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Measuring citizens' engagement during emergencies: Psychometric validation of the Public Health Engagement Scale for Emergency Settings (PHEs-E).
Graffigna, G, Palamenghi, L, Barello, S, Savarese, M, Castellini, G, Lozza, E, Bonanomi, A
PloS one. 2021;(12):e0261733
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of citizens' behaviors in the containment of the virus. Individuals might change their intention to adhere to public health prescriptions depending on various personal characteristics, including their own emotional status, which has been recognized to be a crucial psychological factor in orienting people's adherence to public health recommendation during emergency settings. In particular, it is crucial to support citizens' alliance with authorities and feeling of trust: public engagement is a concept that refers to the general involvement of citizens into public affairs which is generally considered an effective approach to enhance citizens' understanding of their crucial role in public affairs. However, so far there is no agreement on the metrics and indexes that should be used to measures public engagement during a health crisis. The aim of this paper is to validate a psychometric scale (PHEs-E), which intends to measure the readiness of individuals to adhere to the prescribed behavioral change to contain the emergency. Data were collected throughout the pandemic in Italy: in particular, five independent samples were recruited starting from March 2020 to March 2021. Results showed that the proposed measure has good psychometric characteristics. A general linear model was computed to assess the differences of public engagement across the different data points and among citizens with different sociodemographic characteristics. Correlations with other psychological constructs (i.e. Anxiety, Depression and Self-Efficacy) were also tested, showing that more engaged citizens have a lower level of anxiety and depression, and a higher self-efficacy. This study's findings indicate that individuals' characteristics may differentiate citizens' motivation to engage in public health behavioral recommendation to prevent the COVID-19 contagion. However the scale could be useful to perform a psychological monitoring of psychological readiness to engage in public health strategies to face critical events and settings.
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An assessment of the construct validity of the Child Health Utility 9D-CHN instrument in school-aged children: evidence from a Chinese trial.
Zanganeh, M, Adab, P, Li, B, Frew, E
Health and quality of life outcomes. 2021;(1):205
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is emerging data regarding the psychometric properties of the Child Health Utility-9D instrument, more evidence is required with respect to its validity for use in different country settings. The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity of the CHU-9D-CHN instrument in Chinese children. METHODS Baseline Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and demographic data were collected from children recruited to the CHIRPY DRAGON obesity prevention intervention randomised controlled trial in China. HRQoL was measured using the Chinese version of the CHU-9D instrument (CHU-9D-CHN) and the PedsQL instrument. CHU-9D-CHN utility scores were generated using two scoring algorithms [UK and Chinese tariffs]. Discriminant validity, known-group validity and convergent validity were evaluated using non-parametric test for trend, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation coefficient analysis respectively. RESULTS Data was available for 1,539 children (mean age 6 years). The CHU-9D-CHN was sensitive to known group differences determined by the median PedsQL total score. Furthermore, the mean CHU-9D-CHN utility values decreased linearly with increasing levels of severity on each dimension of the PedsQL for emotional and social functioning domains. They decreased monotonically with increasing levels of severity on each dimension of the PedsQL for physical and school functioning domains (p < 0.001). Contrary to studies conducted in Western countries, and although not statistically significant, we found an indication that HRQoL, using both the CHU-9D-CHN and the PedsQL, was higher in children whose parents had lower levels of education, compared to those whose parents were university educated. The correlation between the CHU-9D-CHN utility values using UK and Chinese tariffs, and PedsQL total scores showed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.5221, p < 0.001 and Spearman's rho = 0.5316, p < 0.001), respectively. However, each CHU-9D-CHN dimension was either weakly, or very weakly correlated with each of the predetermined PedsQL domain functioning scores. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings provide some support for the construct validity of the CHU-9D-CHN within a Chinese population aged 6-7 years. However, some uncertainty remains. We recommend future studies continue to test the validity of the CHU-9D in different country settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Identifier ISRCTN11867516, Registered on 19/08/2015.
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Methods to develop figure rating scales (FRS): A systematic review.
Jayawardena, R, Sooriyaarachchi, P, Kagawa, M, Hills, AP, King, NA
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2021;(3):687-693
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Figure Rating Scales (FRS) are psychometric instruments developed to measure individual's perception of physical appearance and subsequently, to determine the level of body dissatisfaction. The following systematic review summarizes existing FRSs and the techniques used to development them. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in the following databases; PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus® using key words "figure rating scale" AND "Stunkard". RESULTS From 466 potentially relevant articles, 24 publications were included, 22 publications reporting original FRSs with the other two scales being modifications of the original for children and babies. Fifteen were figural drawings or silhouettes and nine were developed by photographic techniques, video methods or using computer software. Most of the figural scales were applicable for adults and consisted of nine images. Ten of the 15 figural scales were without facial features and four scales had minimal facial features. Technological advancements including 3D modeling have played a pivotal role in the development of FRSs. CONCLUSIONS FRSs have been developed by a mix of traditional and modern techniques. The development and validation of ethnic specific FRSs using modern technology should be the priority for future studies.
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A systematic review of self-care measures for adolescents with health needs.
Jiang, X, Walker, K, Topps, AK
Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation. 2021;(4):967-981
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study sought to review instruments measuring self-care for adolescents with health needs to provide a summary of the tools available for conducting self-care research in this population. METHOD Studies were mainly identified through searches in three electronic bibliographic databases (i.e., PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed) and additional sources to retrieve relevant articles. Studies were included if they focused on self-care measures, included samples of adolescents (ages 10-19), were published in English peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, and from the years 1980 through 2020. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study and evaluate the measurement quality based on available studies. RESULTS A total of ten scales from 12 papers were identified to meet the search criteria and designed for adolescent patients with three types of health needs, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and others (female care and nutrition). There is a lack of a clear and comprehensive definition of self-care for different health needs. The dominant focus of the scales was the behavioral aspect of self-care (e.g., adherence to medication regimen), with only a few scales (e.g., female care) assessing the psychological aspect of self-care. The quality of the psychometric properties of the scales varied greatly. CONCLUSIONS Results highlighted the need for more research on developing and validating self-care measures for adolescents with health needs. The unique developmental characteristics of adolescents should be adequately considered, and the psychological aspect of self-care should be incorporated in measurement development.
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Effect of Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate on Caregiver Strain and Validation of Psychometric Properties of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire: Results from a Phase 3 Trial in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
López, FA, Faraone, SV, Newcorn, JH, Doll, HA, Rhoten, S, Lewis, HB, Khan, TF, DeSousa, NJ, Sallee, FR, Incledon, B
Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology. 2021;(3):179-186
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Abstract
Objectives: Inadequately controlled symptoms and associated impaired functioning have a significant negative impact on caregivers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to assess the impact of evening-dosed, delayed-release and extended-release methylphenidate (DR/ER-MPH) treatment on caregiver strain, measured by the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (CGSQ), and present post hoc psychometric analyses assessing the reliability and validity of the CGSQ, its ability to detect change (responsiveness), and to derive responder definitions. Methods: The CGSQ was an exploratory efficacy endpoint in a phase 3, 3-week, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, forced-dose titration trial of DR/ER-MPH in children aged 6-12 years with ADHD (NCT02520388). Psychometric properties of the CGSQ evaluated post hoc included internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha; test/retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs); construct validity (known groups and convergent/divergent validity); responsiveness to changes in assessments of ADHD severity (ADHD Rating Scale-IV [ADHD-RS-IV], Conners' Global Index-Parent [CGI-P], and Clinical Global Impression-Severity [CGI-S]/CGI-Improvement [CGI-I]); and meaningful change threshold (MCT) using receiver operating characteristic curves, which were used to compare response between DR/ER-MPH and placebo groups. Results: Randomized DR/ER-MPH (54.5) and placebo (54.9) groups had similar mean CGSQ scores at screening. Caregivers of children on DR/ER-MPH reported significant reductions in CGSQ scores after 3 weeks of DR/ER-MPH treatment versus placebo (least-squares mean: 41.2 vs. 49.1; p < 0.001). The CGSQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and good test/retest reliability (ICC = 0.72). Known groups, convergent/divergent validity, and responsiveness were demonstrated from relationships between the CGSQ and the CGI-S, ADHD-RS-IV, and CGI-P. The mean anchor-based MCT for CGSQ total score was estimated as -9.0 (DR/ER-MPH vs. placebo: 53.2% vs. 29.9% p = 0.003). Conclusions: CGSQ scores significantly decreased after 3 weeks of DR/ER-MPH treatment versus placebo, and the CGSQ was found to be a valid and reliable measure of strain in caregivers of children with ADHD. Clinical trial registration identification number: NCT02520388.
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Nutritional Status Measurement Instruments for Diabetes: A Systematic Psychometric Review.
Montagut-Martínez, P, Pérez-Cruzado, D, García-Arenas, JJ
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;(16)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a serious chronic disease associated with a large number of complications and an increased risk of premature death. A dietary evaluation is of utmost importance for health promotion, disease prevention and individual treatment plans in patients with diabetes. METHODS An exhaustive search was carried out in various databases-Medline, Web of Science, Open Gray Cochrane Library and Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN)-for systematic review of the measurement properties of instruments that evaluate the dietary intake of people with diabetes mellitus type 1 and/or 2 according to COSMIN standards. RESULTS Seven instruments were identified. There was no instrument measuring nutritional status for which all the psychometric properties were evaluated. The methodological quality for each of the psychometric properties evaluated was 'inadequate' or 'doubtful' for all instruments. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) evaluated the most psychometric characteristics and with a better score in terms of quality of the evidence. CONCLUSIONS Several instruments have been developed for the evaluation of dietary intake in people with diabetes. Evaluation of this construct is very useful, both in clinical practice and in research, requiring new knowledge in this area. The FFQ is the best instrument available to assess dietary intake in people with diabetes.
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The Symptom-Checklist-K-9 (SCL-K-9) Discriminates between Overweight/Obese Patients with and without Significant Binge Eating Pathology: Psychometric Properties of an Italian Version.
Imperatori, C, Bianciardi, E, Niolu, C, Fabbricatore, M, Gentileschi, P, Di Lorenzo, G, Siracusano, A, Innamorati, M
Nutrients. 2020;(3)
Abstract
A general personality and psychopathology evaluation is considered to be crucial part of the multidisciplinary assessment for weight-related problems. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) is commonly used to assess general psychopathology in both overweight and obese patients seeking weight-loss treatment. The main purpose of the present research was to investigate the psychometric properties of the brief form of the SCL-90-R (i.e., the SCL-K-9) in a clinical sample (N = 397) of patients seeking weight-loss treatment (i.e., bariatric surgery and a nutritional weight-loss program). The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor solution of the SCL-K-9, with all nine items loading significantly on the common latent factor (lambdas ≥ 0.587). The ordinal α (= 0.91), the inter-item mean indices of correlation (rii = 0.53), and the convergent validity were also satisfactory. A receiver operating characteristic curves procedure showed that both SCL-90-R and SCL-K-9 were able to classify patients with and without significant binge eating pathology according to the Binge Eating Scale (BES) total score. Overall, our results suggest that the SCL-K-9 has adequate psychometric properties and can be applied as a short screening tool to assess general psychopathology in overweight/obese individuals seeking weight-loss treatment and at follow-up interviews when time restraints preclude the use of the full-length form.
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Measurement Properties of Existing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures on Medication Adherence: Systematic Review.
Kwan, YH, Weng, SD, Loh, DHF, Phang, JK, Oo, LJY, Blalock, DV, Chew, EH, Yap, KZ, Tan, CYK, Yoon, S, et al
Journal of medical Internet research. 2020;(10):e19179
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication adherence is essential for improving the health outcomes of patients. Various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed to measure medication adherence in patients. However, no study has summarized the psychometric properties of these PROMs to guide selection for use in clinical practice or research. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the quality of the PROMs used to measure medication adherence. METHODS This study was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. Relevant articles were retrieved from the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases. The PROMs were then evaluated based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 121 unique medication adherence PROMs from 214 studies were identified. Hypotheses testing for construct validity and internal consistency were the most frequently assessed measurement properties. PROMs with at least a moderate level of evidence for ≥5 measurement properties include the Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20, Compliance Questionnaire-Rheumatology, General Medication Adherence Scale, Hill-Bone Scale, Immunosuppressant Therapy Barrier Scale, Medication Adherence Reasons Scale (MAR-Scale) revised, 5-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-5), 9-item MARS (MARS-9), 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), 8-item MMAS (MMAS-8), Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Adherence Scale, Satisfaction with Iron Chelation Therapy, Test of Adherence to Inhalers, and questionnaire by Voils. The MAR-Scale revised, MMAS-4, and MMAS-8 have been administered electronically. CONCLUSIONS This study identified 121 PROMs for medication adherence and provided synthesized evidence for the measurement properties of these PROMs. The findings from this study may assist clinicians and researchers in selecting suitable PROMs to assess medication adherence.
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Repeatability of Taste Recognition Threshold Measurements with QUEST and Quick Yes-No.
Höchenberger, R, Ohla, K
Nutrients. 2019;(1)
Abstract
Taste perception, although vital for nutrient sensing, has long been overlooked in sensory assessments. This can, at least in part, be attributed to challenges associated with the handling of liquid, perishable stimuli, but also with scarce efforts to optimize testing procedures to be more time-efficient. We have previously introduced an adaptive, QUEST-based procedure to measure taste sensitivity thresholds that was quicker than other existing approaches, yet similarly reliable. Despite its advantages, the QUEST procedure lacks experimental control of false alarms (i.e., response bias) and psychometric function slope. Variations of these parameters, however, may also influence the threshold estimate. This raises the question as to whether a procedure that simultaneously assesses threshold, false-alarm rate, and slope might be able to produce threshold estimates with higher repeatability, i.e., smaller variation between repeated measurements. Here, we compared the performance of QUEST with a method that allows measurement of false-alarm rates and slopes, quick Yes-No (qYN), in a test-retest design for citric acid, sodium chloride, quinine hydrochloride, and sucrose recognition thresholds. We used complementary measures of repeatability, namely test-retest correlations and coefficients of repeatability. Both threshold procedures yielded largely overlapping thresholds with good repeatability between measurements. Together the data suggest that participants used a conservative response criterion. Furthermore, we explored the link between taste sensitivity and taste liking or which we found, however, no clear association.
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Psychometric Properties of a Scale to Assess Parental Self-Efficacy for Influencing Children's Dietary, Physical Activity, Sedentary, and Screen Time Behaviors in Disadvantaged Areas.
Norman, Å, Bohman, B, Nyberg, G, Schäfer Elinder, L
Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education. 2018;(1):132-140
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to social cognitive theory, self-efficacy is central to behavior change. Consequently, parental self-efficacy (PSE) for influencing children's dietary, physical activity (PA), sedentary, and screen time behaviors is important for child obesity prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument to measure PSE regarding these behaviors in disadvantaged areas. METHOD Parents ( n = 229) of whom 47% had completed secondary school or less, and who participated in the Healthy School Start trial, responded to a 15-item PSE instrument. Children's diet and screen time were measured through parent reports. PA and sedentary behaviors were measured using accelerometers. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), criterion validity by correlations with child behaviors, and internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS The EFA yielded three factors: (a) PSE for promoting PA; (b) PSE for limiting intake of unhealthy foods, unhealthy drinks, and screen time; and (c) PSE for promoting intake of fruits and vegetables, all with acceptable to good internal consistency (α = .77-.81). Significant correlations ( p < .01) were found between children's dietary ( rs = -.19 to -.29) and screen time ( r = -.29) behaviors and Factor 2, and dietary behaviors and Factor 3 ( rs = .20-.39) but not regarding PA and sedentary behaviors and Factor 1. CONCLUSION The instrument demonstrated good construct validity and acceptable to good internal consistency regarding all but PA behaviors. It may be useful for assessing PSE in child obesity prevention interventions in disadvantaged settings after some refinement.