scholarly journals Empathy: Assessment Instruments and Psychometric Quality – A Systematic Literature Review With a Meta-Analysis of the Past Ten Years

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Fernandes de Lima ◽  
Flávia de Lima Osório
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
New Instruments

Objective: To verify the psychometric qualities and adequacy of the instruments available in the literature from 2009 to 2019 to assess empathy in the general population.Methods: The following databases were searched: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scielo, and LILACS using the keywords “empathy” AND “valid∗” OR “reliability” OR “psychometr∗.” A qualitative synthesis was performed with the findings, and meta-analytic measures were used for reliability and convergent validity.Results: Fifty studies were assessed, which comprised 23 assessment instruments. Of these, 13 proposed new instruments, 18 investigated the psychometric properties of instruments previously developed, and 19 reported cross-cultural adaptations. The Empathy Quotient, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy were the instruments most frequently addressed. They presented good meta-analytic indicators of internal consistency [reliability, generalization meta-analyses (Cronbach’s alpha): 0.61 to 0.86], but weak evidence of validity [weak structural validity; low to moderate convergent validity (0.27 to 0.45)]. Few studies analyzed standardization, prediction, or responsiveness for the new and old instruments. The new instruments proposed few innovations, and their psychometric properties did not improve. In general, cross-cultural studies reported adequate adaptation processes and equivalent psychometric indicators, though there was a lack of studies addressing cultural invariance.Conclusion: Despite the diversity of instruments assessing empathy and the many associated psychometric studies, there remain limitations, especially in terms of validity. Thus far, we cannot yet nominate a gold-standard instrument.

scholarly journals Predictability of rotational tooth movement with orthodontic aligners comparing software-based and achieved data: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 146531252110272
Author(s):  
Despina Koletsi ◽  
Anna Iliadi ◽  
Theodore Eliades
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Tooth Movement ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Enamel Reduction

Objective: To evaluate all available evidence on the prediction of rotational tooth movements with aligners. Data sources: Seven databases of published and unpublished literature were searched up to 4 August 2020 for eligible studies. Data selection: Studies were deemed eligible if they included evaluation of rotational tooth movement with any type of aligner, through the comparison of software-based and actually achieved data after patient treatment. Data extraction and data synthesis: Data extraction was done independently and in duplicate and risk of bias assessment was performed with the use of the QUADAS-2 tool. Random effects meta-analyses with effect sizes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed and the quality of the evidence was assessed through GRADE. Results: Seven articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which three contributed to meta-analyses. Overall results revealed a non-accurate prediction of the outcome for the software-based data, irrespective of the use of attachments or interproximal enamel reduction (IPR). Maxillary canines demonstrated the lowest percentage accuracy for rotational tooth movement (three studies: effect size = 47.9%; 95% CI = 27.2–69.5; P < 0.001), although high levels of heterogeneity were identified (I2: 86.9%; P < 0.001). Contrary, mandibular incisors presented the highest percentage accuracy for predicted rotational movement (two studies: effect size = 70.7%; 95% CI = 58.9–82.5; P < 0.001; I2: 0.0%; P = 0.48). Risk of bias was unclear to low overall, while quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. Conclusion: Allowing for all identified caveats, prediction of rotational tooth movements with aligner treatment does not appear accurate, especially for canines. Careful selection of patients and malocclusions for aligner treatment decisions remain challenging.

scholarly journals Effects of social protection on tuberculosis treatment outcomes in low or middle-income and in high-burden countries: systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaio Vinicius Freitas de Andrade ◽  
Joilda Silva Nery ◽  
Ramon Andrade de Souza ◽  
Susan Martins Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
High Burden ◽  
Tb Treatment ◽  
Protection Strategies ◽  
Meta Analyses

Tuberculosis (TB) is a poverty infectious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Evidences suggest that social protection strategies (SPS) can improve TB treatment outcomes. This study aimed to synthesize such evidences through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. We searched for studies conducted in low- or middle-income and in high TB-burden countries, published during 1995-2016. The review was performed by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and LILACS. We included only studies that investigated the effects of SPS on TB treatment outcomes. We retained 25 studies for qualitative synthesis. Meta-analyses were performed with 9 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1,687 participants. Pooled results showed that SPS was associated with TB treatment success (RR = 1.09; 95%CI: 1.03-1.14), cure of TB patients (RR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01-1.22) and with reduction in risk of TB treatment default (RR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.45-0.89). We did not detect effects of SPS on the outcomes treatment failure and death. These findings revealed that SPS might improve TB treatment outcomes in lower-middle-income economies or countries with high burden of this disease. However, the overall quality of evidences regarding these effect estimates is low and further well-conducted randomized studies are needed.

scholarly journals The development of a new generic risk-of-bias measure for systematic reviews of surveys

Methodology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-298
Author(s):  
Gabriel Nudelman ◽  
Kathleen Otto
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Interrater Agreement ◽  
Bias Measure ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Initial List

It is important to evaluate risk of bias of the primary studies included in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Since tools pertinent to surveys are scarce, the goal of the current research was to develop a measure to address this need. In Study 1, an initial list of 10 relevant topics was compiled from previous measures. In Study 2, the list was refined into an eight-item risk-of-bias measure via discussion and a pilot study. In Study 3, experienced researchers used the measure to asses 70 studies, demonstrating high interrater agreement (weighted Kappa = .82). Inexperienced raters also utilized the measure to code 26 different studies included in a prior meta-analysis, which resulted in adequate interrater agreement (weighted Kappa = .64) and excellent convergent validity (r = .66). Thus, the new measure, designed to be accessible and flexible, can increase standardization of risk-of-bias evaluations and contribute to the interpretation of systematic reviews and meta-analytic findings.

scholarly journals Development and Evaluation of a Swedish Short Version of the Questionnaire About the Process of Recovery (QPR)

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 376-382
Author(s):  
Eklund Mona ◽  
Neil Sandra ◽  
Argentzell Elisabeth
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Level Of Functioning ◽  
Ceiling Effects ◽  
Good Internal Consistency

Abstract The aim was to develop a short version of the Swedish Process of Recovery Questionnaire (QPR-Swe) for use with people with severe mental illness and to investigate its internal consistency, construct validity, known-groups validity and any floor or ceiling effects. Two independent samples were used, the first (N = 226) to develop the short version and the second (N = 266) to test its psychometric properties. A seven-item version was developed by selecting items based on item-total correlations. The QPR-Swe-7 showed good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.82). It showed moderate correlations with indicators of convergent validity (self-rated health, self-mastery and quality of life) and weak with those selected to test discriminant validity (psychiatric symptoms and level of functioning). QPR-Swe-7 differentiated between people receiving two different levels of housing support. No floor or ceiling effects were found. The QPR-Swe-7 had appropriate psychometric properties for use with people with a variety of mental disorders when a brief scale is warranted.

VALIDATION OF THE EP4 NEUROTICISM SUBSCALES USING A JAPANESE SAMPLE

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Loo
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Social Sensitivity ◽  
Japanese Sample

Recently, researchers have been examining the structure of the Neuroticism (N) scale in the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Several have proposed that the N scale reflects two distinct components. The purpose of the present study was to provide a cross-cultural examination of the dual nature of the EPQ's N scale using a sample of 246 Japanese undergraduates. This study found support for Roger and Morris' (1991) position that the N scale reflects a “Social Sensitivity” and a “Moodiness” component. There was also some support for Francis' (1993) sex-related component (N-S) but not the sex-free component (N-A). Concerns were raised over the psychometric properties of the scale especially the internal consistency reliability.

Bone Density and Clinical Periodontal Attachment in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.C. Penoni ◽  
T.K.S. Fidalgo ◽  
S.R. Torres ◽  
V.M. Varela ◽  
D. Masterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Clinical Attachment Loss ◽  
Attachment Loss ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Periodontal Attachment

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and has been considered a risk factor for periodontal disease. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to verify the scientific evidence for the association of periodontal attachment loss with low BMD in postmenopausal women. A systematic search of the literature was performed in databases until August 2016, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligibility criteria included studies that compared clinical attachment loss (CAL) between postmenopausal women with low and normal BMD. Studies using similar methodology, with lower and higher risk of bias, were pooled into 3 different meta-analyses to compare CAL among women with normal BMD, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. In the first meta-analysis, mean CAL was compared among groups. In the other 2 meta-analyses, the mean percentages of sites with CAL ≥4 mm and ≥6 mm were respectively compared among groups. From 792 unique citations, 26 articles were selected for the qualitative synthesis. Eleven of the studies were appraised as presenting low risk of bias, and the association between low BMD and CAL was observed in 10 of these studies. Thirteen cross-sectional articles were included in the meta-analysis for osteoporosis and 9 in the osteopenia analysis. Women with low BMD presented greater mean CAL than those with normal BMD (osteoporosis = 0.34 mm [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20–0.49], P < 0.001; osteopenia = 0.07 mm [95% CI, 0.01–0.13], P = 0.02). Only studies with lower risk of bias were available for the analysis of CAL severity. Women with low BMD presented more severe attachment loss, represented as mean percentage of sites with CAL ≥4 mm (osteoporosis = 3.04 [95% CI, 1.23–4.85], P = 0.001; osteopenia = 1.74 [95% CI, 0.36–3.12], P = 0.01) and CAL ≥6 mm (osteoporosis = 5.07 [95% CI, 2.74–7.40], P < 0.001). This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia may exhibit greater CAL compared with women with normal BMD.

scholarly journals Environmental and Occupational Short-Term Exposure to AirBorne Particles and FEV1 and FVC in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10571
Author(s):  
Alan da Silveira da Silveira Fleck ◽  
Margaux L. Sadoine ◽  
Stéphane Buteau ◽  
Eva Suarthana ◽  
Maximilien Debia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Airborne Particles ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Respiratory Effects ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: No study has compared the respiratory effects of environmental and occupational particulate exposure in healthy adults. Methods: We estimated, by a systematic review and meta-analysis, the associations between short term exposures to fine particles (PM2.5 and PM4) and certain parameters of lung function (FEV1 and FVC) in healthy adults. Results: In total, 33 and 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and meta-analyses, respectively. In environmental studies, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an FEV1 reduction of 7.63 mL (95% CI: −10.62 to −4.63 mL). In occupational studies, an increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM4 was associated with an FEV1 reduction of 0.87 mL (95% CI: −1.36 to −0.37 mL). Similar results were observed with FVC. Conclusions: Both occupational and environmental short-term exposures to fine particles are associated with reductions in FEV1 and FVC in healthy adults.

scholarly journals Psychometric Evaluation of the TWente Engagement with Ehealth Technologies Scale (TWEETS): Evaluation Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia Marion Kelders ◽  
Hanneke Kip ◽  
Japie Greeff
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Perceived Behavior

BACKGROUND Engagement emerges as a predictor for the effectiveness of digital health interventions. However, a shared understanding of engagement is missing. Therefore, a new scale has been developed that proposes a clear definition and creates a tool to measure it. The TWente Engagement with Ehealth Technologies Scale (TWEETS) is based on a systematic review and interviews with engaged health app users. It defines engagement as a combination of behavior, cognition, and affect. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TWEETS. In addition, a comparison is made with the experiential part of the Digital Behavior Change Intervention Engagement Scale (DBCI-ES-Ex), a scale that showed some issues in previous psychometric analyses. METHODS In this study, 288 participants were asked to use any step counter app on their smartphones for 2 weeks. They completed online questionnaires at 4 time points: T0=baseline, T1=after 1 day, T2=1 week, and T3=2 weeks. At T0, demographics and personality (conscientiousness and intellect/imagination) were assessed; at T1-T3, engagement, involvement, enjoyment, subjective usage, and perceived behavior change were included as measures that are theoretically related to our definition of engagement. Analyses focused on internal consistency, reliability, and the convergent, divergent, and predictive validity of both engagement scales. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the engagement scales with involvement, enjoyment, and subjective usage; divergent validity was assessed by correlating the engagement scales with personality; and predictive validity was assessed by regression analyses using engagement to predict perceived behavior change at later time points. RESULTS The Cronbach alpha values of the TWEETS were .86, .86, and .87 on T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Exploratory factor analyses indicated that a 1-factor structure best fits the data. The TWEETS is moderately to strongly correlated with involvement and enjoyment (theoretically related to cognitive and affective engagement, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Correlations between the TWEETS and frequency of use were nonsignificant or small, and differences between adherers and nonadherers on the TWEETS were significant (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). Correlations between personality and the TWEETS were nonsignificant. The TWEETS at T1 was predictive of perceived behavior change at T3, with an explained variance of 16%. The psychometric properties of the TWEETS and the DBCI-ES-Ex seemed comparable in some aspects (eg, internal consistency), and in other aspects, the TWEETS seemed somewhat superior (divergent and predictive validity). CONCLUSIONS The TWEETS performs quite well as an engagement measure with high internal consistency, reasonable test-retest reliability and convergent validity, good divergent validity, and reasonable predictive validity. As the psychometric quality of a scale is a reflection of how closely a scale matches the conceptualization of a concept, this paper is also an attempt to conceptualize and define engagement as a unique concept, providing a first step toward an acceptable standard of defining and measuring engagement.

Associations between anger and chronic primary pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomonori Adachi ◽  
Keiko Yamada ◽  
Haruo Fujino ◽  
Kiyoka Enomoto ◽  
Masahiko Shibata
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Perceived Injustice ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Action Tendency ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Objectives Anger is a negative emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something, is rooted in an appraisal or attribution of wrongdoing, and is accompanied by an action tendency to undo the wrongdoing. Anger is prevalent in individuals with chronic pain, especially those with chronic primary pain. The associations between anger and pain-related outcomes (e.g., pain intensity, disability) have been examined in previous studies. However, to our knowledge, no systematic review or meta-analysis has summarized the findings of anger-pain associations through a focus on chronic primary pain. Hence, we sought to summarize the findings on the associations of anger-related variables with pain and disability in individuals with chronic primary pain. Methods All studies reporting at least one association between anger-related variables and the two pain-related outcomes in individuals with chronic primary pain were eligible. We searched electronic databases using keywords relevant to anger and chronic primary pain. Multiple reviewers independently screened for study eligibility, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Results Thirty-eight studies were included in this systematic review, of which 20 provided data for meta-analyses (2,682 participants with chronic primary pain). Of the included studies, 68.4% had a medium methodological quality. Evidence showed mixed results in the qualitative synthesis. Most anger-related variables had significant positive pooled correlations with small to moderate effect sizes for pain and disability. Conclusions Through a comprehensive search, we identified several key anger-related variables associated with pain-related outcomes. In particular, associations with perceived injustice were substantial.

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