Malaria seroepidemiology in very low transmission settings in the Peruvian Amazon.

Despite progress towards malaria reduction in Peru, measuring exposure in low transmission areas is crucial for achieving elimination. This study focuses on two very low transmission areas in Loreto (Peruvian Amazon) and aims to determine the relationship between malaria exposure and proximity to health facilities. Individual data was collected from 38 villages in Indiana and Belen, including geo-referenced households and blood samples for microscopy, PCR and serological analysis. A segmented linear regression model identified significant changes in seropositivity trends among different age groups. Local Getis-Ord Gi* statistic revealed clusters of households with high (hotspots) or low (coldspots) seropositivity rates. Findings from 4000 individuals showed a seropositivity level of 2.5% (95%CI: 2.0%-3.0%) for P. falciparum and 7.8% (95%CI: 7.0%-8.7%) for P. vivax, indicating recent or historical exposure. The segmented regression showed exposure reductions in the 40-50 age group (ß1 = 0.043, p = 0.003) for P. vivax and the 50-60 age group (ß1 = 0.005, p = 0.010) for P. falciparum. Long and extreme distance villages from Regional Hospital of Loreto exhibited higher malaria exposure compared to proximate and medium distance villages (p < 0.001). This study showed the seropositivity of malaria in two very low transmission areas and confirmed the spatial pattern of hotspots as villages become more distant.

Relationship Maintenance Scale in Young Couples: Validity Evidence and Reliability of a Short Scale in Peru.

Relationship maintenance has shifted from understudied to extensively researched in the past two decades due to its close association with satisfaction. This study aimed to validate the Relationship Maintenance Scale (EMP) in a sample of young adults in Lima. The sample included 899 participants aged 18-25 (Mean = 20.67, SD = 2.54); 690 females (76.80%) and 209 males (23.20%), all in relationships of at least three months (Mean = 22.05, SD = 19.95). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the EMP's structure, with Omega coefficient (ω) estimating reliability. Results indicated a four-factor structure for EMP, removing items 8, 9, 12, and 14, demonstrating good fit (SRMR = .043; CFI = .977; TLI = .971; RMSEA = .058). EMP showed acceptable reliability across factors: Companionship (ω = .78), Affectivity (ω = .83), Complementarity (ω = .77), and Shared interaction (ω = .70), with the latter being less stable. EMP correlated as expected with relationship satisfaction (r ≥ .50). In conclusion, EMP is a valid and reliable instrument for future Spanish studies, with further research on psychometric properties recommended.

Validation of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale in Peruvian old adults: a study based on SEM and IRT multidimensional models.

Loneliness is a public health problem. Its assessment is important to identify older adults who experience greater loneliness and appropriate interventions can be carried out. The De Jong Gierveld Solitude Scale (DJGLS) is one of the most widely used, at least in the European context, to measure loneliness. Although the Spanish version of the DJGLS has shown reliability and validity in Spanish samples of older adults, there is no evidence of adequacy in the Latin American context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DJGLS in Peruvian older adults. Specifically, factorial validity, internal consistency and criterion-related validity were studied, based on a double analytical perspective: Classical Test Theory (SEM models) and Item Response Theory. The participants were 235 Peruvian older adults with ages ranging from 61 to 91 years old (Mean = 72.69, SD = 6.68) that assisted to Centers for the Elderly in the city of Trujillo, Peru. Together with the DJGLS, information from the three-item UCLA loneliness scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale and the Patient Health Questionnarie-2 was also gathered. The results support a one-dimensional structure of the DJGLS but with the presence of method effects associated to the negatively worded items. Additionally, the IRT multidimensional model applied also indicated the presence of a second dimension related to these negative items. Finally, other evidences of reliability and validity were adequate. In summary, the DJGLS may be considered a reliable and valid instrument to be used in the Peruvian (older adults) context.

The effect of normality and outliers on bivariate correlation coefficients in psychology: A Monte Carlo simulation.

This study aims to examine the effects of the underlying population distribution (normal, non-normal) and OLs on the magnitude of Pearson, Spearman and Pearson Winzorized correlation coefficients through Monte Carlo simulation. The study is conducted using Monte Carlo simulation methodology, with sample sizes of 50, 100, 250, 250, 500 and 1000 observations. Each, underlying population correlations of 0.12, 0.20, 0.31 and 0.50 under conditions of bivariate Normality, bivariate Normality with Outliers (discordant, contaminants) and Non-normal with different values of skewness and kurtosis. The results show that outliers have a greater effect compared to the data distributions; specifically, a substantial effect occurs in Pearson and a smaller one in Spearman and Pearson Winzorized. Additionally, the outliers are shown to have an impact on the assessment of bivariate normality using Mardia's test and problems with decisions based on skewness and kurtosis for univariate normality. Implications of the results obtained are discussed.

Measurement of coronaphobia in older adults: Validation of the Spanish version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale / Medición de la coronafobia en adultos mayores: validación de la versión en español de la Coronavirus Anxiety Scale

Background and objective: The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) is an instrument that measures the severity of anxiety due to COVID-19 or coronaphobia. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are the most vulnerable age group; therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CAS in this group.Materials and method: 274 Peruvian older adults participated (Mage=67.86; SD=6.34, 64.6% women). In addition to the CAS, the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) were applied. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess the factor structure of the CAS and Item Response Theory was used to analyze item characteristics. A sequence of hierarchical variance models was used to evaluate the measurement invariance of the CAS according to age. To assess reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) and the omega coefficient (ω) were used. The correlations between the CAS score and the scores of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scales were calculated with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r).Results: The results of the CFA indicated that the unidimensional model of the CAS fitted the data adequately and showed very good reliability (α and ω≥.83). Likewise, all items provided high information and adequate discrimination, which allowed for better detection of average and high levels of coronaphobia in the older adult population. However, the CAS did not show evidence of being strictly invariant between older adults aged 60–65 years and 66–86 years. The CAS showed significant correlations with anxiety (r=.72; [95%CI: .66, .87] p<.01) and depression (r=.53; [95%CI: .43, .76] p<.01). (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: La Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) es un instrumento que mide la severidad de la ansiedad por la COVID-19 o coronafobia. En el contexto de la pandemia de la COVID-19, los adultos mayores son el grupo de edad más vulnerable; por lo tanto, el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del CAS en este grupo.Materiales y método: Participaron 274 adultos mayores peruanos (Medad=67.86; DE=6.34, 64.6% mujeres). Además del CAS, se aplicaron el 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) y el 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2). Se utilizó un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC), para evaluar la estructura factorial del CAS y la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, para analizar las características de los ítems. Se utilizó una secuencia de modelos de varianza jerárquicos para evaluar la invarianza de medición del CAS según edad. Para evaluar la confiabilidad, se utilizó el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (α) y el coeficiente omega (ω). Las correlaciones entre el puntaje del CAS, los puntajes de las escalas PHQ-2 y GAD-2, se calcularon con el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r).Resultados: Los resultados del AFC indicaron que el modelo unidimensional del CAS ajustó adecuadamente a los datos y mostró una muy buena confiabilidad (α y ω ≥ .83). Asimismo, todos los ítems brindaron una alta información y adecuada discriminación; lo que permitió detectar mejor los niveles promedio y alto de coronafobia en la población de adulta mayor. Sin embargo, el CAS no mostró ser estrictamente invariante entre adultos mayores de 60 a 65 años y 66 a 86 años. El CAS mostró correlaciones significativas con la ansiedad (r=.72; [IC95%: .66, .87] p<.01) y depresión (r=.53; [IC95%: .43, .76] p<.01).

Measurement of coronaphobia in older adults: Validation of the Spanish version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) is an instrument that measures the severity of anxiety due to COVID-19 or coronaphobia. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are the most vulnerable age group; therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CAS in this group. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 274 Peruvian older adults participated (Mage=67.86; SD=6.34, 64.6% women). In addition to the CAS, the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) were applied. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess the factor structure of the CAS and Item Response Theory was used to analyze item characteristics. A sequence of hierarchical variance models was used to evaluate the measurement invariance of the CAS according to age. To assess reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) and the omega coefficient (ω) were used. The correlations between the CAS score and the scores of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scales were calculated with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: The results of the CFA indicated that the unidimensional model of the CAS fitted the data adequately and showed very good reliability (α and ω≥.83). Likewise, all items provided high information and adequate discrimination, which allowed for better detection of average and high levels of coronaphobia in the older adult population. However, the CAS did not show evidence of being strictly invariant between older adults aged 60-65 years and 66-86 years. The CAS showed significant correlations with anxiety (r=.72; [95%CI: .66, .87] p<.01) and depression (r=.53; [95%CI: .43, .76] p<.01). CONCLUSION: The CAS in Spanish shows evidence of validity based on internal structure, convergent and divergent validity, as well as an adequate reliability estimate to assess coronaphobia in older adults. The CAS can be used to detect average and high levels of coronaphobia in the older adult population.

Coronavirus Anxiety Scale: New psychometric evidence for the Spanish version based on CFA and IRT models in a Peruvian sample.

The aim of the study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), using Item Response Theory (IRT) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The participants were 790 Peruvians, selected through a convenience sampling, where the majority were women. The CFA models indicated that the one-dimensional structure better represents the data, is reliable and invariant between men and women. Likewise, IRT findings indicate that CAS is more informative for high levels of COVID-19 anxiety. The CAS in Spanish has adequate psychometric properties to be used as a short measure of COVID-19 anxiety.

Predictors of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults: the role of socio-demographic variables and COVID-19 anxiety.

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors related to the mental health of Peruvian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study had a cross-sectional and observational design. A total of 274 older adults in Lima, Peru (Mage = 67.86) filled out a sociodemographic survey, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Mental Health Inventory-5, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 item, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was estimated to test an a priori model that relates the sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 Anxiety, psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. The model fit indices indicated a good fit to the data. The socio-demographic variables explained 23.8% of the variance of the COVID-19 Anxiety (R2 = .238). Socio-demographic variables explained 50.5% of psychological well-being variance, 52% of anxiety and 46.9% of depression. Also, sex, work; being diagnosed with COVID-19; family member with COVID-19 diagnosis; and time of exposure to COVID-19 information had statistically significant effects psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. In conclusion, some sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 anxiety affect the psychological well-being, anxiety and depression. The findings may allow for a better understanding of the mental health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and guide government responses to detect, anticipate and minimize its impact on the mental health of this population.

Strength of Religious Faith in Peruvian Adolescents and Adults: Psychometric Evidence from the Original and Short Versions of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire in Spanish.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric evidence of the original and short versions of the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSRFQ) in Spanish in a sample of 245 Peruvian adolescents and adults (mean age = 21.04 years, SD = 3.07, 47.8% male and 52.2% female), selected by nonprobabilistic convenience sampling. Additionally, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were applied. Confirmatory Factor Analysis, internal consistency reliability methods, hierarchical sequence of variance models, and a graded response model were used. Results indicate that both versions of the SCSRFQ showed robust psychometric properties: adequate unidimensional structure, adequate difficulty and discrimination parameters, and significant relationships with the measures of fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life. The original version of the SCSRFQ showed evidence of strict measurement invariance by sex and age, whereas the short version showed strict invariance by sex and configural invariance by age. Both versions showed acceptable reliability indices. In conclusion, the original and short versions of the SCSRFQ in Spanish show evidence of psychometric indicators that support their use to assess the strength of religious faith.

Evidencia preliminar de la validez y fiabilidad de una medida breve del impacto de la ansiedad en la salud de pacientes con VIH / Preliminary evidence of the validity and reliability of a brief measure of the impact of anxiety on the health of HIV patients

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Es común utilizar medidas que no evalúan directamente el impacto de la ansiedad en la salud de las personas con VIH. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las evidencias de validez y fiabilidad de la versión en español de la Health-Related Anxiety Scale (HRAS). Materiales y Métodos: Participaron 100 pacientes diagnosticados con VIH, seleccionados por un muestreo por conveniencia (76.5% hombres y 24.4% mujeres; Media de edad = 39.96 años, DE = 13.19). La estructura factorial de la HRAS se evaluó a partir del Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC). Asimismo, las relaciones a nivel latente de la HRAS con la satisfacción con la vida, ansiedad generalizada y depresión se evaluaron mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. La fiabilidad se evaluó con el coeficiente omega de McDonald. Resultados: La estructura unidimensional de la HRAS ajustó adecuadamente (?2 = 2.74, p = .254; CFI = .997; RMSEA = .092 [IC90%: .000, .328] y SRMR = .036) y tuvo una alta fiabilidad (? = .94). El modelo que relacionó las variables latentes tuvo un buen ajuste (?2 = 58.11, p = .51, RMSEA = .05 90% CI [.00-.09], CFI = .99, SRMR = .03), e indicó que la HRAS se correlacionó con la satisfacción con la vida (p= -.52; p < 0.01), depresión (p = .57; p < 0.01) y ansiedad generalizada (p = .84; p < 0.01). Conclusión: La HRAS una medida válida y confiable para evaluar el impacto de la ansiedad en la salud de pacientes con VIH.(AU)

Background and Objectives: It is common to use measures that do not directly assess the impact of anxiety on the health of people with HIV. The objective of the study was to evaluate the evidence of validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the Health-Related Anxiety Scale (HRAS). Materials and Methods: 100 patients diagnosed with HIV participated, selected by convenience sampling (76.5% men and 24.4% women; Average age = 39.96 years, SD = 13.19). The factorial structure of the HRAS was evaluated from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Likewise, the latent-level relationships of HRAS with life satisfaction, generalized anxiety, and depression were evaluated using a structural equation model. Reliability was assessed with McDonald's omega coefficient. Results: The one-dimensional structure of the HRAS fitted adequately (?2 = 2.74, p = .254; CFI = .997; TLI = .992; RMSEA = .092 [IC90%: .000, .328] and SRMR = .036) and high reliability (? = .94). The model that related the latent variables had a good fit (?2 = 58.11, p = .51, RMSEA = .05 90% CI [.00-.09], CFI = .99, SRMR = .03) , and indicated that HRAS was correlated with satisfaction with life (p = -.52; p <0.01), depression (p = .57; p <0.01) and generalized anxiety (p = .84; p <0.01). Conclusion: HRAS a valid and reliable measure to assess the impact of anxiety on the health of HIV patients.(AU)