Family functioning, emotion regulation and stress during COVID-19 lockdown among Mexican adolescents

COVID-19 lockdown has brought multiple changes in the lives of adolescents. In this context, the objective of the present research was to examine the role of emotion regulation, including five adaptive strategies (mindfulness, reappraisal, acceptance, problem solving, and distraction) as parallel mediators of the effects of family functioning on stress among Mexican teenagers. A total of 788 adolescents participated in this study. Results confirmed the parallel mediation model showing that family functioning can reduce stress experienced by adolescents by positively influencing the strategies of mindfulness, reappraisal, problem solving, and distraction. In conclusion, it was possible to confirm for the first time the effects that family functioning has on stress of Mexican adolescents via emotion regulation strategies.

Reliability and validity evaluation of the chinese revision of the attitude towards adult vaccination scale.

BACKGROUND: Although vaccination is one of the critical interventions to address global health issues, inadequate vaccination rates has become an international challenge. Vaccine hesitancy is the key to affecting inadequate vaccination rates. According to the WHO SAGE working group's definition, vaccine hesitancy refers to delaying or refusing vaccination and has been ranked as one of the top 10 health threats. There has yet to be a scale that evaluates vaccination attitudes among Chinese adults. However, an attitude quantity, the adult vaccination attitude scale, has been developed to assess adult vaccination attitudes and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVE: The Adult Attitudes to Vaccination Scale (ATAVAC) was initially developed by Professor Zoi Tsimtsiou et al. This study aimed to analyze the structure of the Chinese version of the ATAVAC and explore the relationship between adult vaccination attitudes, e-health literacy, and medical distrust. METHODS: After obtaining author permission for the initial scales, the study was translated using the Brislin back-translation method. 693 adults were enrolled to the study. To validate this hypothesis, participants finished the socio-demographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the ATAVAC, the electronic Health Literacy Scale (e-HEALS) and the Medical Mistrust Index (MMI). The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the underlying structure of the factors of the Chinese version of the Adult Vaccination Attitude Scale and to measure its reliability and validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the Chinese version of the ATAVAC was 0.885, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.850 to 0.958 for each dimension. The content validity index was 0.90, and the retest reliability was 0.943. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported the 3-factor structure of the translation instrument, and the scale had good discriminant validity. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a degree of freedom of 1.219, a model fit index (GFI) of 0.979, a normative fit index (NFI) of 0.991, a Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) of 0.998, a comparability index (CFI) of 0.998 and a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.026. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Chinese version of the ATAVAC has demonstrated good reliability and validity. Hence, it can be used as an effective tool to assess vaccination attitudes among Chinese adults.

Psychometric properties of the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale version 3: the European Portuguese version

Currently, the gold standard measure to assess loneliness is the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness scale version 3 (UCLA v3). Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of UCLA v3 for the European Portuguese population. Method: A sample of 282 participants was surveyed in Portugal. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a model portraying a global loneliness bifactor solution for positive and negative wording items, which achieved optimal fitness. Multi-group CFA indicates scalar and metric invariance across gender. Loneliness test scores (global score, positive items and negative items) correlated with well-established mental health indicators such as psychological stress, depressive and anxiety symptomatology, or psychological inflexibility. Internal consistency of the loneliness test scores was optimal for the global measure (α =.91;ω =.91) as well as for the positive (α =.87;ω =.87) and the negative factors (α =.86;ω =.88). Conclusions: Results support UCLA v3 as a reliable and valid measure of loneliness for future research studies interested in examining the prevalence of loneliness and impact in health in the context of Covid-19 in the Portuguese population and as a health indicator in health promotion and clinical interventions. © 2023 Sociedad Española para el Estudio de la Ansiedad y el Estrés - SEAS. Colegio de la Psicología de Madrid. Todos los derechos reservados.

Reliability and acceptability of web-based administration of spanish ages and stages questionnaires third edition

to analyse the reliability of 6 age intervals of Spanish web-based Ages and Stages Questionnaires Third Edition (WB-ASQ-3) and parents' acceptability, in a clinical practice context, during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in Chile. Cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component. Internal consistency was analysed by Cronbach's alpha and Pearson product-moment correlation, Pearson's correlations between intervals questionnaires were analysed. Acceptability was determined using a parental satisfaction survey. 1061 children completed 2318 validated questionnaires. Scores were compared with normative sample, except for Gross motor at 8 and 12 months, and Communication at 12, 18 and 24 months, without differences to the previous Chileans sample. In domain analysis, Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.36 to 0.80 and reached 0.74 to 0.81 for the overall test. Strong positive correlation between the domain and overall score was obtained. Correlation between most questionnaires at different ages was positive and significant. Parental surveys show high satisfaction;parents were thankful for being able to monitor children's development. WB-ASQ-3 is a reliable and feasible screening system, particularly when the test is taken as a whole, rather than by domains. It is remarkably high acceptability among parents, especially in complex times such as the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) AD -, Paula Schonhaut, Luisa: lschonhaut@alemana.cl Schonhaut, Luisa: Clinica Alemana, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile Armijo, Ivan: Faculty of Psychology, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile Rojas B., Paula: Clinica Alemana, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile Cabrera, Leonardo: Clinica Alemana, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile Boisier, Roberto: Clinica Alemana, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile

Anxiety in Brief: Assessment of the Five-Item Trait Scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in South Africa.

The current study examined the psychometric properties of a short form of the trait scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of students (n = 322) who completed the five-item version of the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, the nine-item version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. We used classical test theory and item response theory (Rasch and Mokken analyses) to examine the psychometric properties of a previously proposed five-item version of this scale. These approaches confirmed that the five-item measure of anxiety had satisfactory reliability and validity, and also confirmed that the five items comprised a unidimensional scale.

Effect of COVID-19-Induced Changes on Job Insecurity, Presenteeism, and Turnover Intention in the Workplace-An Investigation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Hotel Employees Using the GAD-7 Scale

In this study, we investigated COVID-19 ' s (coronavirus disease 2019's) effect on job insecurity, presenteeism, and turnover intention in hotel environments by measuring hotel staffs' generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) levels. We surveyed 351 hotel employees from the office, facilities, food and beverage, and cooking departments. Convenience sampling was performed from December 2021 to March 2022. Job insecurity was measured with seven items (easily annoyed, tension, anxiety, nervousness, a lot of worry, fear, uncontrollable worry, restlessness, and discomfort) and demonstrated a significantly positive effect on presenteeism and turnover intention in the high GAD-7 group compared with the low GAD-7 group. Our study contributes academic value to research on GAD-7 in the hotel industry. In addition, it provides a theoretical basis for the relationship between job insecurity and hotel employees' psychological response to the pandemic. Based on the findings, we recommend periodically implementing the GAD-7 scale for employee assessments. Consequently, hotel companies can create guidelines for human resource management post-COVID-19.

World Assumptions and Coping Related to Trauma as Predictors of General Mental Health and Acute Stress Symptoms Among Iranian Muslims During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak is a new potentially traumatic event that may have some unknown effects on mental health. The aim of this study was to examine how two theoretical frameworks related to coping with trauma, including shattered assumptions and coping with trauma, could explain mental health and acute stress symptoms among the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. The participants included 212 Iranian Muslims who filled out the online survey. Women and people with non-fixed jobs reported more mental health deterioration and acute stress symptoms. There were no significant differences between people with or without COVID-19 in terms of mental health symptoms, experiencing acute stress symptoms, and world assumptions. Results showed that world assumption and forward-focused coping could predict mental health symptoms and acute stress symptoms beyond COVID-19 specific stress. Assumptions related to the meaningfulness of the world and trauma-focused coping were associated with a higher score in general mental health symptoms and acute stress, but assumptions related to the benevolence of the world, self-worth, and forward-focused coping were associated with lower mental health and acute stress symptoms. This could suggest that world assumptions could buffer or endanger mental health during crises such as the pandemic. In addition, it seems that forward-focus coping is effective for managing new life challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. In contrast, the more people address the negative and catastrophic effects of COVID-19 (such as trauma-focused coping), the more they are prone to developing mental health symptoms. This study showed that among Iranian Muslims, some world assumptions (for example, the meaningfulness of world) and some kinds of coping (for example, trauma-focused coping) were not as protective factor as in non-Muslim countries.

Policy effects of the expansion of telehealth under 1135 waivers on intentions to seek counseling services: Difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis

Practicing counselors swiftly shifted to telehealth after insurance payers changed their policy to cover telehealth counseling under the expansion of telehealth with 1135 waivers, which has led to concerns over the policy effects on clients' continuing counseling service-seeking intentions. To determine if this shift to telehealth was associated with a change in clients' counseling service-seeking intentions while adjusting for unmeasured confounders and time trends, we performed a difference-in-difference analysis (a quasi-experimental design) to compare changes between the client (treated) and non-client (control) groups through a large national sample of emerging adults (N = 52,237). The study findings indicated that the shift to telehealth was not associated with a change in clients' counseling service-seeking intentions, providing support for the utility of telehealth counseling. Implications of these findings should be considered when assessing the merit of telehealth counseling to inform public policies and counseling practice in the post-pandemic era.

Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of FCV-19S.

As COVID-19 delivered a devastating blow around Europe, unprecedented mental health issues have arisen. This study outlines the Greek translation and validation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in the general population. A sample of 3029 Greek-speaking individuals completed the FCV-19S, as part of a large online survey reporting on the aftermath of the coronavirus on the psychological health of Greeks. A total of 2970 participants completed all items without missing values, and their responses were included in the statistical analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis suggested an acceptable model fit. The internal consistency measured by Cronbach's alpha = .87 for the whole scale. All hypothesized correlations were as expected, confirming the construct validity of the scale. The results of the analyses suggest that the psychometric properties of the Greek FCV-19S are sufficient.

The Thai version of the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale: a valid instrument for the psychometric assessment of the community members in Bangkok, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can develop into a long-term COVID in some cases, which can have a major impact on various health systems requiring appropriate treatment involving multi-disciplinary healthcare. The COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS) is a standardized tool widely used for screening the symptoms and severity of long-term COVID. Translation of the English version of the C19-YRS into the Thai language and testing it is essential for the psychometric evaluation of the severity of the long-term COVID syndrome prior to providing rehabilitation care for community members. METHODS: Forward-and back-translations including cross-cultural aspects were conducted in order to develop a preliminary Thai version of that tool. Five experts evaluated the content validity of the tool and produced a highly valid index. A cross-sectional study was then conducted on a sample of 337 Thai community members recovering from COVID-19. Assessment of internal consistency and individual item analyses were also performed. RESULTS: The content validity resulted in valid indices. The analyses showed that 14 items had acceptable internal consistency, based on the corrected item correlations. However, five symptom severity items and two functional ability items were deleted. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the final C19-YRS was 0.723, indicating acceptable internal consistency and reliability of the survey instrument. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the Thai C19-YRS tool had acceptable validity and reliability for the evaluation and testing of the psychometric variables in a Thai community population. The survey instrument also had acceptable validity and reliability for screening the symptoms and severity of long-term COVID. Further studies are warranted in order to standardize the various applications of this tool.

Assessment of Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS-M) among Non-Academic Staff Working from Home during COVID-19 in Malaysia.

This study aims to validate the Malay version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS-M) in order for the scale to be available among the Malay-speaking population. Two hundred and ninety-eight non-academic staff completed the Malay version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS-M), Malay Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-M), and Malay Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (M-DASS-21). To explore the factor structure of BRS-M, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the first group of 149 participants was conducted using FACTOR (v.11) software. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted from the data of the second group of 149 participants using SEM_PLS software. The EFA revealed a two-factor model; Factor 1 ="Resilience" and Factor 2 = "Succumbing". The CFA indicated a sufficient internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.806 and McDonald's omega, ω = 0.812) and a good fit with SRMR = 0.031. BRS-M, CBI-M, and M-DASS-21 displayed a satisfactory concurrent validity result. Household income and marital status had significant association with resilience level, with low household income (B40 group) being a predictor of lower resilience. The BRS-M demonstrated favourable psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity to assess the level of resilience among non-academic staff in Malaysia.

Adaptation of the Bangla Version of the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale.

The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) is among the first few published screening tools for assessing dysfunctional anxiety induced by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The CAS was translated into the Bangla language following the International Test Commission's guidelines for this adaptation study and placed in an online survey (N = 737, with a mean age of 26.55 (SD = 7.166 years) to assess the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of the scale. Results suggested that all items had a good item discrimination index and single-factor structure with good factor loadings. The CAS Bangla version was found to have good internal consistency reliabilities, test-retest reliability, and composite reliability (≥ 0.7). The measurement invariance suggested invariances across age groups and gender. The CAS Bangla version showed a high correlation to the anxiety subscale of the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a moderate correlation to the depression subscale of the DASS-21 and the COVID-19 Worry Scale. This validation of a Bangla CAS scale would be helpful for mental health practitioners to assess pandemic anxiety among the Bangladeshi people.

Psychometric properties of a physical self-efficacy perception scale in the light of cognitive social theory

The present study aimed at investigating the psychometric properties of an established instrument for assessing students' perception of self-efficacy about their performance in high school physics (Ricardo, 2014), given the importance of such a perception to the success of the teaching and learning process. Measurements of descriptors and distractors were estimated (TRI) from the Item Response Theory and validation tests based on their internal structure were performed. The relevant test results showed that the instrument's division into three original factors was not adequate, reducing them to a single factor. They also showed that a number of items of the instrument had to be removed to improve its adequacy This work shows that Ricardo's instrument can be turned into a strongly validated tool to adequately raise perceptions of self-efficacy of the students. However, due to some contingencies of the application of the instrument, mainly that of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is suggested to carry out further studies that aim to improve even more the psychometric properties of the test. © 2023 The Authors

Subjective perception of COVID-19: A comprehensive assessment measure for adolescents and young people / Percepción subjetiva del COVID-19: Una medida de evaluación integral para adolescentes y jóvenes

Resumen La pandemia por COVID-19 es un evento adverso y factor de riesgo para la salud integral de los adolescentes y jóvenes, asociado a trastornos de estrés, ansiedad y depresión, sin embargo, la perspectiva ecológica plantea que la percepción del evento o situación juega un papel central en la adaptación y salud mental. Por otra parte, la detección de factores de riesgo-protección es la base de una intervención efectiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una medida multidimensional válida y confiable para explorar la percepción subjetiva y las respuestas psicológicas de los adolescentes y jóvenes ante la pandemia por COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio instrumental en el que participaron 727 adolescentes de 13 a 24 años (M= 18.36; DE= 2.9) de la Ciudad de México. Se elaboró la Encuesta de Percepción Juvenil del COVID-19 (EPJ COVID-19) que fue aplicada en línea. Un análisis factorial por componentes principales (n= 410) arrojó una solución de ocho factores: Miedo y preocupaciones, Indicadores de estrés, Presiones escolares, Conductas preventivas, Cambios de rutinas, Dinámica familiar, Relajación y esparcimiento, y Socialización virtual (VE = 59.07%). Un análisis factorial confirmatorio con el método de máxima verosimilitud (n= 317) corroboró un modelo de ocho factores mostrando índices aceptables de ajuste, el cual también presentó una buena consistencia interna (α total= .863). Los resultados sugieren que la EPJ COVID-19 es una medida válida y confiable que puede ser usada para valorar de manera integral la percepción y respuestas de los adolescentes y jóvenes ante la pandemia para diseñar intervenciones basadas en evidencia.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is an adverse event and risk factor for the integral health of adolescents and young people, associated with stress disorders, anxiety, and depression; however, the ecological-transactional perspective supposed that the perception of the event or situation plays a central role in adaptation and mental health. Likewise, detecting risk-protective factors is the basis for effective intervention The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable multidimensional measure to explore the perception and psychological responses of young people to the pandemic. An instrumental study was carried out and 727 adolescents aged 13 to 24 years (M= 18.36; SD= 2.9) from Mexico City participated. The COVID-19's Youth Perception Survey (COVID 19's YPS) was constructed which was applied online. A factor analysis using the principal components (n= 410) yielded a solution of eight factors: Fear and worries, Stress indicators, School pressures, Preventive behaviors, Changes in routine, Family dynamics, Relaxation and leisure, and Virtual socialization (EV= 59.07%). A confirmatory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method (n= 317) corroborated an eight-factor model showing acceptable fit index, and it also shows a good internal consistency (α total= .863). These results suggest that the Survey is a valid and reliable measure that can be used to comprehensively assess adolescents and youth perception and responses to the pandemic, providing data to designing evidence-based intervention.

Psychometric Validation of the Indonesian Version of Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale 13.

A psychometric evaluation of the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale 13 (CRIES-13), which measures the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children and adolescents caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was conducted. We aimed to cross-culturally adapt and test the psychometric qualities of the CRIES-13 that was applied to Indonesian adolescents exposed to COVID-19 risk across gender groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a junior high school in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in May 2022; 346 Indonesian adolescents aged 12 to 18 years completed the Indonesian version of the CRIES-13. The factorial validity results supported the scale's three-factor structure (intrusion, avoidance, and arousal), which satisfied all parameter index requirements and exhibited a favorable level of internal consistency reliability. Excellent results were obtained across genders for the four-level measurement of invariance (i.e., configural, metric, scalar, and full invariance), and they met the recommended criteria. Our Cronbach's alphas and composite reliability ratings were high (>0.7), indicating a strong correlation and reliability of the items for measuring each construct. We strongly support the use of the Indonesian CRIES-13, which was demonstrated to be valid and reliable for an adolescent population.

Psychometric properties of the arabic version of the positive/negative experiences of parents for school-aged students about online learning during COVID-19 pandemic assessment scale.

BACKGROUND: The current literature examining the impact of online learning on parents and their children, specifically in the time of COVID-19 are still lacking in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the aim of the study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the positive/negative experiences of online learning during COVID-19 Pandemic Assessment Scale. METHODS: A cross-sectional study approved by a university institutional review board was conducted among 184 participants in 2021. The scale was translated from English into Arabic and culturally adapted as needed. The psychometric properties of the instruments, including face and content validity, and internal consistency were evaluated. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to cross-validate the factor structure. The Spearman's Rho Correlation was used to assess convergent validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha were 0.890 and 0.892, respectively, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.73 and 0.43 to 0.76, respectively. The EFA indicated a single-factor with a total% variance 52.89 for the positive experience items of the scale and 56.83 for the negative experience items of the scale. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the the positive/negative experiences of online learning during COVID-19 Pandemic Assessment Scale is reliable and valid measure for assessing parents experiences among Arabic-speaking population.

Factor structure and psychometric proprieties of the COVID-19 prevention behaviours (COV19-PB) scale.

We sought to test the COVID19-PB scale's psychometric properties and its dimensionality in a sample composed of 1107 Italian adults aged from 18 to 80 years (M = 39.59; SD = 16.36), 75% (n = 830) females, and 25% (n = 277) males. Exploratory, Confirmatory factor analysis and parallel analysis were used to validate the instrument that resulted from the Ebola Virus protective behaviours scale adaptation. Fear of covid-19 and a 1-item level of adherence to the Covid-19 protection scale were used to test the measure's convergent validity. A four-factor structure emerged from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis: direct avoidance, avoidance of public spaces, avoidance of social interaction, and talking about the virus as protection. COVID-19 PB was a valuable measure to assess individuals' competencies in assuming correct behaviours during the pandemic.

Evidence for validity of the epidemic-pandemic impacts inventory (brief healthcare module): Internal structure and association with other variables.

The COVID-19 pandemic has subjected healthcare workers to enormous stress. Measuring the impact of this public health emergency is essential to developing strategies that can effectively promote resilience and wellness. The Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory Supplemental Healthcare Module-Brief Version (EPII-SHMb) was developed to measure impacts among occupational cohorts serving on the front lines of healthcare. While this instrument has been utilized in COVID-19 related studies, little is known about its psychometric properties. This study collects evidence for validity of the EPII-SHMb by evaluating its internal structure and how its scores associate with other variables. Physicians and nursing staff across a large New York health system were cross-sectionally surveyed using an online questionnaire between June and November 2020. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution, identifying factors Lack of Workplace Safety (7 items), Death/Dying of Patients (3 items), and Lack of Outside Support (2 items). Internal consistency was high overall and within physician/nursing and gender subgroups (Cronbach's alpha: 0.70 - 0.81). Median scores on Death/Dying of Patients were higher among those who directly cared for COVID-19 patients or worked in COVID-19 hospital units. These results are promising. Additional studies evaluating other dimensions of validity are necessary.

Psychometric properties of the Greek versions of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale and the Pandemic-Related Postpartum Stress Scale and associated risk factors during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected perinatal mental health. Reliable tools are needed to assess perinatal stress during pandemic situations. AIMS: To assess the psychometric properties of the Greek versions of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS) and the Pandemic-Related Postpartum Stress Scale (PREPS-PP) and to explore the associations between women's characteristics and perinatal stress during the second pandemic wave. METHODS: The PREPS and PREPS-PP were completed by 264 pregnant and 188 postpartum women, respectively, who also completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: The internal consistency was similar for PREPS and PREPS-PP. It was good for preparedness stress (a = 0.77 and α = 0.71, respectively) and infection stress (α = 0.83 for both scales) but low for positive appraisal (α = 0.46 and α = 0.41, respectively). Of the pregnant women, 55.33% and 55.27%, respectively, reported scores of ≥40 on STAI-S and STAI-T, and the respective percentages for the postpartum women were 47.34% and 46.80%. In addition, 14.39% of the pregnant women and 20.74% of the postpartum women scored ≥13 on the EPDS. Higher preparedness stress on PREPS and PREPS-PP was associated with primiparity (P = 0.022 and P = 0.021, respectively) and disrupted perinatal care (P = 0.069 and P = 0.007, respectively). In postpartum women, higher infection stress was associated with chronic disease (P = 0.037), primiparity (P = 0.02) and perceived risk of infection (P = 0.065). Higher score on infection stress was associated with disrupted perinatal care in both groups (P = 0.107 and P = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Greek versions of PREPS and PREPS-PP are valid tools for the assessment of women at risk of perinatal stress during a health crisis.

Developing and Evaluating a Measure of the Willingness to Use Pandemic-Related mHealth Tools Using National Probability Samples in the United States: Quantitative Psychometric Analyses and Tests of Sociodemographic Group Differences.

BACKGROUND: There are no psychometrically validated measures of the willingness to engage in public health screening and prevention efforts, particularly mobile health (mHealth)-based tracking, that can be adapted to future crises post-COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The psychometric properties of a novel measure of the willingness to participate in pandemic-related screening and tracking, including the willingness to use pandemic-related mHealth tools, were tested. METHODS: Data were from a cross-sectional, national probability survey deployed in 3 cross-sectional stages several weeks apart to adult residents of the United States (N=6475; stage 1 n=2190, 33.82%; stage 2 n=2238, 34.56%; and stage 3 n=2047, 31.62%) from the AmeriSpeak probability-based research panel covering approximately 97% of the US household population. Five items asked about the willingness to use mHealth tools for COVID-19-related screening and tracking and provide biological specimens for COVID-19 testing. RESULTS: In the first, exploratory sample, 3 of 5 items loaded onto 1 underlying factor, the willingness to use pandemic-related mHealth tools, based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A 2-factor solution, including the 3-item factor, fit the data (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.038, comparative fit index [CFI]=1.000, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR]=0.005), and the factor loadings for the 3 items ranged from 0.849 to 0.893. In the second, validation sample, the reliability of the 3-item measure was high (Cronbach α=.90), and 1 underlying factor for the 3 items was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA): RMSEA=0, CFI=1.000, SRMR=0 (a saturated model); factor loadings ranged from 1.000 to 0.962. The factor was independently associated with COVID-19-preventive behaviors (eg, "worn a face mask": r=0.313, SE=0.041, P<.001; "kept a 6-foot distance from those outside my household": r=0.282, SE=0.050, P<.001) and the willingness to provide biological specimens for COVID-19 testing (ie, swab to cheek or nose: r=0.709, SE=0.017, P<.001; small blood draw: r=0.684, SE=0.019, P<.001). In the third, multiple-group sample, the measure was invariant, or measured the same thing in the same way (ie, difference in CFI [ΔCFI]<0.010 across all grouping categories), across age groups, gender, racial/ethnic groups, education levels, US geographic region, and population density (ie, rural, suburban, urban). When repeated across different samples, factor-analytic findings were essentially the same. Additionally, there were mean differences (ΔM) in the willingness to use mHealth tools across samples, mainly based on race or ethnicity and population density. For example, in SD units, suburban (ΔM=-0.30, SE=0.13, P=.001) and urban (ΔM=-0.42, SE=0.12, P<.001) adults showed less willingness to use mHealth tools than rural adults in the third sample collected on May 30-June 8, 2020, but no differences were detected in the first sample collected on April 20-26, 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Findings showed that the screener is psychometrically valid. It can also be adapted to future public health crises. Racial and ethnic minority adults showed a greater willingness to use mHealth tools than White adults. Rural adults showed more mHealth willingness than suburban and urban adults. Findings have implications for public health screening and tracking and understanding digital health inequities, including lack of uptake.