Design and validation of a simulated multitasking environment for assessing the cognitive load on the infantry squad leader.

The increasing cognitive load on infantry squad leaders is a common challenge in modern military operations. As this can increase health and safety risks, there is a need to study the factors responsible for the increase in cognitive load. Ecological situations inherently lack strong experimental controls; therefore, microworlds that simulate real tasks are the usual alternative to field studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are currently no microworlds that reproduce the main tasks of the squad leader during operations. This article adresses this gap by describing the design and validation of a new microworld: the Simulated Multitasking Environment for the Squad leader (SMES). Qualitative research was firstly conducted to highlight several squad leader's generic tasks (i.e., common to many situations in the field) that guided the design of the SMES. Psychometric validation of the SMES was then based on two experiments: (i) the first evaluated the microworld's psychometric qualities when tasks were performed individually; and (ii) the second explored concurrent tasks, reflecting real-world complexity. The results showed that the parameters manipulated for each task were relevant for inducing cognitive load, measured using a secondary detection response task and the NASA-TLX questionnaire. The SMES demonstrated satisfactory convergent and content validity in multitasking but not in single-task conditions. Performance in multitasking situations therefore does not seem to depend on task-specific skills, suggesting the existence of an independent factor-multitasking ability. Theoretical and practical implications of the SMES validation are discussed.

Evaluating the two-item measure of engagement at work for Japan Self-Defense Forces: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: Work engagement is critical in both occupational and mental health contexts. However, no studies have compared the usefulness of the nine-, three-, and two-item measures from the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the internal consistency and convergent validity of the two-item measure and compare its usefulness with the nine-item and three-item versions for assessing engagement at work among Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 229,383 participants who underwent an annual mental health check between October 19 and December 17, 2021. To test the internal consistency of the scales, Cronbach's alpha was used. To test the convergent validity, Pearson's correlation coefficients were examined for each item corresponding to job resources, job satisfaction, stress reactions, and job demands assessed by the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Results: Most participants were men (89.8%). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the nine-, three-, and two-item scales were 0.95, 0.85, and 0.80, respectively. All three versions showed significant and positive correlations with each of the items corresponding to job resources and job satisfaction. The correlation coefficients of the two-item scale were not inferior to those of the nine-item and three-item scales for job resources and job satisfaction items. Conclusion: Our results showed the internal consistency and convergent validity for the two-item measure of engagement at work among JSDF personnel. The two-item measure may be useful for briefly and efficiently assessing the actual state of workers' engagement at work.

Reliability and Validity of the Persian Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale.

Background: The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale is a valid and specific questionnaire for evaluating nasal obstruction. The present study aimed to assess the validity of the Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2018 to April 2019. In the study group, eligible individuals referred to one clinic and Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran (a tertiary referral center) were asked to complete the questionnaire once on the first visit and once 3 months after the surgery. In the control group, healthy adults (above 18 years old) were selected among staff, students, residents, or relatives of the project executors. The NOSE questionnaire has 5 questions and a quality chart. The results were compared with the short form of the 12-item GHQ-12 questionnaire that had previously been translated and validated. SPSS 20 software was used to calculate Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient and to examine the convergent and discriminative validities. Results: The results obtained are consistent with the results of the primary research when developing the questionnaire and the results of studies conducted with different versions of the questionnaire in different languages and cultures. Analysis of research data showed that the Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire has acceptable internal consistency, repeatability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the NOSE questionnaire has good validity and reliability.

Development and Validation of the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System per Serving Size.

Serving size may be the appropriate reference for calculating food nutritional value. We aimed to assess the nutritional values of Japanese foods based on serving sizes rather than per 100 g by adapting the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS). Given the variability in serving sizes across countries, we used Japanese serving sizes to calculate the Meiji NPS scores. We confirmed the convergent validity of the Meiji NPS scores per serving size with the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 using Spearman's correlation coefficients (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Food groups recommended by official guidelines, such as pulses, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, fruits, vegetables, and milk and milk products, scored relatively high. Furthermore, the nutrient density scores of food items with small serving sizes, such as mushrooms, algae, seasonings, and fats and oils, were moderated when calculated by per serving size, despite having considerably higher or lower scores per 100 g. These results indicate that calculating NPS per serving size allows for the assessment of the nutritional value of food items in accordance with actual consumption quantities. Therefore, the Meiji NPS calculated per serving size, alongside the per 100 g version, may be useful for dietary management depending on specific purposes.

Psychometric properties of patient-reported outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAE®) in breast cancer patients: The prospective observational multicenter VIP study.

Patients' self-reporting is increasingly considered essential to measure quality-of-life and treatment-related side-effects. However, if multiple patient-reported instruments are used, redundancy may represent an overload for patients. Patient-Reported Outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) are a tool allowing direct patients' reporting of side-effects. We tested psychometric properties of a selected list of PRO-CTCAE items, in a cohort of 303 breast cancer patients, using validated instruments for quality of life assessment as anchors. The analysis of convergent validity with HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and EORTC BR-23 sub-scales, and the analysis of responsiveness with the PGIC (Patients Global Impression of Change) score supported that a selected list of PRO-CTCAE symptoms might represent a standardized, agile tool for both research and practice settings to reduce patient burden without missing relevant information on patient perceptions. Among patients using digital devices, those with a higher education levels required shorter time to fulfil questionnaires. In conclusion, a selected list of PRO-CTCAE items can be considered as a standardized, agile tool for capturing crucial domains of side-effects and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. The study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04416672).

Deep squat test - Functional movement Screen: Convergent validity and ability to discriminate subjects with different levels of joint mobility.

BACKGROUND: Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an important tool in the assessment of exercise practice. Assuming FMS lacks precise validity for assessing postural deficits, further research is needed to assess whether it is a sufficiently precise tool for analysing joint mobility. Research aims were to evaluate: convergent validity of Deep Squat (DS) - one of FMS tests - regarding joint mobility, using data from a three-dimensional motion analysis as a comparable method; DS's ability to discriminate between subjects with different joint mobility levels. METHODS: Sixty subjects were selected (23.6 ± 3.8 years). DS was performed according to FMS guidelines. Subjects' performance in frontal and sagittal planes was recorded by two video cameras and subsequently scored by two FMS-certified evaluators. Three-dimensional motion analyses of DS were acquired by a Vicon Motion Capture System (200 Hz). Ten trials were acquired for each subject. Ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder angular positions in sagittal plane were determined from the FullBody PlugInGait model. Spearman's coefficient examined the correlation between angular positions and DS score. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the DS ability to discriminate between subjects with different joint mobility levels by comparing different scores. RESULTS: Negligible to moderate correlations were found between DS score and angular positions (-0.5 < r < 0.5). Only shoulder angular positions showed differences between score "1" and "2" (p < 0.05). Shoulder and hip angular positions showed no differences between score "2" and "3" (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DS yielded low convergent validity regarding joint mobility and did not show the ability to discriminate between subjects with different joint mobility levels.

Systematic review of memory assessment in virtual reality: evaluating convergent and divergent validity with traditional neuropsychological measures.

Introduction: The evaluation of memory is a crucial aspect of both cognitive research and clinical applications, as it offers valuable insights into an individual's cognitive wellbeing and performance. Conventional neuropsychological assessments represent the established method for assessing different aspects of memory. Recent technological advancements, specifically in the field of virtual reality (VR), have introduced novel methods for evaluating memory. Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the current state of memory assessment using VR technologies, assessing the degree of convergence and divergence between VR-based memory assessments and conventional neuropsychological tests. Method: A systematic review of the literature was conducted searching PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science databases, leading to the incorporation of 24 studies. Studies were grouped according to the examined memory domain (episodic, prospective, spatial domain). Convergence and divergence validity were examined for each, and information on software and hardware features was collected. Results: This review demonstrates a notable alignment between VR-based memory assessments and conventional neuropsychological tests. Moreover, VR tasks have shown to exhibit associations with executive functions and overall cognitive performance. The inclusion of various ecological contexts, such as residential environments, commercial establishments, and simulated scenarios, serves to augment the ecological validity of memory evaluations conducted in VR. Discussion: The findings indicate that VR assessments demonstrate a functional perspective by effectively capturing the dynamic relationship between memory, executive functions, and overall cognitive performance. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge and tackle certain constraints that may hinder the widespread adoption and utilization of VR tasks. These limitations encompass factors such as restricted accessibility to VR tasks and the presence of heterogeneity in VR hardware and software. The dynamic and ever-changing nature of VR technology presents a range of potential avenues for future investigation and utilization in the domain of memory evaluation.

Adapting the athlete sleep behavior questionnaire (ASBQ) for Arabic-speaking populations: Translation, reliability testing, and validation using classical theory and item response theory.

Sleep is essential for athletes' physical performance as well as their general health, well-being, and quality of life. To assess athletes' sleep behaviors, the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) was developed in the English language. However, a validated Arabic-version of the ASBQ is lacking. This study aimed to translate the ASBQ into Arabic (ASBQ-AR) and evaluate its reliability and validity among Arabic-speaking athletes. A total of 458 participants (254 athletes, 202 non-athletes) from four Arabic countries completed the ASBQ-AR and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires. The psychometric properties of the ASBQ-AR were examined using unidimensional reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Item Response Theory (IRT), and convergent validity. The ASBQ-AR had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.723, McDonald's ω = 0.725) and a factorial structure, confirming its construct validity. CFA demonstrated improved model fit indices after the removal of two potentially misfitting items (items 4 and 13); however, the model's fit to the data remains suboptimal. IRT results indicated that the majority of items demonstrated a good model fit, suggesting effective measurement of the intended construct without significant interference, except for ASBQ-AR 4. Additionally, ASBQ-AR 4 appears to present the highest level of difficulty for respondents. In terms of convergent validity, the mean ASBQ-AR global score was correlated with the mean ISI global score (r = 0.5, p < 0.0001). The ASBQ-AR is a reliable and valid tool for assessing maladaptive sleep practices among Arabic-speaking athletes. Additional refinements to the ASBQ-AR are warranted to optimize its psychometric properties.

Association between eHealth literacy and health outcomes in German athletes using the GR-eHEALS questionnaire: a validation and outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Athletes face various sports-related stressors, which may increase their risk for physical and mental health symptoms. With the internet as an important source of (health) information, it is important for athletes to have eHealth literacy, i.e. the ability to access, understand and use electronic health information and services. However, it is presently uncertain whether eHealth literacy of athletes is linked to better health outcomes such as reduced injury frequency and behaviours like decreased substance abuse. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with N = 373 German athletes (229 females) from different types of sport (e.g., ball sports and water sports) who were included in the statistical analyses. The survey included medical, socio-demographic, eHealth- and sports-related data as well as the eHealth Literacy Scale (GR-eHEALS) questionnaire, which measures eHealth literacy. Confirmatory factor analyses and correlational analyses were performed to determine the convergent and discriminant (compared to the 8-item Impulsive Behavior-8 Scale) validity of the GR-eHEALS and to assess the relation between eHealth literacy scores and health outcomes. RESULTS: The more frequently athletes had sustained minor or moderate injuries in the past, the higher the level of eHealth literacy they reported. Furthermore, consumption frequency of painkillers (r = .18, p = .002), sedatives (r = .12, p = .040), and cannabis (r = .29, p = .000) was significantly correlated with eHealth literacy scores. The confirmatory factor analysis of the GR-eHEALS showed an acceptable model fit with a 2-factor solution (information seeking and information appraisal). The GR-eHEALS showed good discriminant (r = - .09, p = .21) and convergent validity (digital confidence; r = .28, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The GR-eHEALS is a valid instrument to assess eHealth literacy within the cohort of German athletes. Potential dangers of dealing with injury and psychological strain without reaching out for professional help should be considered.

Adaptation of the Coparenting Relationship Scale Questionnaire to Spanish Parents with Offspring.

The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument highly regarded within the scientific community for evaluating coparenting dynamics is The Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS). This research aims to achieve two objectives: first, to adapt the CRS for the Spanish population of both engaged and separated/divorced parents and to ascertain its reliability, validity, and factorial invariance psychometric properties; second, to assess the effectiveness of the total coparenting measure in categorizing sample participants. A cross-sectional non-experimental investigation was conducted to address these objectives. The first objective was answered by conducting an instrumental study, and the second by an exploratory study using classification techniques and a causal-comparative study using multivariate inferential methods. It was concluded that the model comprising 20 items across two factors, Positive Coparenting and Negative Perception of Coparenting, is the simplest and best fit for the Spanish parent sample; it is invariant regarding gender and marital status, and the measures derived from each factor demonstrate reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. The resulting questionnaire for Spanish parents is named CRS-SEg-S&D. The Coparental Vitality measure calculated using the total weighted measure of CRS-SEg-S&D allows the sample of participants to be divided into three differentiated clusters called Coparental Robustness, Moderate Coparenting, and Coparenting Rickets.

Convergent validity between the school-age versions of the Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2): A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) are two sensory processing scales often used by occupational therapists. The SPM2 and SP2 both claim to assess aspects of children's sensory processing. This cross-sectional study examined the convergent validity of the SPM2-Home Form (SPM2-HF) and Child SP2 for school-aged neurotypical children. METHODS: Thirty parents/caregivers of neurotypical children aged 7 to 12 completed the SPM2-HF and the Child SP2 about their child. Spearman rho's correlation coefficient with bootstrapping was used to investigate the correlations among the sensory, behavioural, and quadrant scores of the Child SP2 and SPM2-HF subscale scores. CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Given the topic, consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write up of the study results. RESULTS: Several statistically significant correlations were found between the sensory and quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 with the SPM-HF. Strong to moderate correlations were established between the sensory subscales of the Child SP2 and the SPM2-HF, ranging from 0.40 to 0.74 (p < 0.05). Additionally, correlations between the quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 and the subscales of the SPM2-HF ranged from weak (0.38) to strong (0.77) correlations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence of convergent validity between the SPM2-HF and Child SP2 for neurotypical school-aged children. Further research on the psychometric properties of the SPM2-HF and Child SP2 is recommended.

The Chronic Time Pressure Inventory: further assessment of factorial structure and validity.

Background: Chronic time pressure represents a prevalent concern within modern society, and effective measurement is crucial for research advancement. The Chronic Time Pressure Inventory (CTPI) has thus far demonstrated adequate psychometric properties. However, only two studies have examined the measure and evidence of its validity is limited. Accordingly, the current investigation, via two independent studies, assessed the factorial composition and validity (convergent/discriminant) of the CTPI. Methods: Study 1 (N = 398) examined competing factorial models and validity in relation to the Big Five personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness). Study 2 (N = 358) replicated the analysis of factor structure and assessed validity in comparison with five time perspectives (Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, Future, Past Positive, Present Hedonistic). Participants across both studies completed standardized self-report measures capturing the variables. Results: Comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) factor solutions indicated that an ESEM bifactor model provided the strongest data-model fit. This included a general chronic time pressure component alongside specific subfactors of Feeling Harried and Cognitive Awareness of Time Shortage. All scale items reflected the general factor; however, some items loaded weakly on the intended specific factor. The CTPI is thus a robust indicator of chronic time pressure but needs refinement as a measure of the specific factors. Convergent/discriminant validity analyses inferred that the CTPI captured chronic time pressure as a related, but distinct, construct to perceived stress, and evidenced a relationship with theoretically associated constructs (Big Five personality traits and time perspective). Overall, the CTPI is a sound measure of chronic time pressure and has the potential to further cohesive research efforts on the contribution of this construct to various life domains.

Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS).

Behavior analysts frequently use the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess the language and social skills of children with autism in everyday practice and in research. Despite the widespread use of the VB-MAPP, its psychometric characteristics have not been extensively investigated. To provide information about its convergent validity, we calculated correlations between scores earned by 235 children with autism on the VB-MAPP and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), a commonly used assessment with good reliability and validity. We obtained moderate or strong positive correlations between the VB-MAPP Milestones score and VABS Communication, Socialization, and Daily Living Skills subdomains. There was also a strong positive correlation between the VB-MAPP Milestones score and VABS overall raw score. These findings suggest that the VB-MAPP Milestones Assessment measures aspects of social and communicative behavior comparable to those indexed by these VABS subdomains which, like prior findings, supports the use of the Milestones Assessment. No significant relationship was observed between the VB-MAPP Barriers score and the VABS Internalizing, Externalizing, or overall Maladaptive Behavior scores. These findings, like prior findings, question the value of the VB-MAPP's Barriers Assessment as a measure of maladaptive behavior.

Convergent validity of two adult self-report sensory scales: Comparing the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Sensory Processing Measure 2-Adult Form.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists use standardised scales and measures to assess an individual's sensory processing factors. To date, few studies have investigated the correlations between the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP) and the Sensory Processing Measure 2-Adult Form (SPM-2-Adult). The aim of the project is to investigate the association between the sensory processing factors measured by the A/ASP and SPM-2-Adult when completed by the same group of adult participants, with an additional research question investigating whether any significant differences existed between sensory processing scores based on participants' self-reported gender identity. METHODS: Forty-two adults aged 18-30 completed the A/ASP and the SPM-2-Adult. Associations between the A/ASP quadrant and the SPM-2-Adult subscales were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients, and differences between participants based on their self-reported gender identity were investigated using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM-2-Adult subscales ranging from weak (rho = 0.342, p < 0.027) to strong (rho = 0.790, p < 0.001) correlations. The A/ASP Sensation Seeking quadrant subscale was only significantly correlated with the SPM-2-Adult Social Participation subscale (rho = -0.416, p = 0.006). Three subscales had statistically significant differences based on gender identity: SPM-2-Adult Vision (p = 0.007), SPM-2-Adult Sensory Total (p = 0.048), and A/ASP Sensory Sensitivity (p = 0.043). CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write-up of the study results. CONCLUSION: The A/ASP and the SPM-2-Adult had several subscales that were significantly correlated with one another. Of note, significant associations were achieved between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM-2-Adult subscales. These findings make a significant preliminary contribution to the psychometric body of evidence related to the sensory processing assessment of adults.

Development and Validation of the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS) to Address Dietary Needs of Adults and Older Adults in Japan.

This study introduces the Meiji Nutritional Profiling System (Meiji NPS), which was specifically designed to respond to age-related shifts in nutrient requirements among Japanese adults (<65 years old) and older adults (≥65 years old). Japan has one of the most aged societies in the world. The health issues of interest are malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases among adults and frailty among older adults. Two versions of the NPS were developed based on nutrients to encourage (protein, dietary fibers, calcium, iron, and vitamin D), food groups to encourage (fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and dairy), and nutrients to limit (energy, saturated fatty acids, sugars, and salt equivalents). The Meiji NPS for older adults did not include iron or saturated fatty acids. The algorithms were based on the Nutrient-Rich Foods Index (NRF). The convergent validity between the Meiji NPS and the existing NPSs for the same foods was confirmed using Spearman's correlation coefficients (NRF: r = 0.67 for adults and r = 0.60 for older adults; Health Star Rating: r = 0.64 for adults and r = 0.61 for older adults). The Meiji NPS may be useful for nutritional evaluation and reformulation of food products, tailored to adults and older adults to ameliorate health issues in Japan.

Confirmatory validation of the patient health questionnaire - 4 (PHQ-4) for gastrointestinal disorders: A large-scale cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Using the large Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Survey dataset, the aim of this study was to evaluate the construct and convergent validity and internal consistency of the PHQ-4 across both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal condition cohorts. Another aim was to provide descriptive information about the PHQ-4 including means, confidence intervals and percentage of caseness using a large representative sample. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 countries. Confirmatory factor and internal consistency analyses were conducted across subsamples of patients with gastrointestinal conditions (i.e., disorders of gut-brain interaction [DGBI; any DGBI, individual DGBI, and DGBI region], gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), coeliac disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer) and those without a gastrointestinal condition. Convergent validity was also assessed via a series of Pearson's correlation coefficients with PROMIS (physical and mental quality of life), and PHQ-12 (somatisation). RESULTS: Based on 54,127 participants (50.9% male; mean age 44.34 years) confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable to excellent model fits for the PHQ-4 across all subsamples and individual DGBI and DGBI region (Comparative Fit Index >0.950, Tucker-Lewis Index >0.950, Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation <0.05, and Standardised Root Mean Square Residual <0.05). The PHQ-4 was found to demonstrate convergent validity (Pearson's correlation coefficients >±0.4), and good internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the PHQ-4 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing mental health symptomology in both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cohorts.

Corrigendum: Convergence between the dimensional PD models of ICD-11 and DSM-5: a meta-analytic approach.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1325583.].

Construct validity of EQ-5D-5L among patients with inflammatory bowel disease-a study based on real-world data from the Swedish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry.

OBJECTIVES: The Swedish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Registry (SWIBREG) includes approximately 84% of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with immunomodulators, biologics or surgery in Sweden. Data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have been collected using EQ-5D-5L in the registry since 2012. Nevertheless, there are few studies assessing the validity of EQ-5D-5L in this patient population. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of EQ-5D-5L amongst patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). METHODS: Individual-level data on EQ-5D-5L and other disease-specific measures were extracted from SWIBREG. Known-groups validity was assessed by analysing whether the EQ-5D-5L captured expected differences between patient groups with different activity levels of the disease. Convergent validity was assessed by analysing whether the reported problems in the dimensions of EQ-5D-5L, EQ VAS, and the EQ-5D-5L index value correlated, as hypothesized, with the four dimensions in the Short Health Scale, a symptom index question, and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score. RESULTS: In total, 9769 patients with IBD were included in the study. Patients with active IBD reported more health problems in the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system than patients being in remission. The effect sizes for the differences in reported problems between patients with active and inactive disease were at least small (≥0.1) or medium (≥0.3) in all dimensions except self-care. Differences in the mean EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score between patients with active and inactive disease were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and larger than pre-defined cut-offs for minimally important differences (>0.08 for the index and >11.0 for EQ-VAS). The analysis of convergent validity showed that EQ-5D-5L results correlated as expected with the disease-specific measures in 16 of the 21 analyses. In total, 22 (79%) of the 28 hypotheses were supported. CONCLUSION: The findings support the construct validity of EQ-5D-5L amongst patients with IBD and contribute to the scarce literature on the validity of the five-level version of EQ-5D in this patient population. These findings have important implications for the choice of HRQoL measure in routine health care registries like SWIBREG as well as for future clinical or health economic studies considering using EQ-5D-5L as a measure of HRQoL.

Measuring Developmental Delays: Comparison of Parent Report and Direct Testing.

PURPOSE: Developmental assessment is part of a comprehensive autism evaluation. During in-person evaluations, developmental assessment is completed via direct testing by an examiner. In telehealth evaluations, developmental assessment relies on caregiver-report instruments. This study examined correspondence between caregiver report and direct testing of developmental skills. METHODS: Participants were 93 children, aged 18-42 months, undergoing evaluation for possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Caregivers were interviewed with the Developmental Profile, 4th edition (DP-4) via telehealth platform and children were tested in person 2-4 weeks later using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). RESULTS: Correlations between the DP-4 and MSEL were high (ranging from 0.50 to 0.82) across standard scores, age equivalents, and functional categories, as well as across individual subtests and overall composite scores. CONCLUSION: The high convergent validity found in this study suggests that the DP-4 provides a suitable proxy for direct developmental testing using the MSEL in the context of telehealth evaluations for ASD in young children, delivering a good estimate of both developmental functioning and presence of delays. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Data were obtained from registered clinical trial NCT05047224, date of registration 2021-09-07.

Exploring the validity of the ASQ-SE for socio-emotional competency screening of a low-risk Asian cohort at 2 years of age.

AIMS: To assess the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE)'s concurrent validity in a low-risk Singapore cohort and study its association with maternal mental health status. METHODS: Concurrent validity of the parent-filled ASQ-SE with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL1.5-5) was evaluated in 341 children at age 24 months. Data on maternal anxiety and depression were collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory-Second Version (BDI-II). ASQ-SE cut-off scores based on receiver operating characteristic curve were compared to CBCL scores to derive a local ASQ-SE "at risk" cut-off score. Correlations of ASQ-SE with CBCL scores and with maternal STAI and BDI scores were evaluated using Pearson coefficients. RESULTS: Using a cut-off score of 51 at 24 months, ASQ-SE had acceptable concurrent validity, with an AUC of 0.819(0.765-0.872), 70 % sensitivity and 79 % specificity. Mothers of children with "at-risk" ASQ-SE scores had significantly higher STAI and BDI-II scores. ASQ-SE had moderate- high correlations (r = 0.32-0.53) (p < .01) with CBCL scores at 24 and 48 months and with maternal mental health status(r = 0.32). INTERPRETATION: ASQ-SE can be a useful tool for screening child's socio-emotional competence for primary health care use in Singapore Dyadic mental health screening would be helpful in identifying families at risk.