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.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Persian version of the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8).

Background and objectives: Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by urinary frequency and is recognized as a disorder. Various tools are available for diagnosing this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the 8-item Overactive Bladder Scale (OAB-V8). Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 150 OAB patients. The OAB-V8 scale was translated and culturally adapted following established guidelines. Face and content validity were assessed using the Impact Score (IS), Content Validity Index (CVI), and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) indices. Reliability was evaluated by calculating Cronbach's alpha (α) and utilizing the test-retest method (Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)). Construct validity was explored through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24, with a significance level set at 5 %. Results: The face validity was confirmed, with all items having an IS value greater than 1.5. Content validity was also confirmed, as most items had a Content Validity Index (CVI) higher than 0.79, and the average Content Validity Ratio (CVR) value was 0.96. In the initial phase of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), the sample adequacy and suitability of the exploratory analysis were confirmed (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test value = 0.784, Bartlett's Test p-value <0.05). Two dimensions explaining 61.87 % of the variance were then extracted. In the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the fit indices were deemed acceptable (χ^2/df = 2.006, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.08). The reliability was confirmed with an alpha coefficient of 0.81 and an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.98. Conclusion: The Persian version of the OAB-V8 questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability, indicating its suitability for use in Persian-speaking countries.

Psychometric properties of the modified Drug Abuse Screening Test Sinhala version (DAST-SL): evaluation of reliability and validity in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive drug use is an important public health issue in Sri Lanka as it causes substantial health, social and economic burden to the country. Screening for substance use disorders in people who use drugs is vital in preventive health care, as it can help to identify problematic use early. Screening can aid in referring those in need, for the most appropriate treatment and care. Thus, preventing them from developing severe substance use disorders with complications. The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) is an evidence-based tool widely used to assess the severity of psychoactive drug use. This study aimed to culturally adapt and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) in Sri Lanka. METHODS: The DAST-10 was culturally adapted, and the nine-item Sinhala version (DAST-SL) was validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The validation study was conducted in the Kandy district among people who use drugs, recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Criterion validity of the questionnaire was assessed by taking the diagnosis by a psychiatrist as the gold standard. Cut-off values for the modified questionnaire were developed by constructing Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The reliability of the DAST-SL was assessed by measuring its internal consistency and test re-test reliability. RESULTS: The validated DAST-SL demonstrated a one-factor model. A cut-off value of ≥ 2 demonstrated the presence of substance use disorder and had a sensitivity of 98.7%, specificity of 91.7%, a positive predictive value of 98.8% and a negative predictive value of 91.3%. The area under the curve of the ROC curve was 0.98. A cut-off score of ≤ 1 was considered a low level of problems associated with drug use. The DAST-SL score of 2-3 demonstrated a moderate level of problem severity, a score of 4-6 demonstrated a substantial level of problems, and a score of ≥ 7 demonstrated a severe level of drug-related problems. The questionnaire demonstrated high reliability with an internal consistency of 0.80 determined by Kuder-Richardson Formula-20 and an inter-class correlation coefficient of 0.97 for test re-test reliability. CONCLUSION: The DAST-SL questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to screen for drug use problem severity in people who use drugs in Sri Lanka.

Psychometric properties of anxiety sensitivity Index-3 among Chinese college students and its preliminary application among this population experiencing campus lockdown.

PURPOSE: Anxiety sensitivity (AS) refers to fear of anxiety-related sensory arousal and has been revealed to be associated with increased psychological distress and mental problems. Although Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) has been confirmed to be effective in evaluating this construct, whether it is consistently applicable in college students is still elusive. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of Chinese version of ASI-3 (C-ASI-3) among college students experiencing campus lockdown due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: A total of 1532 Chinese college students (397, 25.9% males) aged between 16 and 25 were included in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to verify the factor structure of C-ASI-3. Multi-group CFA was conducted for analysis of measurement invariance with regard to gender. McDonald's omega values were computed for examination of scale reliability. For criterion, convergent, and divergent validity, average variance extracted (AVE) values for C-ASI-3 subscales, difference between square root of AVE for each factor and inter-factor correlation, as well as pearson correlation and partial correlation between the C-ASI-3 and other three scales, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19 S) were evaluated. RESULTS: The C-ASI-3 presented a three-factor scale structure with fit indices being as follows: χ2/df = 11.590, CFI = 0.938, RMSEA = 0.083, SRMR = 0.042. Strict measurement invariance was reached across gender. Regarding convergent validity, the C-ASI-3 had a high correlation with the DASS-21 (r = 0.597, p < 0.01) and the STAI (r = 0.504, p < 0.01). All AVE values for C-ASI-3 subscales were above 0.5. In terms of divergent validity, the C-ASI-3 had medium correlation with the FCV-19 S (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). Square of root of AVE for each factor was higher that inter-factor correlation. McDonald's omega values of the three dimensions ranged from 0.898 ~ 0.958. CONCLUSION: The C-ASI-3 has acceptable psychometric properties among college students. College students with different gender have consistent understanding on the scale construct.

Nurses' evidence-based knowledge and self-efficacy in venous access device insertion and management: Development and validation of a questionnaire.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test an instrument to assess nurses' evidence-based knowledge and self-efficacy regarding insertion and management of venous access devices (short peripheral catheter (SPC), long peripheral catheter/midline (LPC) and PICC) and the management of totally implantable central venous catheter (Port) in adult patients. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional observational study with questionnaire development and psychometric testing (validity and reliability). METHODS: An evidence-based instrument was developed including a 34-item knowledge section and an 81-item self-efficacy section including four device-specific parts. Nineteen experts evaluated content validity. A pilot study was conducted with 86 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices were calculated for knowledge items. Confirmatory factor analyses tested the dimensionality of the self-efficacy section according to the development model. Construct validity was tested through known group validity. Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient for unidimensional scales and omega coefficients for multidimensional scales. RESULTS: Content validity indices and results from the pilot study were excellent with all the item-content validity indices >0.78 and scale-content validity index ranging from 0.96 to 0.99. The survey was completed by 425 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices for knowledge items were acceptable with most items (58.8%) showing desirable difficulty and most items (58.8%) with excellent (35.3%) or good (23.5%) discrimination power, and appropriate to the content. The dimensionality of the model posited for self-efficacy was confirmed with adequate fit indices (e.g., comparative fit index range 0.984-0.996, root mean square error of approximation range 0.054-0.073). Construct validity was determined and reliability was excellent with alpha values ranging from 0.843 to 0.946 and omega coefficients ranging from 0.833 to 0.933. Therefore, a valid and reliable tool based on updated guidelines is made available to evaluate nurses' competencies for venous access insertion and management.

Urdu translation and cross-cultural validation of the stroke self-efficacy questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) measures the self-confidence of the individual in functional activities after a stroke. The SSEQ is a self-report scale with 13 items that assess self-efficacy after a stroke in several functional domains. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to translate the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire into Urdu Language and to find out the validity and reliability of Urdu SSEQ among stroke patients. METHODS: The cross-cultural validation study design was used. Following COSMIN guidelines, forward and backward translation protocols were adopted. After pilot testing on 10 stroke patients, the final Urdu version was drafted. A sample of 110 stroke patients was used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SSEQ-U. Content and Concurrent validity were determined. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were used to measure internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: The final version was drafted after application on 10 stroke patients. Content validity was analyzed by a content validity index ranging from 0.87 to 1. The internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's alpha (α > 0.80). Test-retest reliability was determined by the Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2,1=0.956). Concurrent validity was determined by correlations with other scales by using the Spearman correlation coefficient; moderate to strong correlations (positive and negative) were found with the Functional Independence Measure (r = 0.76), Beck Depression Inventory (r=-0.54), Short Form of 12-item Scale (r = 0.68) and Fall Efficacy Scale (r = 0.82) with p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The Urdu version was linguistically acceptable and accurate for stroke survivors for determining self-efficacy. It showed good content and concurrent validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

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.

Initial validation of the Turkish version of the defense mechanisms rating scales-self-report-30.

The Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales-Self Report-30 (DMRS-SR-30) was recently developed to add a self-report alternative to the assessment of defenses, reflecting their generally accepted hierarchical organization. In this study, we aimed to examine psychometric properties and factor structure of the Turkish language version of the DMRS-SR-30. The sample consisted of 1.002 participants who filled out a survey comprising the DMRS-SR-30, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Inventory of Personality Organization through Qualtrics. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated a three-factor structure (CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.05) that confirms the DMRS theoretical frame with a relatively acceptable fit. Defensive categories and total scale scores showed good to excellent reliability (α values ranging from 0.64 to 0.89). Correlations between defenses, symptoms, and personality functioning demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. The individuals with clinically significant BSI scores (T-score ≥ 63) differed on the DMRS-SR-30 scores from the individuals in the non-clinical range. The Turkish version of the DMRS-SR-30 is a reliable and valid instrument to self-assess the hierarchy of defense mechanisms and overall defensive functioning. Moreover, the current study supports the validity of the tripartite model of defenses in a language and culture different from the origins of the DMRS and DMRS-SR-30.

Evaluation of cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the critical thinking disposition scale: methodological study.

INTRODUCTION: Assessing critical thinking disposition is crucial in nursing education to foster analytical skills essential for effective healthcare practice. This study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale among Iranian nursing students. METHOD: A total of 390 nursing students (mean age = 21.74 (2.1) years; 64% female) participated in the study. Face and content validity were established through feedback from nursing students and expert specialists, respectively. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA was used to explore the number of factors and the items that were loading on them. The CFA was used to confirmed the fidnings of the EFA on the same sample. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined, along with reliability through internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: EFA revealed a two-factor structure, comprising "Critical Openness" and "Reflective Skepticism," explaining 55% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the model's fit (χ² = 117.37, df = 43, χ²/df = 2.73, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.067; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.041). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported, with significant factor loadings (p < 0.001) ranging from 0.61 to 0.77. The CTDS exhibited strong internal consistency (α = 0.87) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96). CONCLUSION: The validation of the CTDS in Persian language settings provides a reliable tool for assessing critical thinking disposition among Iranian nursing students. The two-factor structure aligns with previous research, reflecting students' propensity towards critical openness and reflective skepticism. The study's findings underscore the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills in nursing education.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese Version of the stimulant relapse risk scale (SRRS) in patients with methamphetamine use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the risk of relapse is a pivotal step in the treatment of patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). The 30-item Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS) was originally developed in Japan to meet the demand. This study examined the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Chinese version of the SRRS for patients with MUD. METHODS: 247 patients with MUD self-rated the Chinese version of the SRRS. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and inter-item correlation analysis were used to assess the internal consistency reliability. Construct validity was determined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity was examined using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for drug craving and the severity of dependence scale (SDS). We followed the participants for 1 year and assessed the predictive validity based on the correlation of the scores of the Chinese version of the SRRS with the relapse rate within 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: CFA revealed satisfactory model fit estimates for the 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS that consisted of four subscales. The four-factored 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS had adequate internal consistency with Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.76 to 0.92. The 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS scores were significantly correlated with the VAS and SDS scores as well as the relapse rate within 3, 6, and 12 months, indicating good concurrent and predictive validity of this scale. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a cutoff score of 40 could discriminate between participants with (SDS score ≥ 4) and without (SDS score < 4) methamphetamine dependence (area under the curve = 0.71, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 22-item Chinese version of the SRRS that consists of four subscales is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the relapse risk in patients with MUD.

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.

Validation of the DLQI questionnaire in assessing the disease burden and principal aspects related to life quality of vitiligo patients.

According to many studies, vitiligo has a negative psychological influence on the patient's life. Multiple factors contribute to the severity of the vitiligo disease burden, among which the most important are self-esteem, stress, and stigma. We aimed to measure the importance of health-related life quality in assessing disease burden in patients with vitiligo. We formulated an HA, which is the principal hypothesis, claiming a single fundamental factor that characterizes the life quality of patients with vitiligo. We also formulated 10 important research questions related to the quality of life that can be generally formulated for patients with dermatological illnesses but particularly suited for vitiligo patients. These research questions capture fundamental aspects of the health-related quality of life of vitiligo patients influenced by symptoms and feelings, daily activities, leisure, job and education, personal relationships, and treatment. These also cover specific aspects related to the quality of life, such as skin-caused sexual difficulties, difficulties in social relationships, and difficulties in performing sports, among others. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire measures the health-related quality of life of persons suffering from skin diseases. We applied this generic questionnaire to patients with vitiligo. Following a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, we obtained 114 carefully selected patients who responded to all the questions. This study also validated the DLQI questionnaire on persons who suffer from vitiligo. We investigated whether DLQI has acceptable internal consistency by applying Cronbach's alpha internal consistency indicator (Cα). The obtained Cα = 0.914 indicates excellent internal consistency. We also examined whether all the questions in the questionnaire were mathematically consistent, which we finally proved. It was not necessary to remove any of the questionnaire questions. To prove our HA, a Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) was applied, verifying the assumptions regarding the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Convergent Validity (CV). HA proved that applying PAF on DLQI resulted in extracting a single general vitiligo latent factor of life quality, with an initial eigenvalue = 5.671, SS loadings = 5.2, and 52 % of the total cumulative variance explained. Diverse statistical analyses were applied to analyze the 10 formulated research questions. The results of the analysis of the research questions are presented and discussed in the manuscript. One of the conclusions related to the analysis of a research question was that sex had the lowest correlation with the latent life quality factor identified for vitiligo patients.

Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Personality Assessment Inventory: normative data and reliability.

Introduction: Originally published in the United States of America in 1991, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) has been translated and adapted to a growing number of countries, but Portugal had yet to study its adequacy to the Portuguese population. Methods: The current study aimed to investigate the Portuguese normative data, the predictive effect of sociodemographic variables on the PAI scores, and the reliability of the Portuguese version of the PAI. Additionally, results were compared with other international versions of the PAI. The sample was comprised of 900 participants (age: M = 43.13, SD = 14.28, range = 18-75), recruited from various regions of Portugal. Results: Findings showed that the Portuguese sample scored higher than the U.S. and other international versions of the PAI in most scales. Sociodemographic variables (e.g., gender, age, and educational level) were significant predictors on PAI scores. The internal consistency of the Portuguese sample revealed lower values on the validity scales, but adequate on the clinical, treatment, and interpersonal scales. Overall, the Portuguese PAI revealed adequate psychometric properties, with normative results often superior to other international versions of the inventory. Discussion: It is a crucial step into the Portuguese adaptation and validation of this instrument, a measure with considerable potential in clinical, forensic, and research contexts. This adaptation may lead to the growth and development of the psychological assessment field in Portugal, and the opportunity to develop future cross-cultural studies with other international versions of the PAI.

A New Quantitative Tool for the Ultrasonographic Assessment of Tendons: A Reliability and Validity Study on the Patellar Tendon.

Ultrasound is widely used for tendon assessment due to its safety, affordability, and portability, but its subjective nature poses challenges. This study aimed to develop a new quantitative analysis tool based on artificial intelligence to identify statistical patterns of healthy and pathological tendons. Furthermore, we aimed to validate this new tool by comparing it to experts' subjective assessments. A pilot database including healthy controls and patients with patellar tendinopathy was constructed, involving 14 participants with asymptomatic (n = 7) and symptomatic (n = 7) patellar tendons. Ultrasonographic images were assessed twice, utilizing both the new quantitative tool and the subjective scoring method applied by an expert across five regions of interest. The database contained 61 variables per image. The robustness of the clinical and quantitative assessments was tested via reliability analyses. Lastly, the prediction accuracy of the quantitative features was tested via cross-validated generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regressions. These analyses showed high reliability for quantitative variables related to "Bone" and "Quality", with ICCs above 0.75. The ICCs for "Edges" and "Thickness" varied but mostly exceeded 0.75. The results of this study show that certain quantitative variables are capable of predicting an expert's subjective assessment with generally high cross-validated AUC scores. A new quantitative tool for the ultrasonographic assessment of the tendon was designed. This system is shown to be a reliable and valid method for evaluating the patellar tendon structure.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the febrile convulsion knowledge scale for parents/caregivers: translation and validation study.

BACKGROUND: Fever is one of the most common clinical symptoms of respiratory diseases in children. Once the child has a fever, parents and caregivers are mainly concerned that the child may have a febrile convulsion. A lack of cognitive ability not only leads to anxiety but also aggravates or delays the time of children's medical treatment and even seriously affects the prognosis because of improper management of fever patients.Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the degree of mastery of knowledge related to febrile convulsions, implement targeted guidance and health education, and ensure that parents and caregivers receive correct and reasonable first aid treatment. The purpose of this study was to translate the Febrile Convulsion Knowledge Scale for Parents/Caregivers into Chinese and to verify its reliability and validity for Chinese parents and caregivers of children. METHODS: The Brislin traditional translation model was used to translate the Febrile Convulsion Knowledge Scale for Parents/Caregivers from English to Chinese, following authorization from the original author of the scale. This involved literal translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation. A convenience sampling method was used to select 402 parents and caregivers of children in the pediatric ward and pediatric infusion clinic of a Grade III hospital in Liaoning Province. The item analysis method was employed to assess item differentiation, while the Delphi method was used to analyze content validity. Scale reliability was evaluated through the calculation of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to explore and verify the underlying factor structure and scale validity. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the Febrile Convulsion Knowledge Scale for Parents/Caregivers consists of 3 dimensions and 8 items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.828, with each dimension having coefficients of 0.806, 0.720, and 0.702. The split-half reliability and test-retest reliability were 0.716 and 0.790, respectively. The Chinese version has good reliability. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the Bartlett sphericity test was 394.52 (p < 0.001) and that the KMO value was 0.802 > 0.600, indicating suitability for factor analysis. Principal component analysis and orthogonal rotation of maximum variance were performed on the data, and items with a load greater than 0.40 within a single factor were selected for inclusion. The resulting three-factor structure explained 70.78% of the total variance. All model fitting indices were within the acceptable range, indicating the good structural validity of the Chinese version. The results of both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses support this conclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the Febrile Convulsion Knowledge Scale for Parents/Caregivers has good reliability and validity. It can be used as a tool for clinical pediatric nurses to evaluate the knowledge of parents and caregivers of children with febrile convulsion and provide the basis for the design and implementation of targeted training plans according to the results obtained from the Chinese scale.

The Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) and Its Links with Demographics and Mental Health Outcomes in a Polish Sample.

Developing valid and reliable measures of psychological responses to climate change is of high importance, as this facilitates our understanding of people's psychological responses, including their pro-environmental behavior. Recently, the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) was introduced. This study aimed to develop the first Polish version of the CCWS and explore its psychometric properties. Our sample comprised 420 Polish adults aged 18-70, with a mean age of 26.20 (standard deviation = 10.61) years. The CCWS's factor structure was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis. McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha coefficients were computed to assess internal consistency reliability. Pearson correlations between climate change worry (CCW) and experience of climate change (i.e., an individual's level of perception of being affected by climate change), pro-environmental behavior, ill-being (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms), and well-being were calculated. Our results support the strong factorial validity of the CCWS, conforming to its intended one-factor solution, with excellent internal consistency reliability for the total scale score (i.e., McDonald's omega and Cronbach's alpha values of 0.93). We noted large positive correlations between CCW and experiences of climate change, as well as pro-environmental behavior, and medium positive correlations with psychopathology symptoms. CCW scores were not associated with well-being. As the CCWS represents a measure of a specific manifestation of worry, we also examined its discriminant validity against more general psychological distress markers, and it evidenced strong validity in this regard. Overall, the Polish version of the CCWS appears to have strong psychometric properties, and will therefore be a useful tool to use in research on psychological responses to climate change.

Electronic Health Literacy Scale-Web3.0 for Older Adults with Noncommunicable Diseases: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: In the current digital era, eHealth literacy plays an indispensable role in health care and self-management among older adults with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Measuring eHealth literacy appropriately and accurately ensures the successful implementation and evaluation of pertinent research and interventions. However, existing eHealth literacy measures focus mainly on individuals' abilities of accessing and comprehending eHealth information (Web1.0), whereas the capabilities for web-based interaction (Web2.0) and using eHealth information (Web3.0) have not been adequately evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the eHealth Literacy Scale-Web3.0 (eHLS-Web3.0) among older adults with NCDs. METHODS: A total of 642 Chinese older adults with NCDs (mean age 65.78, SD 3.91 years; 55.8% female) were recruited in the baseline assessment, of whom 134 (mean age 65.63, SD 3.99 years; 58.2% female) completed the 1-month follow-up assessment. Baseline measures included the Chinese version of the 24-item 3D eHLS-Web3.0, the Chinese version of the 8-item unidimensional eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and demographic information. Follow-up measures included the 24-item eHLS-Web3.0 and accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior. A series of statistical analyses, for example, Cronbach α, composite reliability coefficient (CR), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multigroup CFA, were performed to examine the internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities, as well as the construct, concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validities, and the measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0 across gender, education level, and residence. RESULTS: Cronbach α and CR were within acceptable ranges of 0.89-0.94 and 0.90-0.97, respectively, indicating adequate internal consistency of the eHLS-Web3.0 and its subscales. The eHLS-Web3.0 also demonstrated cross-time stability, with baseline and follow-up measures showing a significant intraclass correlation of 0.81-0.91. The construct validity of the 3D structure model of the eHLS-Web3.0 was supported by confirmatory factor analyses. The eHLS-Web3.0 exhibited convergent validity with an average variance extracted value of 0.58 and a CR value of 0.97. Discriminant validity was supported by CFA results for a proposed 4-factor model integrating the 3 eHLS-Web3.0 subscales and eHEALS. The predictive validity of the eHLS-Web3.0 for health behaviors was supported by significant associations of the eHLS-Web3.0 with light physical activity (ß=.36, P=.004), moderate to vigorous physical activity (ß=.49, P<.001), and sedentary behavior (ß=-.26, P=.002). Finally, the measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0 across gender, education level, and residence was supported by the establishment of configural, metric, strong, and strict invariances. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides timely empirical evidence on the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the eHLS-Web3.0, suggesting that the 24-item 3D eHLS-Web3.0 is an appropriate and valid tool for measuring eHealth literacy among older adults with NCDs within the Web3.0 sphere.

The working alliance inventory - short version: psychometric properties of the patient and therapist form in youth mental health and addiction care.

The therapeutic alliance is considered to play an important role in youth treatment. The commonly used versions of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) are based on Bordin's three-dimensional alliance model. However, previous psychometric studies of the WAI did not find this three-dimensional structure in youth psychotherapy. These earlier findings may indicate different perceptions of the alliance by adolescent versus adult patients, but may also be due to methodological shortcomings. The current study aims to address previous study limitations by evaluating the factor structure of the short version of the WAI (WAI-S) in youth treatment in multilevel analysis to address the hierarchical structure of the alliance data. We examined the psychometric properties of the patient (n = 203) and therapist (n = 62) versions of the WAI-S in youth mental health and addiction care and tested four multilevel models of alliance at start of treatment and 2-month follow-up. Our results suggests a two-factor model for youth and a three-dimensional model for their therapist at both time points. Since this is the first study that finds a best fit for a two-dimensional construct of alliance in youth, more research is needed to clarify whether the differences in alliance dimensions are due to measurement differences between the WAI-S for youth and therapists or whether youth and their therapists truly differ in their perceptions of the concept of alliance.

Psychometric Properties of the Diagnostic Interview for Sexual Dysfunctions in Women in a Symptom-Reporting Sample.

While structured clinical interviews are considered the gold standard for diagnosing mental disorders, respective instruments are still lacking in the field of sexual dysfunctions. The study evaluates the psychometric properties of the new Diagnostic Interview for Sexual Dysfunctions in Women (DISEX-F), which is based on the eleventh edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), in a sample of 100 women with self-reported sexual problems. Participants were interviewed twice by trained diagnosticians with the DISEX-F. A third diagnostician evaluated the audio records of the initial interview. Participants also completed self-report measures of sexual functioning/distress and interview acceptance. The DISEX-F demonstrates excellent inter-rater reliability, good test-retest reliability, and strong convergent and discriminant evidence of validity. Furthermore, it achieves high acceptance among participants. Discordant diagnostic outcomes were especially linked to false differential diagnostic decisions and information variance in participants reporting. The results strongly support using the DISEX-F for women presenting with self-reported sexual problems in practice and research.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Greek version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) is a widely validated tool for assessing perceptions of spinal deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a Greek version of the SAQ (GR-SAQ). METHODS: A cross-cultural adaptation of the SAQ following international guidelines was performed. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the GR-SAQ with the Appearance domain of Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and the Cobb angle with the Trunk Shift domain of GR-SAQ. Divergent validity was examined through the relationship between GR-SAQ, patient characteristics, and clinical measures including Cobb angle, DIERS Formetric 4D angle, and scoliometer readings. RESULTS: The study included 61 AIS patients (52 females, 13.91 ± 2.57 years, 25.33 ± 10.14° Cobb angle). GR-SAQ exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.794) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.931, 95%CI: 0.880-0.960). Correlations between GR-SAQ and SRS-22 showed a low-to-moderate negative correlation (r = -0.351, p = 0.006). The Trunk Shift domain moderately correlated with the Cobb Angle (r = 0.393, p = 0.002). Divergent validity analyses did not demonstrate statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The GR-SAQ is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating spinal deformity perception in Greek AIS patients.