scholarly journals Development of a tool to assess beliefs about mythical causes of cancer: the Cancer Awareness Measure Mythical Causes Scale

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e022825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel G Smith ◽  
Emma Beard ◽  
Jennifer A McGowan ◽  
Emma Fox ◽  
Chloe Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sensitivity To Change ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Control Information ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Cancer Awareness Measure

ObjectivesWe aimed to develop a reliable and valid measure to assess public beliefs in mythical causes of cancer: the Cancer Awareness Measure–MYthical Causes Scale (CAM-MYCS).Design and settingCancer myth items were generated from a literature review, social media and interviews (n=16). The CAM-MYCS was prepared by reducing items using (a) an online sample (n=527) with exploratory factor analysis and (b) cancer experts with Delhpi methodology (n=13). To assess test–retest reliability and sensitivity to change, students (n=91) completed the CAM-MYCS at baseline and 1 week after exposure to information on lifestyle-related cancer causes or control information. Construct validity was tested by comparing CAM-MYCS scores between cancer experts (n=25) and students (n=91). Factor structure and internal reliability were investigated in a national sample (n=1993).ResultsOut of 42 items generated, 12 were retained based on factor loadings, prevalence of endorsement and expert consensus. CAM-MYCS scores improved (fewer myths endorsed) among students exposed to information on cancer causes compared with the control group (p<0.001) and showed high test–retest reliability (r=0.90, p<0.001). Cancer experts reported higher CAM-MYCS scores (fewer myths endorsed) than students (p<0.001). The factor structure of the CAM-MYCS was confirmed in the national sample and internal reliability was high (α=0.86). Inclusion of the CAM-MYCS alongside items assessing knowledge of actual cancer causes did not affect responses.ConclusionsThe CAM-MYCS tool is a reliable and valid tool assessing beliefs in mythical causes of cancer, and it can be used alongside items assessing known causes of cancer.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effectiveness of a single-day simulation-based program in psychiatry for medical students: a controlled study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Younes ◽  
Anne Laure Delaunay ◽  
M. Roger ◽  
Pierre Serra ◽  
France Hirot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Simulation Group ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background Training in psychiatry requires specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are obtainable by simulation, of which the use is only recent and still needs further development. Evidence is accumulating on its effectiveness but requires further validation for medical students. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single-day optional teaching program in psychiatry by simulation for medical students and validate a scale measuring Confidence in Psychiatric Clinical Skills (CPCQ), as part of the assessment. Methods This was a controlled study in a French University that compared (using paired-sample Student t-tests) knowledge and attitudes (university grades and CPCQ scores) before, just after teaching with simulated patients, and 2 months later. Satisfaction with the program (including the quality of the debriefing) was also investigated. The CPCQ scale was validated by assessing the factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Finally, a comparison was run with a control group who received the usual psychiatric instruction using covariance analyses. Results Twenty-four medical students were included in the simulation group and 76 in the control group. Just after the simulation, knowledge and attitudes increased significantly in the simulation group. Satisfaction with the training and debriefing was very high. The CPCQ scale showed good psychometric properties: a single-factor structure, acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.73 [0.65–0.85]), and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.71 [0.35–0.88]). Two months after the simulation, knowledge and attitudes were significantly higher in the simulation group than the control group, despite a lack of difference in knowledge before the simulation. Conclusions Adding a simulation program in psychiatry to the usual teaching improved the knowledge and confidence of medical students. The CPCQ scale could be used for the evaluation of educational programs.

Attachment Avoidance and Anxiety in Adolescence: Turkish Adaptation of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1372-1394
Author(s):  
Savaş Karataş ◽  
İlkay Demir
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Attachment Avoidance ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Relationship Structures ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

The aim of the present study is to test the factor structure and reliability of the Experience of Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS) mother, father, romantic partner, close friend forms among Turkish adolescents. In order to test the structure validity of the ECR-RS, exploratory factor analysis is performed on a sample of 214 participants in Study 1, and to further investigate the structure validity, confirmatory factor analysis is performed on a second sample of 286 participants in Study 2. Within the scope of the reliability studies of the ECR-RS, internal reliability and test–retest reliability of the Turkish ECR-RS are also tested. The results of the explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and test–retest reliability scores supported the original two-factor structure (attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety) for all forms of the ECR-RS among Turkish adolescents.

scholarly journals Examining the validity and consistency of the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire-Español (AEBQ-Esp) and its relationship to BMI in a Mexican population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Hunot-Alexander ◽  
Laura Patricia Arellano-Gómez ◽  
Andrea D. Smith ◽  
Martha Kaufer-Horwitz ◽  
Edgar M. Vásquez-Garibay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Good Test ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Spanish Speaking Population

Abstract Purpose Appetitive traits in adults and their associations with weight can be measured using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). The aim of this study was to confirm the factor structure of the Spanish AEBQ (AEBQ-Esp) in a Mexican sample and explore associations between the eight traits with body mass index (BMI). Method A sample of 1023 adults, mean age of 36.8 ± 12.8 years, was recruited from Guadalajara, Mexico. Researchers weighed and measured participants, and they completed the AEBQ-Esp either online or in paper format and reported sociodemographic data. To test two alternative factor structures (eight factors including Hunger; seven factors excluding Hunger), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha; test–retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test for associations between the AEBQ subscales and BMI, adjusted for age, sex, format of AEBQ responses, education, marital and employment status. Results A seven-factor structure was the best model fit using CFA, excluding the Hunger subscale but similar to the original AEBQ. Internal reliability was good for all subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.70–0.86), and the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.70–0.91) reflected good test–retest reliability. In the fully adjusted models, Satiety Responsiveness [β = − 0.61; (− 1.01, − 0.21)] and Slowness in Eating [β = − 0.70; (− 1.01, − 0.39)] were negatively associated with BMI, and Emotional Over-Eating [β = 0.94; (0.62, 1.27)] was positively associated with BMI. Conclusions The AEBQ-Esp (excluding Hunger) appears to be a valid and reliable psychometric questionnaire for measuring appetitive traits in a Mexican Spanish-speaking population. Some traits appear to be associated with BMI in adulthood and warrant further exploration. Level of evidence Level III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies. Although this was just an observational study, it was well designed and provided new evidence.

scholarly journals The Dunn Worry Questionnaire and the Paranoia Worries Questionnaire: new assessments of worry

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 771-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Freeman ◽  
Jessica C. Bird ◽  
Bao S. Loe ◽  
David Kingdon ◽  
Helen Startup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Sensitivity To Change ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Negative Thoughts ◽  
Item Endorsement ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Clinical Measures ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractBackgroundThe cognitive process of worry, which keeps negative thoughts in mind and elaborates the content, contributes to the occurrence of many mental health disorders. Our principal aim was to develop a straightforward measure of general problematic worry suitable for research and clinical treatment. Our secondary aim was to develop a measure of problematic worry specifically concerning paranoid fears.MethodsAn item pool concerning worry in the past month was evaluated in 250 non-clinical individuals and 50 patients with psychosis in a worry treatment trial. Exploratory factor analysis and item response theory (IRT) informed the selection of scale items. IRT analyses were repeated with the scales administered to 273 non-clinical individuals, 79 patients with psychosis and 93 patients with social anxiety disorder. Other clinical measures were administered to assess concurrent validity. Test-retest reliability was assessed with 75 participants. Sensitivity to change was assessed with 43 patients with psychosis.ResultsA 10-item general worry scale (Dunn Worry Questionnaire; DWQ) and a five-item paranoia worry scale (Paranoia Worries Questionnaire; PWQ) were developed. All items were highly discriminative (DWQ a = 1.98–5.03; PWQ a = 4.10–10.7), indicating small increases in latent worry lead to a high probability of item endorsement. The DWQ was highly informative across a wide range of the worry distribution, whilst the PWQ had greatest precision at clinical levels of paranoia worry. The scales demonstrated excellent internal reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and sensitivity to change.ConclusionsThe new measures of general problematic worry and worry about paranoid fears have excellent psychometric properties.

Reliability and Validity of the Short Schema Mode Inventory (SMI)

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Lobbestael ◽  
Michiel van Vreeswijk ◽  
Philip Spinhoven ◽  
Erik Schouten ◽  
Arnoud Arntz
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Axis Ii ◽  
Schema Modes ◽  
Adequate Test ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Background: This study presents a new questionnaire to assess schema modes: the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). Method: First, the construction of the short SMI (118 items) was described. Second, the psychometric properties of this short SMI were assessed. More specifically, its factor structure, internal reliability, inter-correlations between the subscales, test-retest reliability and monotonically increase of the modes were tested. This was done in a sample of N = 863 non-patients, Axis I and Axis II patients. Results: Results indicated a 14-factor structure of the short SMI, acceptable internal consistencies of the 14 subscales (Cronbach α's from .79 to .96), adequate test-retest reliability and moderate construct validity. Certain modes were predicted by a combination of the severity of Axis I and II disorders, while other modes were mainly predicted by Axis II pathology. Conclusions: The psychometric results indicate that the short SMI is a valuable measure that can be of use for mode assessment in SFT.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a One-day Simulation-based Program in Psychiatry for Medical Students: A Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia YOUNES ◽  
Anne Laure Delaunay ◽  
Matthieu Roger ◽  
Pierre Serra ◽  
France Hirot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Simulation Program ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Group Satisfaction ◽  
Simulation Group ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background: Training in psychiatry requires specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are obtainable by simulation, which needs further development for medical students. After an analysis of previous research with medical students, we evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day teaching program in psychiatry by simulation and validated a scale measuring Confidence in Psychiatric Clinical Skills (CPCQ). Methods: The population was recruited during the 2019-2020 academic year among the 131 fifth-year undergraduate students at the French University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines-Paris Saclay (the year of compulsory psychiatric training). A controlled study compared knowledge (university grades on the entire national program of psychiatry) and confidence (CPCQ scores) between a control group who received the usual psychiatric instruction and the simulation group who also participated in the simulation program. In the simulation group, satisfaction (including the quality of the debriefing) was investigated. The CPCQ scale was validated by assessing the factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.Results: All fifth-year undergraduate medical students were included: 24 in the simulation group (voluntarily recruited) and 76 in the control group. Their knowledge did not differ before the simulation. After the simulation, knowledge and confidence increased significantly in the simulation group. Two months after the simulation, knowledge and confidence were significantly higher in the simulation group. Satisfaction with the training and debriefing was very high. The CPCQ scale showed good psychometric properties: a single-factor structure, acceptable internal consistency (α=0.73 [0.65 - 0.85]), and good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.71 [0.35 - 0.88]).Several limits were discussed.Conclusions: Adding a one-day simulation program in psychiatry to the usual teaching improved the knowledge and confidence of medical students even 2 months after. The CPCQ scale could be used for the evaluation of educational programs.

Validation of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) in the Russian Population

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Evgeniy Evdoshenko ◽  
Kristina Laskova ◽  
Maria Shumilina ◽  
Ekaterina Nekrashevich ◽  
Maria Andreeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Russian Population ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Objective: Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery of tests has been suggested as a measure for the evaluation of the cognitive status of MS patients. This study aims to validate the BICAMS battery in the Russian population of MS patients. Methods: Age- and sex-matched MS patients (n = 98) and healthy individuals (n = 86) were included in the study. Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test, 2nd edition (CVLT-II) and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test – Revised (BVMT-R) were administered to all participants. The battery was readministered 1 month later to 44 MS patients to investigate the test–retest reliability. Results: MS patients exhibited a significantly lower performance in testing with BICAMS than the control group in all three neuropsychological tests. Test–retest reliability was good for SDMT and CVLT-II (r = .82 and r = .85, respectively) and adequate for BVMT-R (r = .70). Based on the proposed criterion for impairment as z score below 1.5 SD the mean of the control group, we found that 34/98 (35%) of MS patients were found impaired at least in one cognitive domain. Patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≥3.5 performed significantly worse than controls (SDMT, p < .0001; CVLT–II, p = .03; BVMT-R, p = .0004), while those with ≤3.0 scores did not. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the BICAMS battery is a valid instrument to identify cognitive impairment in MS patients and it can be recommended for routine use in the Russian Federation.

Developing a measure to assess clinicians’ ability to reflect on key staff–patient dynamics in forensic settings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Polnay ◽  
Helen Walker ◽  
Christopher Gallacher
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Good Test ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Purpose Relational dynamics between patients and staff in forensic settings can be complicated and demanding for both sides. Reflective practice groups (RPGs) bring clinicians together to reflect on these dynamics. To date, evaluation of RPGs has lacked quantitative focus and a suitable quantitative tool. Therefore, a self-report tool was designed. This paper aims to pilot The Relational Aspects of CarE (TRACE) scale with clinicians in a high-secure hospital and investigate its psychometric properties. Design/methodology/approach A multi-professional sample of 80 clinicians were recruited, completing TRACE and attitudes to personality disorder questionnaire (APDQ). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) determined factor structure and internal consistency of TRACE. A subset was selected to measure test–retest reliability. TRACE was cross-validated against the APDQ. Findings EFA found five factors underlying the 20 TRACE items: “awareness of common responses,” “discussing and normalising feelings;” “utilising feelings,” “wish to care” and “awareness of complicated affects.” This factor structure is complex, but items clustered logically to key areas originally used to generate items. Internal consistency (α = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.55–0.76) demonstrated borderline acceptability. TRACE demonstrated good test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.78–0.98) and face validity. TRACE indicated a slight negative correlation with APDQ. A larger data set is needed to substantiate these preliminary findings. Practical implications Early indications suggested TRACE was valid and reliable, suitable to measure the effectiveness of reflective practice. Originality/value The TRACE was a distinctive measure that filled a methodological gap in the literature.

A Reliability Analysis of the Revised Competitiveness Index

2010 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 870-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B. Harris ◽  
John M. Houston
Keyword(s):  
Reliability Analysis ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Dynamic State ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Stable Factor ◽  
Competitiveness Index ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
High Test

This study examined the reliability of the Revised Competitiveness Index by investigating the test-retest reliability, interitem reliability, and factor structure of the measure based on a sample of 280 undergraduates (200 women, 80 men) ranging in age from 18 to 28 years ( M = 20.1, SD = 2.1). The findings indicate that the Revised Competitiveness Index has high test-retest reliability, high interitem reliability, and a stable factor structure. The results support the assertion that the Revised Competitiveness Index assesses competitiveness as a stable trait rather than a dynamic state.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document