RESUMEN
Background: A great deal of research has been carried out on the assessment of the eudaimonic perspective of psychological well-being and the hedonic perspective of subjective well-being. The Flourishing Scale (FS) has been extensively used in research and practice, as it assesses the fundamental aspects of social psychological functioning. Nevertheless, the psychometric properties of Urdu versions of eudaimonic measures, such as the FS, have not yet been ascertained. The translation and validation of the FS in the Urdu language was not available, and hence this study was planned with the aim to validate the Urdu version of the FS. Methods: We assessed the psychometric properties of the FS in a sample of adults aged 18 years and above in Pakistan (N = 130) using exploratory factor analysis based on principal component analysis with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The exploratory factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional nature of the 8-item FS. We assessed that the Urdu version of the FS showed a high internal consistency reliability (α = 0.914) with a significant intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), p < 0.001). In our study, the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin value was 0.915 with a chi-square test value (χ2) of 637.687, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (df = 28, p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) at test-retest for all domains were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and showed excellent agreement for all the items. The revised confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good-fit model, but with item 8-"People respect me"-removed due to its lower factor loading. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the FS is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing social psychological functioning among adults in Pakistan. Therefore, the validated Urdu version of the FS may be used in future studies of well-being in clinical psychology and positive psychology.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique among Yemeni patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to investigate factors that affect correct use of MDIs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five pharmacies in the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a to evaluate MDI technique among adult patients with asthma and COPD and to investigate factors that influence proper application of MDI techniques. RESULTS: Of 49 patients, 47 (95.9%) were males and two (4.1%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 52.90 ± 6 years (range: 43-64 years). This study showed that only nine patients (18.4%) demonstrated good knowledge of MDI techniques; two patients (4.1%) demonstrated moderate knowledge; the majority of patients (77.6%) showed poor knowledge regarding correct MDI technique. Previous training regarding MDI technique was the only factor that affected appropriate use of MDIs. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients in this study could not use their MDI appropriately. Thus, patients should be educated regarding correct MDI technique upon dispensing of inhaler medications. Training and educational intervention programs may contribute to improved MDI technique among patients.
RESUMEN
The increase in Muslim parents' refusal and hesitancy to accept childhood vaccination was identified as one of the contributing factors in the increase of vaccine-preventable diseases cases in countries such as Afghanistan, Malaysia and Pakistan. The spread of inaccurate and irresponsible information by the anti-vaccination movement may inflict more harm than good on Muslim communities. To curb this issue, health authorities in Pakistan and Malaysia have resorted to imposing strict punishments on parents who refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated. Information addressing religious concerns such as the halal issue must be made priority and communicated well to the general public, encouraging not only the acceptance of vaccinations but motivating communities to play an active role in promoting vaccination. Local government of the affected region need to work towards creating awareness among Muslim parents that vaccinations are a preventative public health strategy that has been practised and acknowledged by many doctors of all faiths.
