Spanish translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and initial assessment of psychometric properties of the Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-16).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the translation and cultural adaptation (TCA) of the Spanish version of the16-item Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-16) and an initial assessment of its psychometric properties. METHODS: The English version of the QOLCE-16 was cross-culturally adapted into Spanish using a back TCA procedure. Subsequently, for the process of validation of the Spanish version of QOLCE-16, the parents of 75 children with epilepsy (CWE) completed the QOLCE-16 questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0), and the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) twice in an interval of 7-10 days. The psychometric properties of the four domains of functioning (cognitive, emotional, social, and physical functioning subscales) were analyzed, together with the total QOLCE-16 score using Classical Test Theory. RESULTS: The scores of the Spanish version of the QOLCE-16 were obtained (alpha coefficient: 0.882, intraclass coefficient: 0.945). The standard error of measurement for the total score was 4.58, and the minimal detectable change was 13.44. Construct validity was tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The estimates of the loadings for the four factors were higher than 0.35 and significant (α = 0.05). The four-factor model for QOLCE-16 [Chi- squared (p = 0.0540), comparative fit index = 0.985, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.982, root mean square error of approximation = 0.056 (0.000-0.0987), weighted root mean square residual = 0.707] showed good fit to these data. Convergent validity with PedsQL™ 4.0. was 0.791 and the discriminant validity of the QOLCE-16 with PSQ was -0.280. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the QOLCE-16 displays good psychometric properties of validity and reliability. All goodness-of-fit indices represent a good model fit, maintaining the multidimensional Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) model of the original English version. The Spanish version of this test can be used reliably to assess HRQoL in CWE in a Spanish-speaking population.

Hypotonia: Is It a Clear Term and an Objective Diagnosis? An Exploratory Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Hypotonia is considered a determinant factor in multiple developmental disorders and is associated with various characteristics and morbidities. It is necessary to perform a systematic review to know which characteristics are described as associated with hypotonia in children and which methods are used for its diagnosis. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to develop the systematic review protocol. A search of databases (Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, among others) was performed in May 2021 to identify relevant studies. Those describing characteristics or tests of hypotonia assessment were included, excluding those that exclusively addressed peripheral hypotonia. Two reviewers evaluated the articles and collected the data in a table, noting the authors, date of publication, type of study, and characteristics or tests described in relation to hypotonia. The quality of the studies was also assessed, and data were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 8778 studies were identified and analyzed, of which 45 met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-three characteristics associated with hypotonia and tests used for its evaluation were located, with pull to sit and vertical suspension being the most frequently referenced. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics associated with hypotonia, more highly debated by authors are muscle strength, hypermobility, or the maintenance of antigravity postures. The most used test in the diagnosis of hypotonia is observation, followed by the pull-to-sit test, and adoption of frog posture. A unanimous understanding of the term hypotonia would favor further research.

[Work satisfaction among Spanish nurses working in English hospitals]. / Satisfacción laboral de los profesionales de enfermería españoles que trabajan en hospitales ingleses.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate work satisfaction among Spanish nurses employed by English hospitals, as well as the influence of several social and work-related variables associated with satisfaction. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study. All Spanish nurses (n=360) with a contract with any English hospital in April 2003 were included in the study. The self-administered and validated Font Roja work satisfaction questionnaire was used. RESULTS: The response rate was 78.6%. Overall work satisfaction among Spanish nurses was medium. The dimensions with higher work satisfaction were relationships with colleagues and superiors. The dimensions showing lowest work satisfaction were job satisfaction and professional competence. Statistically significant and positive associations were obtained between level of English, professional grade, shift pattern, working in the intensive care unit or accident and emergency department, time worked in English hospitals and degree of work satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Employers of Spanish nurses should try to increase job satisfaction and professional competence among these workers. Incentivation and professional promotion systems might help achieve this aim. Employers could also try to improve Spanish nurses' English level before contracts are signed and pay special attention to their needs during the first working year. Spanish nurses job satisfaction would also increase if they were allowed to choose their working shift and the unit or ward where they are going to work.

Normative Values for the Spanish Version of the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS)

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish normative values for the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) in the Spanish community population (without voice problems), using a sample from a large area of southeastern Spain. Method: The sample consisted of 115 adults from ages 16 to 87, 60 of whom were women and 55 were men. Participants included the family members of patients who attended the Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and Speech Therapy Clinic at a referral hospital in the region of Murcia, Spain, and some of the clinic's staff. All the participants reported never having suffered from any voice disorder before. Results: The normative values obtained in this study for the VoiSS were 14.61 (SD=8.18) for the total score, 7.57 (SD = 5.42) for the Impairment subscale, 1.04 (SD = 1.65) for the Emotional subscale, and 5.99 (SD = 3.61) for the Physical subscale. The percentile values were also obtained for the VoiSS scale and for its three subscales. Conclusions: This study presents normative values for the VoiSS scale that have not previously been obtained in Spain. These values can be used as a reference to detect possible voice disorders.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer valores normativos para la escala Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) en población comunitaria española (sin problemas de voz), utilizando una muestra de un área extensa del sureste de España. Metodología: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 115 personas (60 mujeres y 55 hombres) con edades comprendidas entre los 16 y 87 años. Los participantes eran familiares que acompañaron a los pacientes a las sesiones clínicas de ORL y de Logopedia de un hospital de referencia de la Región de Murcia, así como personal del hospital. Todos declararon no padecer ningún trastorno de la voz. Resultados: Los valores normativos obtenidos en este estudio para el VoiSS fueron 14.61 (SD=8.18) para la puntuación total, 7.57 (SD = 5.42) para la subescala Limitación, 1.04 (SD = 1.65) para la subescala Emocional y 5.99 (SD = 3.61) para la subescala Física. Los valores percentílicos se obtuvieron también para la escala VoiSS y para sus tres subescalas. Conclusiones: Este estudio presenta valores normativos para la escala VoiSS que no han sido todavía obtenidos en España. Estos valores pueden utilizarse como referencia para detectar posibles trastornos de voz.

Attitude towards oral biopsy among general dentists in Murcia.

OBJECTIVE: The present study explores the attitude of general dentists towards oral biopsy as a diagnostic method in application to oral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was administered by mail to 520 general dentists in the Autonomous Community of Murcia (Spain), addressing a number of items: sociodemographic parameters, years of professional experience, the diagnosis of mucosal lesions, the performance of oral biopsies, and their histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: The global response rate was 32.7% (55.9% for males and 43.5% for females), with a global mean age of 35.9 years. Of note is the fact that the group with least professional experience did not include oral biopsy as diagnostic procedure, with statistically significant differences versus the other groups of experience (p=0.048) CONCLUSION: The assimilation of oral biopsy as a diagnostic procedure is seen to increase with the number of years of professional experience.

The Spanish version of the prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy scale: reliability and validity assessment.

BACKGROUND: Only a minority of infants are exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months postpartum. Breast-feeding self-efficacy is a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed and is predictive of breastfeeding behaviors. The Prenatal Breast-feeding Self-efficacy Scale (PBSES) was developed among English-speaking mothers to measure breastfeeding self-efficacy before delivery. OBJECTIVES: To translate the PBSES into Spanish and assess its psychometric properties. DESIGN: Reliability and validity assessment. SETTING: A public hospital in Yecla, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 234 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: The PBSES was translated into Spanish using forward and back translation. A battery of self-administered questionnaires was completed by participants, including a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, breastfeeding experience and intention, as well as the Spanish version of the PBSES. Also, data on exclusive breastfeeding at discharge were collected from hospital database. Dimensional structure, internal consistency and construct validity of the Spanish version of PBSES were assessed. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis suggested the presence of one construct, self-efficacy, with four dimensions or latent variables. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.91. Response patterns based on decision to breastfeed during pregnancy provided evidence of construct validity. In addition, the scores of the Spanish version of the PBSES significantly predicted exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of PBSES shows evidences of reliability, and contrasting group and predictive validity. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated marginal fit and further studies are needed to provide new evidence on the structure of the scale. The Spanish version of the PBSES can be considered a reliable measure and shows validity evidences.