Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of pinch strength assessment: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To summarize and critically appraise the quality of studies investigating psychometric properties of pinch strength assessment. METHODS: Medical literature up to February 2024 was searched for studies reporting on at least one measurement property of pinch strength assessment. The quality of the evidence and the risk of bias were rated using COSMIN 2018 guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies (1962 participants) were included. The majority (16/19) of reliability studies were of adequate to very good quality. Seven of 12 studies of validity were rated as adequate or very good. The quality of the eight responsiveness studies was adequate. Reliability was good to excellent (ICC > 0.75) for neurological conditions, and excellent (ICC > 0.90) for musculoskeletal disorders and healthy participants. Pinch strength showed strong to very strong correlations with grip strength (r = 0.72-0.92), moderate to strong correlations with assessments of dexterity (r = 0.78-0.80), and weak to moderate correlation with patient-reported outcome measures (r = 0.03-0.50). Varied results were found for pinch strength responsiveness in a small number of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Pinch strength assessment is reliable. Validity and responsiveness are less reported, but there is a strong correlation between pinch and grip strength, and a moderate correlation with dexterity.

This review demonstrated that the reliability of pinch strength assessment is good to excellent.Clinicians can measure pinch strength and expect accurate results over repeated measurements and between raters.There is a strong correlation between pinch and grip strength, and a moderate correlation between pinch strength and hand dexterity.The low correlation between pinch strength and patient-reported outcome measures highlights the need to measure these outcomes independently of each other.

Reliability and validity of the online Pittsburgh sleep quality index in college students from low-income regions.

Objectives: We aimed to test the reliability and structural validity (also called dimensionality) of the online Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among college students from low-income regions. Methods: We assessed 195 Brazilian college students from a low-income region (Gini index of 0.56), of whom 117 were reassessed to evaluate the reliability. We collected all data in a self-reported online twice, 2-week apart. We evaluated reliability and structural validity. Results: All questionnaire components showed reliability, correlation coefficient ≥0.49. In the structural validity, the confirmatory analysis showed better global model adjustment for the one-factor (RMSEA = 0.019; SRMR = 0.041; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.986) solution compared with two-factor (RMSEA = 0.099; SRMR = 0.070; CFI = 0.764; TLI = 0.619) and three-factor (RMSEA = 0.108; SRMR = 0.066; CFI = 0.763; TLI = 0.548) solutions, respectively. Discussion: The online questionnaire presents acceptable reliability and structural validity in Brazilian low-income regions.

Lille Apathy Rating Scale-Patient Version in Stroke Survivors: Psychometric Properties and Diagnostic Accuracy.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the factorial structure, psychometric properties, and diagnostic accuracy of the Persian version of the Lille Apathy Rating Scale-Patient version (LARS-P) in stroke survivors. PARTICIPANTS: This study comprised 105 stroke survivors and 41 healthy controls. METHODS AND SETTING: Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the factors of the LARS-P. The acceptability, reliability, and validity of the LARS-P were also assessed. Agreement between the LARS-P and the Lille Apathy Rating Scale-informed version (LARS-I) was evaluated using the Bland-Altman plot. The diagnostic accuracy of the LARS-P was determined by categorizing stroke survivors into apathetic and nonapathetic groups based on the "diagnostic criteria of apathy." RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis showed 3 factors (action initiation and social life; novelty and motivation; and emotional and self-awareness), explaining 67.35% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85 for between-items and 0.74 for between-subscales. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)2,1 was >0.88 for test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The LARS-P showed moderate to strong correlations with the LARS-I and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Apathy subscale (r = 0.70-0.82). In addition, the LARS-P had significant moderate correlations with 2 subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (r or Æ¿ = 0.47-0.63). There was a 96.19% agreement between LARS-P and LARS-I. The identified cutoff point (>17) for LARS-P exhibited 77.14% sensitivity and 90% specificity in diagnosing apathetic and nonapathetic stroke survivors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The LARS-P exhibits acceptable psychometric properties in stroke survivors, presenting a promising instrument for assessing apathy through a multidimensional framework.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the resilience scale for parents of children with cancer.

Background: Pediatric cancer ranks among the leading causes of mortality in children globally. While serving as primary caregivers, certain parents may experience anxiety, depression, and other related challenges. However, not all parents succumb to such psychological distress. Resilience emerges as a potential protective factor. Assessing parental resilience holds paramount importance for healthcare professionals in identifying issues and offering tailored interventions. Yet, mainland China lacks adequate tools for this assessment. Hence, this study endeavors to translate the Resilience Scale for Parents of Children with Cancer (RSP-CC) into Chinese and scrutinize its psychometric properties. Methods: From April 2023 to January 2024, a methodological study was conducted in Chengdu, Chongqing, and Jinzhou, China, recruiting 377 eligible parents via convenience sampling for a multicenter cross-sectional survey. The translation process of the RSP-CC adhered rigorously to the Brislin model, involving forward and back-translation, followed by necessary modifications. Item analysis was assessed using the critical ratio and the item-total correlation coefficient. Validity evaluation encompassed content and internal validity assessments. Scale reliability was determined through Cronbach's α coefficient, retest reliability, and split-half reliability coefficients. Results: The Chinese version of the RSP-CC comprises 4 dimensions and 24 items, explaining a cumulative variance contribution of 63.58%. In this investigation, the content validity index attained a score of 0.97. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) yielded four factors consistent with the original scale, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated satisfactory fit indices. Both Cronbach's α coefficient and retest reliability stood at 0.95, with a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.82. Conclusion: After rigorous translation and verification, the RSP-CC was adapted in China, demonstrating favorable psychometric characteristics. It stands as an effective instrument for parents of children diagnosed with cancer in China. Additionally, this scale could serve as a crucial tool for clinical staff in formulating specific interventions.

The Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI): Psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version.

Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder. It is the most frequent sleep complaint among Higher Education students. The Sleep Condition Indicator is a self-report tool aimed at assessing insomnia based on the DSM-5 criteria. The principal goal of this study was to establish preliminary psychometric properties of the European Portuguese version of the Sleep Condition Indicator in a sample of Higher Education students. Data from a diverse pool of Higher Education students (N = 537) were collected online over a month. Most participants were women (75%) and aged approximately 27 years. The Sleep Condition Indicator demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.85), with all the items accounting significantly for the scale reliability. The most appropriate factor structure considering the ordinal nature of the items was unidimensional, with all items explaining 64% of the total variance. However, a two-factor structure (sleep pattern and sleep-related impact) was also plausible when other statistical estimators were used. The Sleep Condition Indicator correlated significantly with insomnia severity, vulnerability to stress-related sleep disturbance, and self-reported daytime sleepiness. The optimal cut-off point established based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was ≤ 16. A short version comprising only two items was also viable as suggested by the literature. The Sleep Condition Indicator is a reliable and valid tool for screening for insomnia. More studies with other groups are now required, specifically with clinical samples.

Responsiveness of a Persian version of the international knee documentation committee and the anterior cruciate ligament-quality of life questionnaires in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction following physiotherapy intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACL-QOL) are frequently used patient-reported instruments designed for individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). PURPOSE: To evaluate responsiveness and determine minimal important change (MIC) for the Persian-version of IKDC and ACL-QOL in athletes with ACL-R following physiotherapy intervention. METHOD: One hundred athletes with ACL-R, undergoing 16-week physiotherapy completed IKDC and ACL-QOL at weeks 4 and 20 post ACL-R. Participants also rated their overall changes on a 7-point global rating of change at follow-up. Responsiveness was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and correlation analysis. In addition, the minimal important change (MIC) was determined on the ROC curve. RESULTS: Acceptable responsiveness was reached by the IKDC and most of the subscales of ACL-QOL (area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.72-0.79). Also, the subscale of Lifestyle issues of ACL-QOL (AUC of 0.81 (95% CI = 0.72-0.89) and the overall of ACL-QOL (AUC of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.80-0.93) showed the good level of responsiveness. The MIC scores of IKDC and the Overall ACL-QOL were determined 25 and 26 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IKDC and ACL-QOL questionnaires have adequate responsiveness and are able to measure the change in athletes with ACL-R following a 16-week physiotherapy intervention.

Somatosensory Amplification Scale-Chinese version: psychometric properties and its mediating role in the relationship between alexithymia and somatization.

The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) was designed to measure individual's tendency to experience visceral and somatic sensations as unusually intense, disturbing and alarming. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the SSAS in the Chinese general population, as well as the mediating effect of somatosensory amplification in the relationship between alexithymia and somatization. A total of 386 healthy adults were enrolled in this study. Participants completed the Chinese versions of the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS-C), the somatization subscale of the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90 som), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Short form Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). One hundred and thirty-three participants were randomly selected to complete the SSAS-C again two weeks after the initial assessment. The reliability and validity of the SSAS-C were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the one-factor model achieved adequate model fits; one item was deleted due to low factor loading. The revised SSAS-C showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The SSAS-C scores correlated positively with the scores of SCL-90 som, TAS-20 and the SHAI, showing good convergent validity. In addition, somatosensory amplification mediated the association between alexithymia and somatization. The Chinese version of SSAS has acceptable reliability and validity for the general population. In addition, alexithymia may increase somatization through higher somatosensory amplification.

Measurement invariance of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 across country, ethnicity, sex, and sexual orientation: A cross-cultural study between Brazil and the U.S.

Intuitive eating is defined as being connected to internal hunger, satiety, and appetitive cues and flexibly using these cues to determine when, what, and how much to eat. The Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) is a widely used measure of facets of intuitive eating. However, the scale has shown unstable factor structure in several validation studies and there is a lack of studies investigating the measurement invariance of the IES-2 beyond sex. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the IES-2, testing several factor structures among Brazilian and U.S. samples of men and women; to test measurement invariance across country of origin, ethnicity, sex, and sexual orientation; and to evaluate its internal consistency. Three models of the latent structure of the IES-2 were tested using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in a total of 1072 young adults (452 Brazilians and 620 Americans), aged 18-35 years. Results demonstrated that only a 3-factor solution with 11 items of the IES-2 showed adequate fit to the data for both countries. This model demonstrated scalar invariance across sex and sexual orientation, but only configural invariance was found across country of origin and ethnicity. Good internal consistencies were found for both the Brazilian and American samples. The present study provides support for a 3-factor solution with 11 items of the IES-2, to Brazilian and American samples. The study also offers evidence of internal consistency, and invariance between sex (i.e., male and female) and sexual orientation (i.e., heterosexual participants and sexual minority participants).

Measures Determining Dementia-Related Attitudes in Adolescents: A Scoping Review.

Reducing stigma is a key benefit to intergenerational programs. However, little is known about the availability and suitability of measures that capture dementia-related attitudes in adolescents, thus limiting interpretations of the efficacy of such programs. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of outcome measures used to capture dementiarelated attitudes in adolescents. Scoping review methodology was used to systematically identify relevant articles. Key search terms included dementia, attitudes, and adolescents. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 13 unique measures were identified. However, there are gaps in psychometric properties and a lack of underlying theoretical frameworks.

Assessing social connection for long-term care home residents: Systematic review using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines.

Social connection is important for long-term care (LTC) residents' quality of life and care. However, there is a lack of consensus on how to measure it and this limits ability to find what improves and impairs social connection in LTC homes. We therefore aimed to systematically review and evaluate the measurement properties of existing measures of social connection for LTC residents, to identify which, if any, measures can be recommended. We searched eight electronic databases from inception to April 2022 for studies which reported on psychometric properties of a measure of any aspect(s) of social connection (including social networks, interaction, engagement, support, isolation, connectedness, and loneliness) for LTC residents. We used COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines to evaluate the measurement properties reported for each identified measure and make recommendations. We identified 62 studies reporting on 38 measures; 21 measured quality of life, well-being or life satisfaction and included a social connection subscale or standalone items and 17 measures specifically targeted social connection. We found there was little high-quality evidence on psychometric properties such as sufficient content validity (n = 0), structural validity (n = 3), internal consistency (n = 3), reliability (n = 1), measurement error (n = 0), construct validity (n = 4), criterion validity (n = 0) and responsiveness (n = 0). No measures demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties on all these aspects, so none could be recommended for use. Thirty-four measures have the potential to be recommended but require further research to assess their quality and the remaining four are not recommended for use. Our review therefore found that no existing measures have sufficient evidence to be recommended for assessment of social connection in residents of LTC homes. Further validation and reliability studies of existing instruments or the development of new measures are needed to enable accurate measurement of social connection in LTC residents for future observational and interventional studies. Highlights: Social connection is fundamental to person-centered care in long-term care homes.There is insufficient evidence for the reliability and validity of existing measures.No current measures can be recommended for use based on existing evidence.A reliable and valid measure of social connection is needed for future research.

Psychometric evaluation of the german version of the parent-adolescent communication scale.

The quality of dyadic Parent-Child Communication (PCC) between parents and their adolescent children may be important for the adolescent's general development and mental health during adolescence. Since German instruments for measuring PCC are still lacking, this study aimed to validate the German translation of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), an internationally established self-report questionnaire. To examine the theoretical-based two-factor model of the PACS in a German population sample of 1044 parent-adolescent dyads, confirmatory factor analyses were used. Moreover, the cross-group measurement invariance of the instrument was assessed. Two clinical samples were used to assess discriminative validity. Bland-Altman plots were used to asses parent-adolescent agreement. The two-factor structure of the PACS was supported. Scalar measurement invariance was established for parent age groups and adolescent gender but not for adolescent age groups and parent gender. Convergent and divergent validity were established. Discriminative validity was only established for the adolescent version in the adolescent psychiatry sample. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory, and rater agreement was medium. The German translation of the PACS is a reliable and valid measurement to assess parent-adolescent communication quality per self-report. Research directions include the concordance discrepancy in clinical samples and further investigation of changes in parents' and adolescents' perspectives on communication problems and open communication. Registration: NCT05332236 (clinicaltrials.gov), first registered 2022-04-11.

The Alliance Negotiation Scale - Therapist Version: Psychometric Properties in a Sample of Portuguese Psychologists.

Background: The transtheoretical conceptualization of the working alliance and the resultant evaluation tools often overestimate the collaboration between therapist and client, while neglecting the negotiation process. The degree to which therapists and clients can negotiate disagreements regarding goals and tasks is an important indicator in establishing and maintaining the alliance. Even though the negotiation concept is not new, there is still a lack of reliable and parsimonious self-report measures of the construct. The purpose of this study was to translate, execute the cultural adaptation and, also, to perform a preliminary psychometric analysis of the Portuguese form of the therapist version of the Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS-T_Pt). Method: Data were collected online from 100 Portuguese psychologists. Two random sub-samples were used to conduct both exploratory factorial analysis and confirmatory factorial analysis. Convergent validity was assessed through comparison with the Portuguese version of the Working Alliance Inventory. Results: The ANS-T_Pt showed a one-factorial structure, consistent with previous versions, and demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Evidence supporting criterion-related validity was found based on the correlations between ANS-T_Pt and WAI-T scores. The results showed moderate to large associations between the instruments. These results support the usefulness of the scale, construct's relevance and its transtheoretical nature. Conclusion: These results are a step forward for Portuguese therapists' and researchers' ability to evaluate the bond between client and therapist and to compare results from different countries.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Intensive Care Experience Questionnaire (ICE-Q).

Background and Purpose: It is important to assess the experience of patients who have been admitted to an intensive care unit to provide the best treatment and nursing care possible. Therefore, a valid and reliable tool is necessary for measurement. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Intensive Care Experience Questionnaire (ICEQ) for open-heart surgery patients. Methods: The study was conducted in four steps: translation, face and content validity, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability assessment. The adapted questionnaire was administered to 200 Iranian cardiac surgery patients who had received treatment in an intensive care unit within the past month. Results: In the final Persian version of ICEQ, there are 4 factors and 21 items. Following the translation and cultural adaptation process, the content validity was evaluated. Three items had content validity ratio < 0.6, so they were deleted. Scale-level content validity index/Average was 0.81 and more than 0.7 for each item on the scale. This scale was validated through confirmatory factor analysis using fit indicators (comparative fit index, normalized fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and chi-square). There was Cronbach's alpha of 0.71-0.85, and intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.82-0.93 for subscales. Conclusions: The Persian version of ICEQ showed appropriate psychometric properties. This scale may be useful to inform the development of effective interventions to improve subsequent outcomes for Iranian open-heart surgery patients.

Validity and reliability of the Greek Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ Version 2.1-GR).

BACKGROUND: To assess the validity and reliability of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire 2.1 (MSQv.2.1) in a group of Greek migraineurs. DESIGN-SAMPLE-METHODS: The Greek version of MSQv.2.1 (MSQv.2.1-GR), a self-report measure with 14 items in 3 domains (Role Restrictive (RR), Role Preventive (RP) and Emotional Function (EF)), was administered during a cross-sectional study to 141 Greek adult migraineurs and 135 controls without migraine or any other primary headache disorder, along with Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to assess validity. MSQv.2.1-GR was re-administered in a group of participants with migraine two weeks afterwards to assess reliability. Content and construct validity was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Spearman rho, McDonald's omega, Cronbach's alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the latent structure of the MSQv.2.1-GR in migraineurs. RESULTS: A total of 276 adults participated in the study. Internal consistency of the three MSQv.2.1-GR scales RR, RP and EF yielded a range of McDonald's omega from 0.832 to 0.923 (Cronbach's alpha from 0.814 to 0.923). CFA confirmed the proposed three-factor MSQv.2.1-GR latent structure with acceptable goodness of fit indices and factor loadings. Correlations were established between MSQv2.1-GR component and MIDAS scores, showing moderate and statistically significant relationships (from - 0.519 to -0.562, all p < 0.001) for RR, RP and EF. Correlations between MSQv2.1-GR and SF-12 component scores were identified, with values from 0.1 to 0.4, indicating low to moderate associations. ICC was calculated at 0.997, indicating a high level of reliability between the measures. Notably, all MSQv2.1-GR scores (RR, RP, EF) were significantly higher in the controls compared to migraineurs (p < 0.001 for all scales). These findings suggest that MSQv2.1-GR is internally consistent, shows significant correlations with relevant measures, and is effective in discriminating controls from migraineurs. CONCLUSION: MSQv2.1-GR is a valid and reliable tool to determine the effect migraine has on the quality of life of Greek-speaking migraineurs.

Migraine is a major global health issue, ranking at the top leading causes of disability worldwide. The Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire 2.1 (MSQ v.2.10 is an effective instrument for measuring the influence of headaches on a patient's quality of life but it is not available for the Greek migraineurs. We therefore made this study to investigate the reliability and validity of MSQv.2.1 in Greek. The Greek version (MSQv2.1-GR) was administered on a total of 142 migraineurs and 136 non-migraineurs. In addition, other instruments such as MIDAS and SF-12 were applied to determine its validity. We concluded that MSQv2.1-GR is a valid measure. There was great reliability between the items because they were measuring the same thing. It had a good correlation with other tests that evaluate migraine-related disability and quality of life. It also differentiated migraineurs from non-migraineurs in terms of quality of life. Therefore, MSQv2.1-GR proves to be an appropriate measure for examining the consequences of migraine on the health-related quality of life among Greek individuals. This tool will be helpful for clinicians in Greece as well as for research purposes such as cross-cultural studies on effects of migraine on quality of life.

Pandemic Paranoia Scale for Adolescents (PPS-A): An Initial Psychometric Evaluation and Prevalence Study of Adolescents in the United States and United Kingdom.

Paranoid thoughts have been reported in 20-30% of adolescents, and preliminary research has shown that paranoia and psychotic-like experiences have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, previous research has typically used general measures to assess paranoia, rather than those specific to COVID-19, which may overlook particular facets of paranoia related to the pandemic and result in an under-reporting of paranoia prevalence rates during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Pandemic Paranoia Scale for Adolescents (PPS-A), which was adapted from the original scale to be appropriate for younger respondents, and to assess the prevalence of pandemic paranoia among adolescents. Adolescents (N = 462) recruited on Qualtrics from the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) completed an online survey consisting of the PPS-A and measures of general paranoia and negative affect. A subset of adolescent's parents (N = 146) also completed an online survey providing dyadic data. Findings showed that the PPS-A shared the same three factor structure as the adult PPS (i.e., persecutory threat, paranoid conspiracy, and interpersonal mistrust) and across participant nationality, race, gender, and mental health diagnosis. It also demonstrated strong psychometric properties. The overall prevalence rate of pandemic-related paranoia among adolescents was 21% and prevalence rates were higher among US participants than UK participants. This study provides the most comprehensive psychometric evaluation of a pandemic paranoia scale designed for adolescents and highlights the continued prevalence of pandemic paranoia in this age-group nearly two years after COVID-19 began.

Psychometric Properties of the Teleprimary Care Oral Health Clinical Information System (TPC-OHCIS) Questionnaire Using the Rasch Model.

Background The Tele Primary Care Oral Health Clinical Information System (TPC-OHCIS) was implemented in Malaysia to digitalize health care and reduce numerous ground-level manual tasks. This study measures the psychometric properties of the TPC-OHCIS questionnaire among healthcare workers (HCWs) at primary healthcare clinics (PHC). Method A pilot study was conducted at PHC, which implemented the TPC-OHCIS application for service delivery. The questionnaire contained 65 items with four response categories, grouped into four scales: technology, organization, external support, and human resource. The questionnaire items were analyzed using the Rasch model in Winsteps 3.72.3. Results There were 319 respondents who participated (98.8%). The Cronbach alpha was 0.93. The construct validity was determined by a positive point measure correlation (PMC) value, with an infit and outfit mean square (MNSQ) range of 0.4-1.5 and a Z-standardized (ZSTD) range of -2.0 to 2.0. The person and item reliability were 0.93 and 0.97, respectively, indicating excellent reliability. The questionnaire was unidimensional, where the raw variance explained by measures was >40%. Conclusion The questionnaire was deemed fit for an actual survey after 18 items had been deleted. It has good psychometric properties and is practically applicable for evaluating HCWs on the TPC-OHCIS application implementation process monitoring using the local Malay language. High reliability and unidimensionality were achieved, supporting its use in digital healthcare. With this validated questionnaire, it will enhance digital healthcare implementation and streamline manual tasks.

Psychometric properties of the Fraboni scale of ageism (FSA) applied to long-term caregivers in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: The aging society has resulted in enormous demand for long-term care services. However, ageism is a common phenomenon in long-term care facilities, which not only hinders the quality of care for the recipients but also negatively influences caregivers' well-being. In this paper, we first applied the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) to evaluate its reliability and construct validity among Chinese long-term caregivers in nursing homes. This study could contribute to assessing the prevalence of ageism in Chinese long-term caregivers, prompting facilities and the government to recognize the issue of ageism and explore necessary interventions to reduce ageism in long-term caregivers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. We recruited 392 long-term caregivers using a convenience sampling strategy in nursing homes from two cities in Chinese central and northern regions. Parameters included the demographic characteristics, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficient. The construct validity was conducted by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha of FSA (Chinese version) was 0.856 and ICC was 0.871. The factor analysis identified 3 principal factors, explaining 43.95% of the total variance. The 3-factor model was confirmed to fit by confirmatory factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm that the FSA is easy to use and has good psychometric properties. This study will contribute to improving the condition of ageism, thereby improving the quality of care for the elderly and retention of professional talents in the LTC system.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire for Coaches and Athletes.

Background: In the world of sports, motivation is an essential concept that can affect the sporting performance of athletes and help them accomplish their goals. The coach is regarded as an important individual with the ability to significantly influence the athlete's motivation. To assess the impact of the coach-athlete relationship on motivation, the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) for coaches and athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the coaches and athletes in Malaysia. Data were collected using a convenience sampling approach over a 6-month period. The study was carried out in two phases using two independent samples of coaches and athletes to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Malay version of the CART-Q. The CART-Q consisted of 11 items measuring three constructs: i) closeness (four items), ii) commitment (three items) and iii) complementarity (four items). In phase 1, the subjects consisted of 211 coaches (21 years old-65 years old) from both sexes and from individual and team sports, ranging from levels 1 to 5. In phase 2, the subjects consisted of 362 athletes (12 years old-39 years old), also from both sexes and from individual and team sports. The statistical analyses performed included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the translated version scale, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Results: In phase 1, the sample of coaches, with 190 males (90.0%) and 21 females (10.0%), had a mean age of 38.6 (SD = 8.74) years old. The major sport type was archery (19.0%). The CFA revealed adequate fit indices with all 11 items retained (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.059, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.964, Tucker and Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.950, standardised root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.037). The CR values were closeness = 0.874, commitment = 0.566 and complementarity = 0.757. The AVE values were closeness = 0.357, commitment = 0.194 and complementarity = 0.275. The Cronbach's alpha values were closeness = 0.867, commitment = 0.553 and complementarity = 0.794. In phase 2, the sample of athletes, with 175 males (48.1%) and 189 females (51.9%), had a mean age of 20.2 (SD = 3.35) years old. The major sport type was archery (11.5%). The CFA revealed satisfactory fit indices with all 11 items retained (RMSEA = 0.092, CFI = 0.948, TLI = 0.924, SRMR =.038). The CR values were closeness = 0.893, commitment = 0.786 and complementarity = 0.949. The AVE values were closeness = 0.401, commitment = 0.253 and complementarity = 0.418. The Cronbach's alpha values were closeness = 0.900, commitment = 0.772 and complementarity = 0.900. Conclusion: Overall, the study findings supported the conclusion that the Malay version of the CART-Q has adequate psychometric properties to assess the perceptions of coaches and athletes regarding their relationship.

A Persian validation of the burnout assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is an increasing public health concern. Its prevalence has extended across diverse professions globally, posing significant challenges to individuals, organizations, and society. This phenomenon has undermined employee well-being, productivity, and organizational effectiveness, making it a critical concern in contemporary work environments. The present study aimed to examine the adaptation and assess the validity of the Persian version of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). METHODS: The adaptation process included the translation and back-translation of the BAT. Data were collected on a sample of 580 teachers using the convenience sampling. The BAT-Persian and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were administered to collect the data. The reliability, factorial structure of the BAT-C and BAT-S, and the convergent and discriminant validity of BAT-C and work engagement were explored. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor structure for the core dimensions (BAT-C; exhaustion, mental distance, emotional impairment, cognitive impairment), and a two-factor structure for the secondary dimensions (BAT-S; psychological distress, psychosomatic complaints). In the second-order model, the item loadings on the four factors of BAT-C ranged from 0.35 to 0.85, and on two factors of BAT-S ranged from 0.63 to 0.89. The Persian versions of the BAT-C and BAT-S showed good internal consistency (respectively, α = 0.95 and 0.90). Additional evidence supports the convergent and discriminant validity of the BAT-GR. the BAT-C and its scales were negatively correlated with work engagement and dimensions (i.e., vigor, dedication, and absorption). Moreover, the BAT-S and its scales negatively correlated with work engagement and dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence that the Iranian version of BAT represents a reliable and valid tool for measuring burnout in the work context. A reliable and valid tool for assessing burnout in the Iranian workplace enables early detection of employee distress, allowing for timely intervention and support. This means that identifying the signs and symptoms of burnout in the early stages can prevent more severe consequences such as absenteeism, reduced productivity, or turnover.

Translation, transcultural adaptation, and convergent validity of the Arabic version of the Mukbang addiction scale.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Arabic translation of the Mukbang Addiction Scale (MAS) among Arabic-speaking adults from the general population. Specifically, it aimed to assess the factorial structure through a confirmatory factor analysis, determine the composite reliability through Cronbach alpha and McDonald's omega scores, assess gender invariance, and evaluate the convergent validity by examining its correlation to eating addiction and psychological distress. METHODS: A total of 370 individuals with a mean age of 21.94 ± 2.29 years participated in this study, which was conducted using an online platform. The participants were surveyed on demographic information, mukbang addiction, food addiction, and psychological distress. Translation was conducted using the forward and backward technique. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated excellent internal consistency of the Arabic MAS (McDonald's omega coefficient = 0.93). Confirmatory factor analyses validated the one-factor structure of the scale, while establishing measurement invariance across sex at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. No sex differences were observed in the Mukbang addiction levels. Lastly, the MAS scores were significantly and positively correlated with food addiction and psychological distress, supporting their convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The current research provides evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the MAS as a self-report method for assessing addictive Mukbang watching. While further validations are needed to corroborate the present findings, this measure can be effectively utilized across different fields, including schools, mental health centers, and researchers aiming to understand this global phenomenon. Mukbang refers to individuals or hosts consuming large quantities of food while interacting with their audiences through recorded video or a live stream. The Mukbang phenomenon has gained substantial popularity among young individuals over the past years, rising concerns about its potential impact on their eating habits and health, especially when overconsumed. Overconsumption of mukbang content, or Mukbang addiction, aligns with the core features of addiction, including compulsive engagement, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, making it comparable to other addictive behaviors. Mukbang addiction can lead to detrimental effects on mental and physical health, including neglect of balanced nutrition, disordered eating habits, obesity, feelings of guilt, shame, poor self-esteem, distorted self-images, body dissatisfaction, heightened anxiety or depression, and social isolation. Given these significant impacts, valid and reliable tools are crucial to enable an accurate assessment of Mukbang addiction. This study proposes to translate, adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Mukbang Addiction Scale (MAS) in a sample of Arabic-speaking individuals from the general population. Findings showed that the six MAS items loaded on a single factor with strong internal consistency and good convergent validity, preliminarily indicating its potential validity and reliability for assessing addictive mukbang-watching among Arabic-speaking individuals.