Development and use of a Biological Rhythm Interview

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M. Giglio ◽  
P.V.d.S. Magalhães ◽  
A. Andreazza ◽  
J. Walz ◽  
L. Jakobsen ◽  
...  

Introduction:As several lines of evidence point to irregular biological rhythms in bipolar disorder, and its disruption may lead to new illness episodes, having an instrument that measures biological rhythms is critical. This report describes the validation of a new instrument, the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN), designed to assess biological rhythms in the clinical setting.Methods:Eighty-one outpatients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 79 control subjects matched for type of health service used, sex, age and educational level were consecutively recruited. After a pilot study, 18 items evaluating sleep, activities, social rhythm and eating pattern were probed for discriminant, content and construct validity, concurrent validity with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), internal consistency and test-retest reliability.Results:A three-factor solution, termed sleep/ social rhythm factor, activity factor and feeding factor, provided the best theoretical and most parsimonious account of the data; items essentially loaded in factors as theoretically intended, with the exception of the sleep and social scales, which formed a single factor. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were excellent. Highly significant differences between the two groups were found for the whole scale and for each BRIAN factor. Total BRIAN scores were highly correlated with the global PSQI score.Discussion:The BRIAN scale presents a consistent profile of validity and reliability. Its use may help clinicians to better assess their patients and researchers to improve the evaluation of the impact of novel therapies targeting biological rhythm pathways.

Author(s):  
Chen-Chi Wang ◽  
Jia-Shiou Liao ◽  
Hsiu-Chin Lai ◽  
Yi-Hsuan Lo

Purpose The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire assesses the impact of total laryngectomy on voice-related quality of life. This study evaluates the Mandarin VHI, including its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, content validity, and differences in scores for Mandarin alaryngeal patients with pneumatic artificial laryngeal (PA) and esophageal (ES) speech. Method Translation and validation of the VHI questionnaire was performed through the forward–backward translation technique. This study used a sample of 78 PA and 23 ES participants from Taiwan who completed the Mandarin VHI. Forty-two of the alaryngeal participants completed the Mandarin VHI twice over a period of 7–63 days. Results The measurement of the internal consistency of the Mandarin VHI showed a high Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score (.975) and the functional (.930), physical (.939), and emotional (.938) subscales. Based on the results of the intraclass correlation coefficients, good test–retest reliability for the total and domain scores was found (intraclass correlation coefficient = .827–.863). Conclusion The Mandarin VHI was validated as an instrument with proper internal consistency and reliability, which supports the Mandarin VHI as a valid instrument for the self-evaluation of handicaps related to voice problems in PA and ES speakers.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E Clayson ◽  
Kaylie Amanda Carbine ◽  
Scott Baldwin ◽  
Joseph A. Olsen ◽  
Michael J. Larson

The reliability of event-related brain potential (ERP) scores depends on study context and how those scores will be used, and reliability must be routinely evaluated. Many factors can influence ERP score reliability, and generalizability (G) theory provides a multifaceted approach to estimating the internal consistency and temporal stability of scores that is well suited for ERPs. G-theory’s approach possesses a number of advantages over classical test theory that make it ideal for pinpointing sources of error in scores. The current primer outlines the G-theory approach to estimating internal consistency (coefficients of equivalence) and test-retest reliability (coefficients of stability). This approach is used to evaluate the reliability of ERP measurements. The primer outlines how to estimate reliability coefficients that consider the impact of the number of trials, events, occasion, and group. The uses of two different G-theory reliability coefficients (i.e., generalizability and dependability) in ERP research are elaborated, and a dataset from the companion manuscript, which examines N2 amplitudes to Go/NoGo stimuli, is used as an example of the application of these coefficients to ERPs. The developed algorithms are implemented in the ERP Reliability Analysis (ERA) Toolbox, which is open-source software designed for estimating score reliability using G theory. The toolbox facilitates the application of G theory in an effort to simplify the study-by-study evaluation of ERP score reliability. The formulas provided in this primer should enable researchers to pinpoint the sources of measurement error in ERP scores from multiple recording sessions and subsequently plan studies that optimize score reliability.


1985 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven L. Wise

This study describes the development and validation of a new instrument entitled Attitudes Toward Statistics (ATS) to be used in the measurement of attitude change in introductory statistics students. Two ATS subscales are identified: Attitude Toward Course and Attitude Toward the Field, respectively. These subscales were demonstrated to have both high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. It is further shown that each ATS subscale provides distinctly different information about the attitudes of introductory statistics students.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misuk Lee ◽  
Na Young Bae ◽  
Minwoo Hwang ◽  
Han Chae

Objective. This study was conducted for development and validation of the Sasang Digestive Function Inventory (SDFI) with type-specific digestive function-related symptoms for identification of Sasang type and pathological pattern.Methods and Materials. We selected questionnaire items for pathophysiological symptoms using internal consistency analysis and examined construct validity using 193 healthy participants. Test-retest reliability with a four-week interval as well as convergent validity was examined using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean (NDIK), Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life (FDQOL), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Body Mass Index (BMI).Results. The 21-item SDFI showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.743) and test-retest reliability (r=0.886,P<0.001). Three extracted subscales, SDFI-Digestion, SDFI-Appetite, and SDFI-Eating pattern, explained 56.02% of the total variance. The SDFI showed significant (P<0.001) correlation with total symptom score of NDIK, FDRQOL-Eating status, DEBQ-External Eating scale, and BMI. The SDFI score of the Tae-Eum (50.62±8.05) type was significantly (P<0.001) larger than that of the So-Eum (43.11±11.26) type.Conclusion. Current results demonstrated the reliability and validity of the SDFI and its subscales, which can be utilized as an objective instrument for diagnosis of Sasang types and assessment of the type-specific digestive function.


2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah K. Piebes ◽  
Alison R. Snyder ◽  
R. Curtis Bay ◽  
Tamara C. Valovich McLeod

Context:Recurrent headaches significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults; the impact of headache on HRQOL among adolescents is unknown, and the psychometric properties of headache-specific outcomes instruments have not been adequately studied in this population.Objective:To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) in healthy adolescent athletes.Design:Descriptive survey.Setting:High school athletic training facilities during the fall sports season.Participants:177 high school athletes (89 males and 88 females).Interventions:A survey consisting of a demographic and concussion-history questionnaire, a graded symptom scale, the HIT-6, and the PedMIDAS. Internal consistency (α), test–retest reliability (rs), Bland-Altman analyses, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate psychometric properties and age and gender differences.Main Outcome Measures:The HIT-6 and PedMIDAS item and total scores.Results:Test–retest reliability for the HIT-6 total score was rs = .72, and reliability of individual items ranged from rs = .52 to .67. The test–retest reliability for the PedMIDAS total score was rs = .61, and reliability of individual items ranged from rs = .23 to .62. Both scales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency: HIT-6 α = .89−.90 and PedMIDAS α = .71−.75.Conclusions:The authors found moderate test–retest reliability for the HIT-6 and the PedMIDAS in a healthy adolescent athlete population. Research on the applicability and utility of the HIT-6 and PedMIDAS in concussed adolescents is warranted.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 807-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill E. Preminger ◽  
Suzanne Meeks

Background: Third-party hearing loss-related quality of life (HLQoL) reports measure the third-party disability as a result of communicating regularly with someone with hearing loss. Scales with known psychometric characteristics validated on a diverse subject population are needed in order to describe the activity limitations and participation restrictions experienced by spouses as a result of living with an individual with hearing loss. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to develop a scale to measure third-party HLQoL in spouses of people with hearing loss with acceptable psychometric characteristics. This scale is known as the Hearing Impairment Impact–Significant Other Profile (HII-SOP). Research Design: In Study 1, the initial test items were developed and evaluated with a factor analysis for adequate construct validity. In Study 2, the internal consistency reliability, the validity, and the test-retest reliability of the revised test were evaluated. Study Sample: In Study 1, 120 people between 34 and 87 yr of age participated and in Study 2, 164 people between 23 and 88 yr of age participated. Data Collection and Analysis: In Study 1, a 41-item questionnaire was developed based on five content areas: physical adjustment, social activities, emotional reaction, intimate relationship, and change in roles. The scale was submitted to a factor analysis to analyze interrelationships among items, determine the underlying dimensions, and select items for the final scale. In Study 2, the internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and test-retest reliability were evaluated in the revised 20-item questionnaire. The internal-consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Validity was assessed by observing the correlations of the new scale with well-established scales measuring related constructs: overall health-related quality of life, marital communication, HLQoL, and negative affect, in both the person with hearing loss and the spouse. Test-retest reliability was measured in a subset of the spouses who completed the HII-SOP between 2 and 4 wk after the initial scale was completed. Results: The HII-SOP is a 20-item scale with three subscales which measure: (1) the emotions that arise when having a spouse with hearing loss as well as the impact of the hearing loss on the marital relationship, (2) the impact of the hearing loss on the social life of the spouse, and (3) the communication strategies used by the spouse. The scale and its subscales have adequate internal-consistency reliability suggesting that the 20 items do measure a single construct and the subscales do measure distinct subconstructs. The HII-SOP scale was significantly correlated with measures expected to relate to the construct of third-party disability associated with hearing loss. Finally, the HII-SOP scale has adequate test-retest reliability (r = 0.90) and the 95% critical differences is 19.7 points. Conclusions: The HII-SOP is a scale to measure third-party HLQoL in spouses of individuals with hearing loss. Scores of 20–39 reflect mild third-party disability, scores of 40–59 reflect moderate third-party disability, and scores >60 reflect severe third-party disability associated with hearing loss.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin Kordi Yoosefinejad ◽  
Fatemeh Karjalian ◽  
Marzieh Momennasab ◽  
Shahrokh Ezzatzadegan Jahromi

Abstract Background Hemodialysis is considered a major therapeutic method for patients with chronic kidney disease. Pruritus is a common complaint of hemodialysis patients. The 5-D pruritus scale is amongst the most common tools to evaluate several dimensions of itch. Psychometric properties of the 5-D scale have not been evaluated in Persian speaking population with hemodialysis; hence, the objective of this study was to assess reliability and validity of the Persian version of the scale. Methods Ninety hemodialysis patients (men: 50, women: 40, mean age: 54.4 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The final Persian version of 5-D scale was given to the participants. Tests Compared: One-third of the participants completed the scale twice within 3–7 days apart to evaluate test- retest reliability. Other psychometric properties including internal consistency, absolute reliability, convergent, discriminative and construct validity, floor/ceiling effects were also evaluated. Results The Persian 5-D scale has strong test-retest reliability (ICC= 0.98) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.99). Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were 0.33 and 0.91, respectively. Regarding convergent validity, the scale had moderate correlation with numeric rating scale (r =0.67) and quality of life questionnaire related to itch (r = 0.59). Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors within the scale. No floor or ceiling effect was found for the scale. Conclusion The Persian version of 5-D the itching scale is a brief instrument with acceptable reliability and validity. Therefore, the scale could be used by experts, nurses, and other health service providers to evaluate pruritus among Persian speaking hemodialysis patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyuan Cui ◽  
Yaxin Zhu ◽  
Jinglou Qu ◽  
Liming Tie ◽  
Ziqi Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Critical thinking disposition helps medical students and professionals overcome the effects of personal values and beliefs when exercising clinical judgment. The lack of effective instruments to measure critical thinking disposition in medical students has become an obstacle for training and evaluating students in undergraduate programs in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CTDA test. Methods A total of 278 students participated in this study and responded to the CTDA test. Cronbach’s α coefficient, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor effects and ceiling effects were measured to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. Construct validity of the pre-specified three-domain structure of the CTDA was evaluated by explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The convergent validity and discriminant validity were also analyzed. Results Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire questionnaire was calculated to be 0.92, all of the domains showed acceptable internal consistency (0.81–0.86), and the test-retest reliability indicated acceptable intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) (0.93, p < 0.01). The EFA and the CFA demonstrated that the three-domain model fitted the data adequately. The test showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions The CTDA is a reliable and valid questionnaire to evaluate the disposition of medical students towards critical thinking in China and can reasonably be applied in critical thinking programs and medical education research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Ke Zhang ◽  
Miao Li ◽  
Jiaxin Gu ◽  
Xintong Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To examine the validity and reliability of the Mandarin version of the Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) among stroke patients. Background Stroke patients need long-term management of symptoms and life situation, and treatment burden has recently emerged as a new concept that can influence the health outcomes during the rehabilitation process. Methods The convenience sampling method was used to recruit 187 cases of stroke patients in a tertiary grade hospital in Tianjin for a formal investigation. Item analysis, reliability and validity tests were carried out. The reliability test included internal consistency and test–retest reliability. And as well as content, structure and convergent validity were performed for the validity test. Results Of the 187 completed questionnaires, only 180 (96.3%) were suitable for analysis. According to the experts’ evaluation, the I-CVI of each item was from 0.833 to 1.000, and the S-CVI was 0.967. The exploratory factor analysis yielded three-factor components with a cumulative variation of 53.054%. Convergent validity was demonstrated using measures of Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale 8 (r = –0.450, P &lt; 0.01). All correlations between items and global scores ranged from 0.403 to 0.638. Internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were found to be acceptable, as indicated by a Cronbach’s α of 0.824 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.846, respectively. Conclusions The Mandarin TBQ had acceptable validity and reliability. The use of TBQ in the assessment of treatment burden of stroke survivor may benefit health resources allocation and provide tailor therapeutic interventions to construct minimally disruptive care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Monticone ◽  
Cristiano Sconza ◽  
Igor Portoghese ◽  
Tomohiko Nishigami ◽  
Benedict M. Wand ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and aim Growing attention is being given to utilising physical function measures to better understand and manage knee osteoarthritis (OA). The Fremantle Knee Awareness Questionnaire (FreKAQ), a self-reported measure of body-perception specific to the knee, has never been validated in Italian patients. The aims of this study were to culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the FreKAQ (FreKAQ-I), to allow for its use with Italian-speaking patients with painful knee OA. Methods The FreKAQ-I was developed by means of forward–backward translation, a final review by an expert committee and a test of the pre-final version to evaluate its comprehensibility. The psychometric testing included: internal structural validity by Rasch analysis; construct validity by assessing hypotheses of FreKAQ correlations with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the pain catastrophising scale (PCS), and the Hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) (Pearson’s correlations); known-group validity by evaluating the ability of FreKAQ scores to discriminate between two groups of participants with different clinical profiles (Mann–Whitney U test); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1); and measurement error by calculating the minimum detectable change (MDC). Results It took one month to develop a consensus-based version of the FreKAQ-I. The questionnaire was administered to 102 subjects with painful knee OA and was well accepted. Internal structural validity confirmed the substantial unidimensionality of the FreKAQ-I: variance explained was 53.3%, the unexplained variance in the first contrast showed an eigenvalue of 1.8, and no local dependence was detected. Construct validity was good as all of the hypotheses were met; correlations: KOOS (rho = 0.38–0.51), PI-NRS (rho = 0.35–0.37), PCS (rho = 0.47) and HADS (Anxiety rho = 0.36; Depression rho = 0.43). Regarding known-groups validity, FreKAQ scores were significantly different between groups of participants demonstrating high and low levels of pain intensity, pain catastrophising, anxiety, depression and the four KOOS subscales (p ≤ 0.004). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.74) and test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.92, CI 0.87–0.94). The MDC95 was 5.22 scale points. Conclusion The FreKAQ-I is unidimensional, reliable and valid in Italian patients with painful knee OA. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.


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