Validity of the revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 cross-cutting symptom measure as implemented in community mental health settings.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to validate the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure (CCSM) as a screening tool for a wide variety of disorders within busy community outpatient mental health settings. METHOD: Participants (N = 851) were referred for coordinated specialty care services (mean age = 20.26 years (SD = 2.97); 82.5 % Caucasian, 7.5 % African American, 0.7 % Native American, 0.7 % Pacific Islander, 0.8 % Asian, 7.8 % Multiracial; 15.1 % Latinx; 53.1 % female, 45.5 % male, 1.4 % other gender). RESULTS: At optimal cut-score, specificity ranged from 57 to 77 % for depression, anxiety, substance use and psychosis domains; sensitivity ranged from 63 to 72 %. Scores for depression, anxiety, substance use and psychosis domains differed significantly by groups with and without diagnoses. Correlations among domains were larger where expected (r = 0.52, depression-suicidal ideation), and relatively smaller where expected (r = 0.28, suicidal ideation-inattention). Depression, anxiety, substance use and psychosis domains evidenced incremental validity for their respective diagnoses (change in explained variance, 3-15 %). Psychometric features of CCSM were broadly supported. LIMITATIONS: Criterion measures did not have inter-rater reliabilities as this is generally prohibitive in clinic settings. CONCLUSION: The CCSM could provide a first step in screening for multiple disorders; however, it cannot replace structured interviews for making diagnoses related to these conditions.

The dimensionality of the Perceived Stress Scale: The presence of opposing items is a source of measurement error.

INTRODUCTION: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a widely recognized patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess an individual's level of perceived stress. The PSS consists of ten items, with six items phrased negatively and four phrased positively. Most studies have found that the PSS consists of two dimensions, with negative and positive items forming separate dimensions. However, some studies suggest a one-dimensional construct. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the dimensionality of the PSS and the impact of wording effects on the measurement properties of the scale. METHODS: We tested a modified version of the PSS (mPSS), with negative wording of all items. In a Danish sample, respondents were randomized to answer the PSS or the mPSS. We used confirmative factor analysis and Rasch analysis to assess the validity and reliability of the two versions. The proportion of person misfit was also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 326 respondents completed the PSS, whereas 306 completed the mPSS. For the PSS, a two-factor model fitted the data best, and the first positively formulated item showed under-discrimination (Rasch model item fit rejected). The mPSS had higher measurement precision than the PSS, but evidence of local dependence was seen for both versions. Fewer respondents gave improbable responses to the mPSS compared to the PSS. LIMITATIONS: Data comes from three different respondent samples. CONCLUSION: The PSS was deemed essentially unidimensional, with the extra variance being attributed to the reversed items. To reduce response bias, clinicians and researchers may apply the mPSS.

Development and Validation of the Self-efficacy Questionnaire in multiple sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Self-efficacy is one of the factors affecting on the quality of life and adjustment to the chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Self-efficacy is the individual's belief that they have the ability to overcome challenges presented to them. The current study aimed to develop and validate of selfefficacy questionnaire in Iranian MS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a methodological study that was performed in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of self-efficacy was defined through qualitative content analysis approach. In the second phase, early items of questionnaire was generated according to findings of the first phase. In the final phase, validation of the developed questionnaire were evaluated using face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. RESULTS: In exploratory factor analysis, four subscales including: adherence to medication regimens (5 items), social performance control (4 items), symptom management (4 items) and maintain independence and activity (5 items) were extracted by Eigen value above one and factor load above 0.3. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.91 and 0.88 respectively that indicated acceptable reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The 18-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of self-efficacy of Iranian MS patients.

Chronic stress in old age: Psychometric properties of the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress (TICS), based on a general population sample aged 60 and over.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress results from an imbalance of personal traits, resources and the demands placed upon an individual by social and occupational situations. This chronic stress can be measured using the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS). The aims of the present study are to test the factorial structure of the TICS in a sample of elderly people, report its psychometric properties, and give norm values for elderly individuals. METHODS: The TICS was answered by N = 790 healthy participants aged 60 to 99 years. The sample was selected by random-route sampling. Confirmatory factor analyses applying Robust Maximum Likelihood estimations (MLM) tested model fit and factorial structure. Reliability estimations and norm values are reported. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses replicate the reported nine-factor as well as the higher-order two-factor solution. Additionally, a general one-factor model was identified. All models provide acceptable model fit, with model comparison fit statistics corroborating the superiority of the nine-factor model. Reliability coefficients were good to very good. CONCLUSION: The TICS can now also be used reliably in samples with elderly people. Its proposed nine-factor structure could be factorially validated and results in good scale reliability. Norm values for an elderly sample are now available.

Quality of life in elderly patients with Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases: Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 instruments.

PURPOSE: The quality of life (QOL) in elderly patients with neuro-co-cardiological diseases multimorbidity (NCCD) exhibits distinct features, but there is a scarcity of research in this specialized area. This study seeks to comprehensively assess the QOL of elderly patients with NCCD, employing both the WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 instruments, while concurrently evaluating the validity and reliability of these two measurement scales. METHODS: The study participants were derived from the Elderly Individuals with Neuro-co-Cardiological Diseases Registered Cohort Study (EINCCDRCS). WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 were used for QOL assessment. Rasch analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted. Internal consistency, ceiling, and floor effects were also analyzed. RESULTS: 202 patients from the EINCCDRCS were included in the study. Both scales showed good reliability and validity. SF-36 demonstrated better distribution and targeting compared to WHOQOL-BREF. Some items exhibited potential bias in specific patient groups. However, the 'Role limitations due to emotional problems' component showed suboptimal performance in certain assessments, suggesting its consideration for removal in practical use. Differential item functioning was observed in patients with anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, highlighting the impact of these conditions on the QOL of elderly NCCD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 are effective instruments for assessing QOL in elderly NCCD patients, showing good reliability and validity for both scales. SF-36 generally outperforms WHOQOL-BREF overall. Patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression, as well as cognitive impairment, exhibited differences in QOL assessment. Further attention to these findings can improve QOL assessment and care for this population.

Psychometric evaluation of the sensory e-cigarette expectancies scale for use with adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The Sensory E-cigarette Expectancies Scale (SEES) has demonstrated solid psychometric properties for use with adults. It assesses expectancies for enjoying the taste and smell of vaping, experiencing pleasurable physical sensations, and enjoying creating vapor clouds. We evaluated psychometric properties of the SEES for use with adolescents. METHODS: In Fall 2022, 4,855 students from eight Connecticut high schools completed an anonymous, cross-sectional, online survey. Our analytic sample (n = 724) endorsed lifetime e-cigarette use and completed the SEES. Psychometric analyses included factor analyses, internal reliability, measurement invariance, between-groups differences, and relationships with vaping outcomes. RESULTS: The three-factor SEES structure was confirmed. Internal reliability of each subscale was excellent (range: 0.88-0.95). The SEES was invariant by sex (male/female), race (Black/White/Other), Hispanic ethnicity (no/yes), nicotine e-cigarette use (no/yes), any past-month vaping (no/yes), daily vaping (no/yes), and vaping status (a variable created based on the distribution of past-month vaping frequency [0; 1-4; 5-20; 21+ days]). Those who reported using nicotine e-cigarettes, past-month vaping, daily vaping, and vaping on 21+ days in the past month reported stronger scores on each subscale compared to their respective counterparts. In adjusted models, expecting Pleasurable Physical Sensations was associated with total flavors used, past-month vaping frequency, and e-cigarette dependence. Enjoyment of Taste and Smell was positively associated with total flavors used and e-cigarette dependence. Enjoyment of Vapor Clouds was positively associated with total flavors used and past-month vaping frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Given its strong psychometric properties, the SEES can be used in future research to assess sensory-related vaping expectancies in youth.

Assessing Anxiety-Related Impairment in Children and Adolescents.

Anxiety disorders (ADs) frequently lead to significant impairment across important domains of youth functioning. Yet until recently, clinical research and assessment have largely neglected the measurement of anxiety-related impairment. In this article, we review the evidence for five extant rating scales of youth anxiety-related impairment, guided by widely used evaluative criteria. Emerging psychometric data show the potential utility of these rating scales for achieving different assessment functions. Of the five scales, the Child Anxiety Impact Scale, particularly the parent-report version, has been the most researched one. Promising psychometric data support its use for assessing anxiety-related impairment in school, social, and family/home domains of functioning. We conclude with recommendations for growing this research base and for incorporating these rating scales into the youth AD clinical and research assessment process.

Assessment of Specific Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Disabilities.

We review literature related to the assessment and identification of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). SLD and ID are the only two disorders requiring psychometric test performance for identification within the group of neurodevelopmental disorders in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5. SLD and ID are considered exclusionary of one another, but the processes for assessment and identification of each disorder vary. There is controversy about the identification and assessment methods for SLD, with little consensus. Unlike ID, SLD is weakly related to full-scale IQ, and there is insufficient evidence that the routine assessment of IQ or cognitive skills adds value to SLD identification and treatment. We have proposed a hybrid method based on the assessment of low achievement with norm-referenced tests, instructional response, and other disorders and contextual factors that may be comorbid or contraindicative of SLD. In contrast to SLD, there is strong consensus for a three-prong definition for the identification and assessment of ID: (a) significantly subaverage IQ, (b) adaptive behavior deficits that interfere with independent living in the community, and (c) age of onset in the developmental period. For both SLD and ID, we identify areas of controversy and best practices for identification and assessment.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of Occupational Self-Assessment for Brazilian Portuguese.

The Occupational Self-Assessment version 2.2 (OSA) is a self-assessment of the client's occupational competence and values. To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of OSA into Brazilian Portuguese (OSA-Brazil) and examine its reliability and validity for use with the Brazilian population. Assessment translation was guided by two international guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of standardized instruments. Face validity was tested with 24 participants. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity were tested with a convenience sample of 40 participants. The cross-cultural adaptation process concluded with a consensus among the expert panel review (r > 80%) and evidence of strong face validity. The OSA-Brazil demonstrated appropriate test-retest reliability (r > 0.70) and convergent validity with the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (p < .05). The OSA-Brazil has good face validity, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. The assessment can be used by the Brazilian occupational therapists to assess client's occupational competence.

Development and psychometric testing of hybrid education competence instrument for social and health care, and health sciences educators.

BACKGROUND: The competencies of educators in social and health care, and health sciences fields have been studied; however, studies related specifically to hybrid (synchronous face-to-face and online) teaching competence are scarce. AIM: To develop and psychometrically test the hybrid education competence instrument for the purpose of self-assessment of hybrid education competence. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted to develop and psychometrically test the instrument. METHODS: The instrument was developed in four phases: (I) establishing the conceptual framework, (II) testing the face and content validity, (III) testing the construct validity, and (IV) testing the internal consistency of the instrument. The conceptual framework was based on studies related to digital pedagogy and hybrid teaching. The face and content validity were tested using an expert panel (n = 12). Pre-testing (n = 10) was performed prior to the cross-sectional data collection (N = 1689, n = 206) which was performed during the autumn of 2022. The data was collected from educators in social and health care, and health sciences fields at six universities and twelve universities of applied sciences in Finland. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The newly developed and psychometrically tested instrument contains 46 items across 5 factors: (1) Competence in planning and resourcing hybrid teaching; (2) technological competence in hybrid teaching; (3) interaction competence in hybrid teaching; (4) digital pedagogy competence in hybrid teaching; and (5) ethical competence in hybrid teaching. These five factors explain 70.83 % of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.901 to 0.951. CONCLUSION: The instrument developed in this study can be used to measure the hybrid education competence of educators in social and health care, and health sciences fields. The instrument can also be utilised in an interdisciplinary manner to assess hybrid teaching competence in other educational fields, but also it can be used in the design of continuous learning and training for educators.

Identification of central symptoms of children depression and development of two short version of Children's Depression Inventory: Based on network analysis and machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Using network analysis to study the central symptoms is important for understanding the mechanism of depression symptoms and selecting items for the short version depression screening scale. This study aimed to identify the central symptoms of depression and develop the short and effective depression screening tools for Chinese rural children. METHODS: Firstly, the 2458 individuals (Mage = 10.74; SDage = 1.64; 51.2 % were female) were recruited from the rural children's mental health database. Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess depression symptoms. Then, network analysis was used to identify the central symptoms of depression. The accuracy, stability, and gender invariance of the depression symptoms network were tested. Finally, a short version of CDI with central symptoms (CDI-SC) and a new CDI-10 (CDI-10-N) were developed by network analysis and feature selection techniques to optimize the existing CDI-10. Their performances in screening depression symptoms were validated by the cutoff threshold and machine learning. RESULTS: The central symptoms of Chinese rural children's depression were sadness, self-hatred, loneliness and self-deprecation. This result was accurate and stable and depression symptoms network has gender invariance. The AUC values of CDI-10-N and CDI-SC are over 0.9. The CDI-10-N has a higher AUC than CDI-10. The optimal cutoff thresholds for CDI-10-N and CDI-SC are 6 and 1. The performance of machine learning on AUC generally outperforms those of cutoff threshold. CONCLUSIONS: The central symptoms identified in this study should be highlighted in screening depression symptoms, and CDI-10-N and CDI-SC are effective tools for screening depression symptoms in Chinese rural children.

Validation of the adult eating behavior questionnaire in a Norwegian sample of adolescents.

Eating behaviors are related to health and well-being. To examine stability and change in eating behaviors throughout life, developmentally appropriate measures capturing the same eating behavior dimensions are needed. The newly developed Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) builds on the well-established parent-reported Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), and together with the corresponding Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (BEBQ), these questionnaires cover all ages. However, validation studies on adolescents are relatively sparse and have yielded somewhat conflicting results. The present study adds to existing research by testing the psychometric properties of the AEBQ in a sample of 14-year-olds and examining its construct validity by means of the parent-reported CEBQ. The current study uses age 14 data (analysis sample: n = 636) from the ongoing Trondheim Early Secure Study, a longitudinal study of a representative birth cohort of Norwegian children (baseline: n = 1007). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test the factorial validity of AEBQ. Construct validity was examined by bivariate correlations between AEBQ subscales and CEBQ subscales. CFAs revealed that a 7-factor solution of the AEBQ, with the Hunger scale removed, was a better-fitting model than the original 8-factor structure. The 7-factor model was respecified based on theory and model fit indices, resulting in overall adequate model fit (χ2 = 896.86; CFI = 0.924; TLI = 0.912; RMSEA = 0.05 (90% CI: 0.043, 0.051); SRMR = 0.06). Furthermore, small-to-moderate correlations were found between corresponding AEBQ and CEBQ scales. This study supports a 7-factor solution of the AEBQ without the Hunger scale and provide evidence of its construct validity in adolescents. Several of the CEBQ subscales were significantly associated with weight status, whereas this was the case for only one of the AEBQ scales.

Assessing the Psychometric Validity of the Epistaxis Severity Score: Internal Consistency and Test-Retest Reliability.

BACKGROUND: The Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) is the gold-standard patient-reported outcome measure for evaluating nosebleed severity in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). To date, the ESS has been assessed only for content validity and concurrent validity. OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the ESS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After receiving institutional review board approval, we sent an online survey battery, including the ESS survey, to 305 (39% male) English-speaking HHT patients ≥18 years old at a single center. Of those, 140 (46%) patients completed the battery, and 110/140 (79%) reported epistaxis. Cronbach's alpha and correlation analyses were used to evaluate internal consistency. For the test-retest reliability evaluation, we recruited 69 HHT patients during HHT clinic to complete 2 self-administered ESS surveys 2 weeks apart. Participants also completed a modified Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale with readministration of the ESS survey. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient in a 2-way mixed model with absolute agreement. RESULTS: The ESS survey demonstrated low internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.495), suggesting that it measured multiple unrelated concepts. Factor analysis revealed 3 latent factors with moderate intercorrelation, suggesting the presence of 3 related but distinct constructs underlying the ESS. However, the ESS demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.955; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98). CONCLUSION: Although the ESS demonstrates high test-retest reliability, it may not adequately assess different dimensions of nosebleed severity. Additional correlated survey questions and sub-scores may be needed to increase internal consistency to accurately measure each component of epistaxis severity. It is necessary to acknowledge epistaxis severity from different dimensions and to consider evaluating individual ESS items separately for a comprehensive understanding.

Development and psychometric properties testing of the Non-Cognitive Skills Scale for nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Non-cognitive skills are crucial for nursing students to achieve their academic performance successfully and perform clinical practice effectively. Although different non-cognitive assessment tools have been established in various disciplines, few are focused on nursing students. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to develop and psychometrically validate the Non-Cognitive Skills Scale (NCSS) for nursing students. DESIGN: Qualitative and quantitative research design. SETTING: One university in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 347 nursing educators and students participated in this study. METHODS: A two-phase design was used. In the first phase, focus group discussions and literature reviews were conducted to generate the preliminary items of the NCSS. Content validity was established with an expert panel of 10 members, and the tool was pilot tested on 20 students. In the second phase, the number of items was reduced based on correlation coefficients and factor loading. The psychometric properties of the NCSS were tested on survey responses from 300 students. The Brief Resilience Scale, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, and Big Five Inventory-10 were used to investigate concurrent and convergent validity. RESULTS: A 39-item six-factor NCSS was developed with satisfactory model fit indices (χ2/df: 1.60, IFI: 0.92, TLI: 0.90, CFI: 0.92 and RMSEA: 0.05). Content validity was confirmed with a content validity index of 0.90. A pilot test was conducted to improve readability and clarity. Known-group validity discriminated against age and gender group differences in a predictable way. Concurrent validity and convergent validity were confirmed with acceptable correlation coefficients. Cronbach's α was 0.91, and test-retest reliability was 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: The NCSS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the non-cognitive attributes of nursing students. This scale can be considered an admission tool for selecting the suitability of nursing applicants for nursing programmes. Further validation of NCSS is needed using a longitudinal study design in multiple settings across countries.

Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of Advance Care Planning Self-efficacy Scale for Physicians.

Background: Chinese patients prefer physicians to initiate advance care planning (ACP) conversations, but there is no appropriate tool to evaluate physicians' ACP self-efficacy level in mainland China. This study aimed to translate the ACP self-efficacy scale into Chinese (ACP-SEc) and measure its psychometric properties among clinical physicians. Method: The original scale was translated by literal translation, synthesis, and reverse translation, according to Brislin's translation model. Seven experts were invited to further revise the scale and evaluate the content validity. 348 physicians were conveniently sampled to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale from May to June 2021 in 7 tertiary hospitals. Results: The ACP-SEc contained 17 items, 1 dimension, with a total score of 17 to 85 points. In this study, the critical ratios of the items ranged from 12.533 to 23.306, the item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.619 to 0.839. The item-content validity index ranged from 0.86 to 1.00, and the average scale-level content validity index was 0.98. In total, 75.507% of the total variance was explained by 1 common factor. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fitting indices of the modified model were desirable. The ACP-SEc was moderately correlated with General Self-Efficacy Scale (r = 0.675, P < .001), and it differentiated between physician groups based on the knowledge level of ACP, palliative care or ACP-related training experience, attitude toward ACP, willingness to initiate ACP discussions with patients, and experience of discussing ACP with family and friends, willingness to initiate ACP discussions with family and friends (P <.05). The total Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability of the scale were .960 and .976, respectively. Conclusion: The ACP-SEc shows good reliability and validity, and it can be used to assess the ACP self-efficacy level of physicians.

The Chinese Version of the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale: Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validity.

BACKGROUND: Nurses play an important role in palliative care, and high-quality assessment tools can help standardize palliative-related nursing behaviors, but there are no such tools in China. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to revise, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale (PNCQS) to provide an effective tool that can help nurses in mainland China assess the quality of palliative care. METHODS: This study involved a 2-steps process. First, the PNCQS was translated, back-translated, and cross-cultural adapted using Brislin's translation model. Second, a cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the revised scale. From January to February 2023, 367 nurses engaged in palliative care-related nursing from 3 tertiary A general hospitals were surveyed with the revised scale. The evaluation methods used in this study included item analysis, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, criterion-related validity, content validity, and construct validity. RESULTS: The PNCQS-Chinese included 20 items. In this study, the item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.83 (P < .01), and the critical ratio value of the items was 12.10 to 23.34 (P < .01). The scale-level content validity index was 0.98, and the item-level content validity ranged from 0.86 to 1.00. The total Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability of the scale were 0.96 and 0.79, respectively. Factor analysis of 20 items extracted 1 factor, and the contribution rate of cumulative variance was 60.03%. CONCLUSIONS: PNCQS-Chinese shows acceptable validity and reliability for assessing the quality of palliative care-related nursing in mainland China.

Measuring Violence Against Children: A COSMIN Systematic Review of the Psychometric and Administrative Properties of Adult Retrospective Self-report Instruments on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Valid, meaningful, and reliable adult retrospective measures of violence against children (VAC) are essential for establishing the prevalence, risk factors, and long-term effects of VAC. We aim to summarize the available evidence on the psychometric properties of adult retrospective VAC measures and to provide evidence-based recommendations for appropriate measure selection. We searched six electronic databases and gray literature for studies that report on the development, content validity, or psychometric properties of adult retrospective child abuse and neglect measures for this review (PROSPERO: CRD4201706). We used the 2018 Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria to evaluate each included study and measure. We assessed if measures included questions on frequency or severity, the perpetrator, or the location of the violence, and noted the administrative practicalities for each instrument such as length, readability, available translations, and cost to access. We identified 288 studies and 77 measures. The quality of evidence ranged from "low" to "high," depending on the measure and the psychometric properties assessed. The measures with the most robust evidence available across multiple contexts are the: ACE and ACE-IQ; FBQ and FBQ-U; CTQ and CTQ-SF; and ICAST-R. This review shows the strengths and weaknesses of retrospective VAC measures. The substantial evidence presented in this review can be used by researchers to make psychometrically sound decisions for measurement selection which should be supported by extensive piloting and adaptation to the respective local context.

Validity and reliability of the italian-Neonatal skin risk assessment scale (i-NSRAS).

BACKGROUND: The skin of infants has important anatomical and physiological differences from that of children and adults. Because of skin immaturity, reduced mobility, neurological changes, and the need for medical devices, infants are at high risk for pressure injuries. Specific, validated tools are needed to assess the risk of pressure injuries in this population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale (construct validity, internal consistency and reliability). METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the neonatal units of the two Italian hospitals. 200 infants were examined 3 times by 54 nurses to assess the risk of pressure injuries. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed jointly to assess construct validity. Internal consistency was analyzed using McDonalds omega coefficient and Cronbach's alpha, while intra and interobserver agreement using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a 2-factor model; the factor "duration and intensity of pressure" explained four subscales (mental state, mobility, activity and nutrition), while "skin immaturity" explained the subscales (general physical condition and skin moisture). Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated good model fits (X2/df = 0.84, p = 0.002, RMSEA = 0, NNFI = 1.01, NFI = 0.98 y CFI = 1 (M1 with MI). The italian-Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale showed a good internal consistency, McDonalds omega coefficient and Cronbach's alpha both 0.86. An excellent intra and inter observer reliability was also observed, ICC 0.99 and 0.98 respectively. CONCLUSION: The psychometric characteristics indicate that the italian-Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale is useful, valid and reliable for measuring risk of pressure injuries in the neonatal population. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: This is the first valid and reliable newborn-specific scale that assesses the presence of medical devices. Its use could enable efficient management of preventive resources, early classification of newborns at risk and assignment of preventive interventions, facilitate the development of risk assessment protocols.

How can we measure gambling craving among adolescent gamblers? Psychometric properties of the Gambling Craving Scale.

BACKGROUND: Craving plays an important role in behavioural addictions such as Gambling Disorder (GD). However, it has only been included as a diagnostic criterion for substance addiction. Moreover, research on craving has focused mainly on adults, leaving out adolescents who can also be heavily involved in gambling behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the most widely used craving assessment scale, the Gambling Craving Scale (GACS), in adolescent gamblers. METHOD: For the current study, 1246 adolescent gamblers attending secondary school were recruited to complete a self-report questionnaire online. The psychometric properties of the GACS were examined: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted; reliability was examined using the internal consistency method; in terms of validity, the relationship between the GACS total and subscale scores with some risk factors for problem gambling, gambling frequency and gambling problem severity was analyzed. RESULTS: The factor analysis supported the three-factor structure, and good internal consistency was found for the GACS total scale and its three subscales. As regards validity, the GACS subscales resulted to be significantly and positively associated with economic perception of gambling and outcome expectancy, gambling-related cognitive distortions, gambling frequency, and problem gambling. LIMITATIONS: The findings of this study were based on self-report data and only criterion validity was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The GACS is a valid and rapid self-report measure of gambling craving in adolescent gamblers. In terms of prevention, the multidimensionality of the GACS is important for interventions. Clinical samples of adolescents are needed to confirm the validity of the scale.

Factor structure, reliability, and validity of the revised Suicide Crisis Inventory in major depression: A multicentric Indian study.

BACKGROUND: The revised Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI)-2 is a self-report measure to assess the suicide crisis syndrome (SCS). We aimed to assess the factor structure, reliability, and validity of SCI-2 among adults with major depression. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, between November 2021 and August 2022, the Hindi SCI-2, along with other self-report measures, was administered to Indian adult respondents clinically diagnosed with major depression across 24 centers in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to test the factor structure of SCI-2. Additionally, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity were tested using bivariate or biserial correlations, as appropriate. RESULTS: We obtained responses from 654 participants (Mean age = 36.9 ± 11.9 years, 50.2 % female). The SCI-2 fit both a one-factor (χ2[1769] = 14,150.74, p < .001, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.10), and five-factor solution (χ2[1759] = 13,130.83, p < .001,CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.10) with the five-factor solution providing a significantly better fit. Internal consistencies of the SCI-2 total and subscale scores ranged from good to excellent. Most subscales significantly converged with each other and with other relevant measures although these associations were weak for thwarted belongingness and goal reengagement subscales. Small to moderate associations were noted in support of discriminant and criterion validity. LIMITATIONS: We could not assess the predictive validity of SCI-2 for suicidal behaviors. CONCLUSION: Consistent with prior data, the Hindi SCI-2 fit a five-factor solution and showed good psychometric properties. These findings support the use of SCI-2 to assess SCS among Indian adults with major depression.