with prescribing omissions are more likely to be ≥40 years old or to be prescribed with <5 medications. Adults with dosing problems were more likely ≥50 years old, or have had a fasting blood sugar (FBS) level out of the target range (80-130 mg/dL). Conclusions: IMPACT2DM is a clinically valid PIP identification tool for application in an Ethiopian outpatient setting. Health professionals should be alert to check for potential prescribing omissions for adults ≥40 years old and dosing problems for adults with an FBS level out of the target range or >50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Recap of atopic eczema questionnaire (RECAP) was developed to measure eczema control in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). The measurement properties of RECAP have not yet been validated in caregivers of children with AD. Objectives To assess the construct validity, responsiveness, reliability and interpretability of the Dutch proxy version of RECAP. Methods A prospective validation study was conducted in children (aged < 12 years) with AD and their caregivers (in a Dutch tertiary hospital). At three timepoints (T0 = baseline; T1 = after 1–7 days; T2 = after 4–8 weeks) RECAP and multiple reference instruments were completed by caregivers of child patients. Single- and change-score validity (responsiveness) were tested with a priori hypotheses on correlations with reference instruments. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCagreement) and standard error of agreement (SEMagreement) were reported. Bands for perceived eczema control were proposed. The smallest detectable change (SDC) and minimally important change (MIC) were determined. Two anchor-based methods based on receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and predictive modelling were used to determine the MIC. Results A total of 231 children with AD and their caregivers participated. Of our a priori hypotheses for single-score and change-score validity, 77% and 80% were confirmed, respectively. A stronger correlation than hypothesized was found for all rejected hypotheses. Excellent reliability was found (ICCagreement = 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90–0.96). The SEMagreement was 1.9 points. The final banding was 0–1 (completely controlled), 2–7 (mostly controlled), 8–12 (moderately controlled), 13–18 (a little controlled) and 19–28 (not at all controlled). A cutoff point of ≥ 8 was selected to identify children whose AD is not under control. The SDC was 5.3 and the MIC values were 1.5 and 3.6 for the ROC and predictive modelling approaches, respectively. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusions The proxy version of RECAP is a valid, reliable and responsive measurement instrument for measuring eczema control in children with AD. An improvement of ≥ 6 points can be regarded as a real and important change in children with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To translate and culturally adapt the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scale–Short form (COMPI‐FPSS‐SF) and to test its reliability and validity in China. Methods: The cross‐sectional study adopted Brislin's translation model to translate, synthesize, back‐translate, and cross‐culturally adapt the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF for the Chinese setting. A total of 279 infertile women were invited to participate in the study to test the reliability and validity of the scale between March and June 2021. Results: It was verified that the Chinese version of the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF has three domains with nine items. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total scale was 0.907, and the coefficient for each dimension ranged from 0.760 to 0.855. The test–retest validity was 0.891. The exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors with eigenvalues of 4.499, 1.124, and 1.011 and a cumulative variance contribution of 73.706. The validity factor analysis showed good results for the three‐factor structure fit. The criterion‐related validity with the Fertility Inventory Short‐Form Scale was 0.649. The above analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Chinese version of the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF can be used for the assessment of fertility‐related stress in infertility patients in China with good reliability and validity. Synopsis: The Chinese version of the COMPI‐FPSS‐SF can be used for the assessment of fertility‐related stress in infertility patients in China with good reliability and validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the development of the Actualisation of Evidence‐Based Nursing instrument targeted at nurses working in clinical practice (ActEBN‐nurses), meant for evaluating the actualisation of individual and organisational‐level support structures for evidence‐based nursing within social and healthcare organisations, and to test its validity and reliability. Design: Cross‐sectional survey. Methods: The FinYHKÄ model was used as the theoretical background of the instrument development and supplemented with the JBI Model of Evidence‐Based Healthcare, previous literature and items from a previous instrument, the Evidence‐Based Practice Process Assessment Scale, with permission of the copyright holders. After two rounds of expert panel and piloting, a national survey was conducted with the instrument in 2021. The target group consisted of nurses working in clinical practice. Psychometric testing included internal consistency (Omega, item analysis) confirmatory factor analysis and t‐test for comparison of two groups' differences (sensitivity). Results: A new instrument, ActEBN‐nurses was developed, comprising two parts: Individual‐level (32 items, 5‐point Likert‐scale) and Organisational‐level support structures for evidence‐based nursing (37 items, 5‐point Likert‐scale). In total, 1289 nurses participated in the survey. The ActEBN‐nurses proved to have good internal consistency in both parts (Omega ω.931 and.966), structural validity and sensitivity based on the two educational levels within the sample. The structure of both parts was slightly modified, based on the CFA modification indices, considering the impact of the reverse worded items in part Individual and redundant items within both parts. Conclusion: The ActEBN‐nurses has promising psychometrics, and it can be used for evaluating individual and organisational‐level support structures for evidence‐based nursing within social and healthcare organisations. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Evaluation of the support structures within social and healthcare organisations is needed to recognise shortcomings in current structures and advance evidence‐based nursing across different contexts. Reporting Method: The authors state that they have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines: STROBE statement for cross‐sectional studies. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short scales are time‐efficient for participants and cost‐effective in research. However, researchers often mistakenly expect short scales to have the same reliability as long ones without considering the effect of scale length. We argue that applying a universal benchmark for alpha is problematic as the impact of low‐quality items is greater on shorter scales. In this study, we proposed simple guidelines for item reduction using the "alpha‐if‐item‐deleted" procedure in scale construction. An item can be removed if alpha increases or decreases by less than.02, especially for short scales. Conversely, an item should be retained if alpha decreases by more than.04 upon its removal. For reliability benchmarks,.80 is relatively safe in most conditions, but higher benchmarks are recommended for longer scales and smaller sample sizes. Supplementary analyses, including item content, face validity, and content coverage, are critical to ensure scale quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a Korean Assessment of Children's Emotional Skills (ACES) was developed by modifying the original ACES which was initially introduced in the United States. Specifically, the original ACES was translated into Korean and revised to better fit the Korean cultural context. The content validity of the revised Korean ACES was established via expert reviews. To test its reliability, the revised Korean ACES was conducted on 286 six-year-old children. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that our newly developed Korean ACES can be used as an appropriate tool to measure Korean children's emotional skills. The Korean ACES can stimulate further studies on these emotional skills and contribute to various international collaborative studies that seek to compare the emotional skills of children from diverse cultural backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in youth, and accommodation is prevalent among youth with anxiety disorders. The Pediatric Accommodation Scale (PAS) is an interview administered by trained evaluators and a parent-report form (PAS-PR) to assess accommodation and its impact. Both have strong psychometric properties including internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and data supporting construct validity. The present study evaluates the Pediatric Accommodation Scale – Therapist Report (PAS-TR), a therapist-reported version of the PAS-PR. Participants were 90 youth enrolled in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety. Therapists completed the PAS-TR over 16 therapy sessions. Internal consistency at baseline, convergent validity, divergent validity, and parent-therapist agreement were evaluated. Results suggest that the PAS-TR has mixed psychometric qualities suggesting that while not strong prior to the initiation of treatment, the PAS-TR may be a useful measure for therapists to rate accommodation as treatment progresses. Implications for assessment, treatment, and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dysregulation is a risk factor for severe outcomes, calling for reliable measures to assess it, including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Dysregulation Profile (SDQ-DP) defined by 5 or 15 items. This study explored for the first time the factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the SDQ-DPs teacher-report in a sample of Italian children (N = 1000; age 7–12 years). The gender invariance of the SDQ-DPs, construct validity, and associations with school variables were also evaluated. A first-order model for the SDQ-DP 5-item and a bifactor model for the SDQ-DP 15-item best fitted the data. Full measurement invariance across gender was confirmed only for the 15-item scale. Internal and test-retest reliabilities were weaker for the 5-item scale. Both SDQ-DPs were similarly associated with a measure of emotion regulation skills and some school variables. This study provides indications for a more conscious use of the two scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: "Ecological validity" (EV) is classically defined as test's ability to predict real-world functioning, either alone or together with test's similarity to real-world tasks. In neuropsychological literature on assessment of executive functions (EF), EV is conceptualized inconsistently, leading to misconceptions about the utility of tests. The goal of this systematic review was to examine how EV is conceptualized in studies of EF tests described as ecologically valid. Method: MEDLINE and PsychINFO Databases were searched. PRISMA guidelines were observed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, this search yielded 90 articles. Deductive content analysis was employed to determine how the term EV was used. Results: About 1/3 of the studies conceptualized EV as the test's ability to predict functional outcomes, 1/3 as both the ability to predict functional outcome and similarity to real-world tasks, and 1/3 were either unclear about the meaning of the term or relied on notions unrelated to classical definitions (e.g., similarity to real-world tasks alone, association with other tests, or the ability to discriminate between populations). Conclusions: Conceptualizations of the term EV in literature on EF assessment vary grossly, subsuming the notions of criterion, construct, and face validity, as well as sensitivity/specificity. Such inconsistency makes it difficult to interpret clinical utility of tests that are described as ecologically valid. We call on the field to require that, at minimum, the term EV be clearly defined in all publications, or replaced with more concrete terminology (e.g., criterion validity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little is known about the performance of open questions in self-administered questionnaires compared to interviewer-administered ones. We examined this issue using the responses to the 2016 American National Election Study's Web self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face computer‐assisted personal interviews (CAPI) from independently drawn samples that asked three sets of open questions: most important problem(s) facing the country; candidate for and against reasons; and political party likes and dislikes. Although Web respondents gave shorter answers with fewer codeable ideas than face-to-face respondents, the two modes produced similar distributions of substantive answers. Despite our expectation that open answers to interviewers would be more civil than those expressed on the Web, there was no difference in civility between the modes. However, the construct validity of the four candidate for and against items (predicting vote choice of Clinton vs. Trump) was higher on the Web than in the interviewer-administered CAPI. These findings call into question the conventional wisdom that open questions are not well suited for self-administration and suggest that researchers should consider more frequent use of open questions in Web surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]