Diagnostic values of questionnaires of Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey and College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life in the screening of convergence insufficiency

AIM:To compare and analyse the diagnostic efficacy of the College of Optometrists Vision Development Quality of Life Questionnaire(COVD-QOL)and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey(CISS)in detecting convergence insufficiency and to compare their diagnostic value in clinical applications.METHODS:Using the diagnostic test method,62 adult patients with convergence insufficiency(age:24.74±3.75y)and 62 normal participants(age:23.61±3.13y)who visited the Optometry Clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2021 to January 2023 were included.All subjects completed the CISS and COVD-QOL.Statistical analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the CISS and COVD-QOL and comparison and joint experimental analysis of their diagnostic efficacy were performed.RESULTS:The sensitivity of the CISS and COVD-QOL for convergence insufficiency was 64.5%and 71.0%,respectively,while the specificity was 96.8%and 67.7%,respectively.Compared to the CISS alone,the combination of the CISS and COVD-QOL demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CISS,COVD-QOL and CISS combined with COVD-QOL were 0.806,0.694 and 0.782,respectively.CONCLUSION:Considering the low sensitivity of the CISS and the low specificity of the COVD-QOL,it is recommended to supplement these questionnaires with other screening tests for the detection of convergence insufficiency.

A Study of Data Collection based on the Analysis of Interviews and Questionnaires

There are several approaches to data collection, such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus groups and so on. This essay will look at two specific methods, interviews and questionnaires. It will involve individual strengths and weaknesses at first and then have a brief clarification of'why'and'when'to use. Finally, this essay will list out some problems that researchers might face during the process.

Bar in Questionnaires

Vougiouklis ＆ Vougiouklis have proposed the replacement of Likert scales, usually used in questionnaires, with a bar. With this proposal a discrete situation is replaced by a fuzzy one. There are identified certain advantages concerning the use of the bar as compared to that of a scale during both the stages of filling-in as well as processing a questionnaire. The main advantage associated with business research requirements is the fact that it is expected to be much quicker to fill in and much easier to explain to participants. The bar provides the potential for different types of processing Likert scales cannot. Therefore the researchers are allowed to ascertain that the given answers follow not only the already suggested and used Gauss distribution but also a parabola distribution as it will be suggested in present paper, and which is expected to give the researcher the opportunity to ＂correct＂ this tendency. Therefore, a possibility of choosing amongst a number of alternatives is offered, by utilizing fuzzy logic in the same way as it has already been done in industry and combining mathematical models with multivalued operations.

Generation of Interactive Questionnaires Using YAWL-based Workflow Models

A concept is introduced in this article which has strong practical impact for computer aided system configuration. System configuration is a cumbersome and fault sensitive task while setting up systems in a broad range of business applications like ERP （enterprise resource planning） and other workflow-systems. Given a generic process or workflow model in YAWL-notation （yet another workflow language） or any other process modeling language like business process model and notation or WFMC （workflow management coalition）, it could be stated that, by using a set of reduction rules as introduced, it is possible to generate a hierarchically structured tree of sub graphs of the workflow graph-representation. According to the notation used, authors call these sub graphs facts. The tree structure of the graph-representation on one hand and the logical relation between the branches and leafs of the tree on the other can be utilized to create a set of constraints and dependencies among the single facts. Some researchers showed that the nested branches can be associated to （predefined） questions with respect to the configuration of a workflow management system, for instance an ERP-application. They presented an algorithm which dynamically sorts the questions and answers in a maximum efficient configuration path, while working through the corresponding questionnaire. By combining the different elements as facts, constraints on questions, and configuration space, it is thus possible to algorithmically generate the efficient structured and interactive questionnaire for the configuration of workflow systems and algorithmically check the consistency （dead lock free, free of synchronization structural conflict） of the underlying workflow model. The concept was tested in the prototype of the interactive questionnaire for configuration of the web-service based ERP-Application Posity.

Overview of Questionnaires about Teachers＇ Professional Development in Higher Vocational Colleges

Teachers＇ professional development in higher vocational colleges is a primary condition for students＇ development, as well as a significant guarantee for the development of higher vocational education. It has been discovered in studied that higher vocational teachers attach great importance to their teaching practice ability and professional practice ability, and desire to be promoted. Comparatively speaking, the growth approaches of higher vocational teachers ＇ teaching practice ability remain to be further studied.

The Application of Assessment of the Quality of Life in the Clinical Efficacy Evaluation System and the Selection of Questionnaires of Chinese Medicine Treating Tumors

In China, CM has been applied to treat almost every cancer patient, especially during the observation period after surgery, routine radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Several decades of CM treatment results have shown that CM treatment could be helpful in improving patients＇ physical rehabilitation, relieving symptoms and strengthening immunity. CM also could aid in the decline of rates of recurrence and metastasis, prolong the survival time, and especially, have significant effects on relieving symptoms such as relieving fatigue, improving syndromes caused by conventional therapies （surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological treatment）, and indescribable discomforts caused by the unknown reason. It has been found in several studies that conventional medical treatment combined with CM could significantly improve QOL, and reduce treatment-related and disease-related symptoms. Patients treated with CM and Western medicine have higher scores in the fields of psychology, society,

Efficacy,safety and treatment satisfaction of transition to a regimen of insulin degludec/aspart:A pilot study

BACKGROUND There is a lack of clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of transitioning from a thrice-daily pre-mixed insulin or basal-prandial regimen to insulin degludec/aspart(IDegAsp)therapy,with insufficient data from the Chinese population.AIM To demonstrate the efficacy,safety,and treatment satisfaction associated with the transition to IDegAsp in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS In this 12-week open-label,non-randomized,single-center,pilot study,patients with T2DM receiving thrice-daily insulin or intensive insulin treatment were transitioned to twice-daily injections of insulin IDegAsp.Insulin doses,hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)levels,fasting blood glucose(FBG),hypoglycemic events,a Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire,and other parameters were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks.RESULTS This study included 21 participants.A marked enhancement was observed in the FBG level(P=0.02),daily total insulin dose(P=0.03),and overall diabetes treatment satisfaction(P<0.01)in the participants who switched to IDegAsp.There was a decrease in HbA1c levels(7.6±1.1 vs 7.4±0.9,P=0.31)and the frequency of hypoglycemic events of those who switched to IDegAsp decreased,however,there was no statistically significant difference.CONCLUSION The present findings suggest that treatment with IDegAsp enhances clinical outcomes,particularly FBG levels,daily cumulative insulin dose,and overall satisfaction with diabetes treatment.

Development and validation of a prediction model for early screening of people at high risk for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still not optimistic.In China,the incidence of CRC in the Yangtze River Delta region is increasing dramatically,but few studies have been conducted.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a simple and efficient early screening model for CRC.AIM To develop and validate an early-screening nomogram model to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.METHODS Data of 64448 participants obtained from Ningbo Hospital,China between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The cohort comprised 64448 individuals,of which,530 were excluded due to missing or incorrect data.Of 63918,7607(11.9%)individuals were considered to be high risk for CRC,and 56311(88.1%)were not.The participants were randomly allocated to a training set(44743)or validation set(19175).The discriminatory ability,predictive accuracy,and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by constructing and analyzing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves and by decision curve analysis.Finally,the model was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique.RESULTS Seven variables,including demographic,lifestyle,and family history information,were examined.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio(OR):1.03,95%confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.03,P<0.001],body mass index(BMI)(OR:1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.08,P<0.001),waist circumference(WC)(OR:1.03,95%CI:1.02-1.03 P<0.001),lifestyle(OR:0.45,95%CI:0.42-0.48,P<0.001),and family history(OR:4.28,95%CI:4.04-4.54,P<0.001)were the most significant predictors of high-risk CRC.Healthy lifestyle was a protective factor,whereas family history was the most significant risk factor.The area under the curve was 0.734(95%CI:0.723-0.745)for the final validation set ROC curve and 0.735(95%CI:0.728-0.742)for the training set ROC curve.The calibration curve demonstrated a high correlation between the CRC high-risk population predicted by the nomogram model and the actual CRC high-risk population.CONCLUSION The early-screening nomogram model for CRC prediction in high-risk populations developed in this study based on age,BMI,WC,lifestyle,and family history exhibited high accuracy.

Physiological and psychological responses to tended plant communities with varying color characteristics

Exposure to plants has been reported to promote health and reduce stress,and plant color has direct impacts on physical and mental health.We used images of common types of tended plant communities in Shenyang,China,with combinations of yellow,green,and red foliage,as experimental stimuli.A total of 27 images were used as visual stimuli.We used electroencephalography to measureαwave activity(8-13 Hz)in 40 subjects while they viewed visual stimuli.These data were combined with subjective questionnaire data to analyze the relaxing effect of images of tended plant communities with different color types and proportions on people.The results revealed that,although there were slight differences between the electroencephalography and psychological findings,women were significantly more relaxed than men after viewing the images.Physiological and psychological responses varied with the types and proportions of colors in the tended plant communities:those of foliage with combinations of two or three colors induced stronger responses than images with a single color.Specifically,(1)for one-color plant communities,green or yellow plant communities induced a stronger relaxation effect than red plant communities;(2)for two-color plant communities,the optimal color proportion was 55%+45%,and the green+yellow and green+red color combinations induced a stronger relaxation effect;(3)for three-color plant communities,the relaxation effect was strongest when the color proportion was 55%green+25%yellow+20%red.These data would provide a plant color matching in future plant landscape design,which may be helpful for creating healthy and relaxing environments.

Influence of BPPV and Meniere's Disease on Cognitive Abilities: A Questionnaire-Based Study

The vestibular system connects the inner ear to the midbrain and subcortical structures and can affect cognition. Patients with vertigo often experience cognitive symptoms such as attention deficits, memory problems, and spatial perception difficulties. This study aimed to explore the cognitive impairments associated with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) and Meniere's Disease(MD). A non-experimental group comparison design was used with 107 participants divided into three groups: Group I(clinically normal), Group II(BPPV), and Group III(MD). Participants completed a questionnaire with 10 cognition-related questions, and their responses were scored. The data were found to be non-normally distributed. The analysis revealed a significant difference in scores between Group I and both Group II and Group III. Chi-square tests showed that the responses to cognition-related questions varied among the groups, with Group II exhibiting more cognitive problems. Associated conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hearing loss did not significantly influence the responses within each group. This study suggests a significant relationship between cognitive problems and patients with BPPV and MD. However, there was no association found between the cognitive problems experienced in BPPV and MD patients. These findings align with previous research indicating that vestibular disorders can lead to deficits in spatial memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. By understanding the link between cognition and vestibular disorders, we can improve diagnosis and rehabilitation services to enhance the quality of life for these patients.

Development and validation of a novel questionnaire regarding vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia

AIM:To develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a knowledge,attitude,and practice questionnaire related to vision screening(KAP-VST)among preschool teachers in Malaysia.METHODS:The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and discussions with experts.Content and face validation were conducted by a panel of experts(n=10)and preschool teachers(n=10),respectively.A pilot study was conducted for construct validation(n=161)and test-retest reliability(n=60)of the newly developed questionnaire.RESULTS:Based on the content and face validation,71 items were generated,and 68 items were selected after exploratory factor analysis.The content validity index for items(I-CVI)score ranged from 0.8-1.0,and the content validity index for scale(S-CVI)/Ave was 0.99.Internal consistency was KR^(2)0=0.93 for knowledge,Cronbach’s alpha=0.758 for attitude,and Cronbach’s alpha=0.856 for practice.CONCLUSION:The KAP-VST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge,attitude,and practice in relation to vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire

AIM:To psychometrically validate the Chinese version of the dry eye-related quality-of-life score questionnaire(DEQSCHN)among Chinese patients with dry eye.METHODS:This study involved 231 participants,including 191 with dry eye disease(DED)comprising the dry eye disease group,and 40 healthy participants forming the control group.Participants were required to complete the DEQS-CHN,and Chinese dry eye questionnaire and undergo clinical tests including the fluorescein breakup time(FBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),and Schirmer I test.To assess the internal consistency and retest reliability,Cronbach’sαand the intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)were employed.Content validity was assessed by item-level content validity index(ICV)and an average scale-level content validity index(S-CVI/Ave).Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis.The concurrent validity was assessed by calculating correlations between DEQS-CHN and Chinese dry eye questionnaire.Discriminative validity was evaluated through nonparametric tests,with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve serving as conclusive indicators of the questionnaire’s distinguishing capability.RESULTS:The Cronbach’sαcoefficients for frequency and degree of ocular symptoms,impact on daily life,and summary score were 0.736,0.704,0.811,0.818,0.861,and 0.860,respectively,and the ICC were 0.611,0.677,0.715,0.769,0.711,and 0.779,respectively.All I-CVI scores ranged from 0.833 to 1.000,with an S-CVI/Ave of 0.956.Confirmatory factor analysis results exhibited a wellfitting model consistent with the original questionnaire[χ^(2)/df=2.653,incremental fit index(IFI)=0.924,comparative fit index(CFI)=0.924,Tucker-Lewis index(TLI)=0.909,and root mean square error of approximation(RMSEA)=0.065].There was a moderate positive correlation between the DEQS-CHN and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire(r^(2)=0.588).The dry eye group demonstrated significantly higher scores compared to the control group,and the area under the curve(AUC)value was 0.8092.CONCLUSION:The DEQS-CHN has been demonstrated as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the impact of dry eye disease on the quality of life among Chinese individuals with DED.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

Correlation between psychological traits and the use of smart medical services in young and middle-aged adults: An observational study

BACKGROUND Psychological problems affect economic development.However,there is a huge gap between mental health service resources and mental health service needs.Existing mental health service technology and platforms cannot meet all the diverse mental health needs of people.Smart medicine is a new medical system based online that can effectively improve the quality and efficiency of medical services and make mental health services accessible.AIM To explore the level of intelligent medical use among young and middle-aged people and its correlation with psychological factors.METHODS Convenience sampling was used to select 200 young and middle-aged patients with medical experience at the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu between January 2022 and January 2023 as the research subjects.The general condition Questionnaire,Eysenck Personality Questionnaire,Symptom Checklist-90,General Health Questionnaire,and Smart Medical Service Use Intention Questionnaire were used to collect data.Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the participants’willingness to use smart medical services and their personality characteristics,psychological symptoms,and mental health.RESULTS The results revealed that the mental health of young and middle-aged people was poor,and some had psycho-logical problems such as anxiety,depression,and physical discomfort.Familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart healthcare in this population are at a medium level,and these levels correlate with psychological characteristics.Acceptance was positively correlated with E,and negatively correlated with P,anxiety,fear,anxiety/insomnia,and social dysfunction.The degree of use was negatively correlated with P,obsessive-compulsive symptoms,depression,anxiety,hostility,paranoia,and somatic symptoms.CONCLUSION The familiarity,acceptance,and usage of smart medical services among the middle-aged and young groups are related to various psychological characteristics.

Investigation of the Oral Health Status of Patients Based on Rehabilitation Nursing

Objective: To investigate the current situation of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral health among rehabilitation nursing patients, and provide some reference for implementing oral health intervention measures for rehabilitation nursing patients. Method: A total of 231 nursing patients in the rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital in this city from January 2023 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Their oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were investigated, and the oral health behavior habits of patients with different genders, education levels, and disease situations were compared. Result: The total awareness rate of oral health knowledge among patients was 73.16%, and the average score of oral health knowledge was 6.58 ± 1.25 points. The overall positive rate of oral health attitude among patients is 55.70%, and the average score of oral health attitude is 5.01 ± 1.04 points. The average score for oral health behavior is 16.87 ± 5.23 points. Only 8.48%, 3.3%, 1.3%, 2.6%, and 0.87% of patients seek timely medical treatment for bleeding tooth roots, gum swelling and pain, gum bleeding, tooth pain, and dental calculus, respectively;Only 5.19% of people change their toothbrush every 3 months, and only 10.39% use the vertical brush method to brush their teeth. The scores of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients are related to age, educational level, disease type, and smoking situation. The oral health knowledge and attitude scores of elderly patients were lower than those of younger patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P P P P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The oral health status of rehabilitation nursing patients is not optimistic, with a moderate level of oral health knowledge, weak awareness of oral health, and a low qualification rate of oral health behaviors. Strengthening oral health education for rehabilitation nursing patients and incorporating oral health care procedures into rehabilitation nursing procedures is of great significance.

Transcultural Validation and Adaptation of the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) in Students of Puerto Rico

Background: There are multiple questionnaires to measure academic stress in university students, which have been used in nursing students. In Puerto Rico, a questionnaire valid in content and reliability was required to measure the variable of academic stress in nursing students. Purpose: The aim of this study was to adapt transculturally and validate the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) for its use in Puerto Rico. Materials and Methods: Used for the first phase of this study consisted in the evaluation of the validity of content and appearance, whereas the second phase was the actual administering of the questionnaire to 20 (twenty) nursing students, to pilot test its internal consistency using the Cronbach’s α test. Results: Validity of content and appearance allowed for the modification of the questionnaire into one, consisting of 42 items, thus eliminating 34 premises from the original 76 items the questionnaire was composed of. Furthermore, the appearance of the questionnaire was modified by placing the measuring scales in columns, adapting social, demographic, and academic data to the required Puerto Rican reality. The sections meant to measure the academic stress variables were left intact, except for the linguistics adaptation, which was accomplished by a team of experts in the Spanish language. With an α global of 0.80 and coefficients larger than 0.7 in the multi-item sub scales, which oscillated between 0.750 and 0.860, the questionnaire provides a high reliability. Conclusion: Although the values reported in this study are somewhat lower than previous research, they were comparable the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients reported by Cabanach, in which the numbers reported are considered high (α > 0.70) which show acceptable confiability of the subscales included in the study and a high degree of consistency and thus can be relied upon in future research. In synthesis, the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) modified and adapted, thoroughly fulfills the established criteria of confiability and validity to evaluate academic stress of Puertorrican nursing students.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated with Depression Regardless of Weight: A Controlled Study

Research Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common disease among obese women during their childbearing years, and it could be associated with depression. It is unclear whether obesity contributes also to depression among these patients. Research Objective: To evaluate patients with IIH for the existence of depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) questionnaire score, compared to age- and BMI-matched healthy control group. Methods: Controlled IIH patients were prospectively recruited from the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Tzafon Medical Center, Poria. Following consent, patients were interviewed and answered the HAM-D questionnaire. A healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants from the same population (control group), were also recruited and interviewed by the same investigator answering the same questionnaire. Demographics and BMI were documented in both groups. HAM-D score of >10 is significantly associated with depression. Results: Thirty-two and 28 from the patients and control group, respectively, had completed the study. Mean age was 28.6 ± 7.51 and 32.467 ± 8.22 years of both patient and control groups, respectively (P = 0.07). Mean BMI was 32.8 ± 6.87 and 32.1 ± 3.78 respectively (P = 0.621). The IIH group’s mean HAM-D scores was 11.62 ± 8.2 as compared to 3.179 ± 2.407 in the control group (P = 0.000). The most significant differences included the questionnaire items of insomnia initial, work and activities, somatic general and somatic symptoms general. Conclusion: IIH patients had significantly higher HAM-D scores compared to the control group. This score seems to be irrelevant to the weight of the patient. Psychological support in addition to the conventional treatment of IIH, is needed to improve the quality of life of these patients.

关于耳鸣量化评估的研究

借鉴心理学评价所采用的问卷和量表将耳鸣患者的主观感受进行量化,对患者生活质量和严重程度进行评估,是临床常用而有效的手段和工具。本文将国内、外使用较为广泛的一些自评式耳鸣量化评估问卷进行综述,以便为临床医师和研究者提供有效、实用的参考。

Knowledge and Attitudes of Knust Pre-Clinical Dental Students towards Orthodontic Treatment

Background: Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on correcting dental irregularities and malocclusion. Knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment are crucial for promoting oral health and overall well-being. Education and awareness play a vital role in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and improving quality of life. Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) pre-clinical dentistry students concerning orthodontic therapy. Methodology: This research is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. The research used a non-random convenience sampling method to form the desired sample. For data collection, an interview-administered questionnaire was used over one month. The study set its sights on pre-clinical dental students in KNUST. A total of 150 questionnaires were printed to meet the sample size. Results: The results of the research showed that the knowledge level of KNUST pre-clinical students on orthodontic treatment and its nuances is quite limited. They however had a fair level of knowledge on the disease or ailment that orthodontic treatments solved (especially malocclusion). Their interest in orthodontic treatments on the other hand was quite significant, with a large number having interest in it. Conclusion: To conclude, KNUST pre-clinical students in Ghana although having a limited level of knowledge on orthodontic treatments have a keen interest in undergoing them regardless of the discomforts or the length of time.

Examining the Hypothesis of Common Factors Shared by Different Addictive Behaviors and Gender Effects on Propensity to Addiction Type

Background: From the two facts reported by previous research: 1) frequent co-occurrence of more than one addictive behavior, 2) childhood adversities identified as origins of different types of addictive behaviors, it is assumed that all types of addictive behaviors, regardless of substance, behavioral, or relationship, share common factors which have not yet been proven by epidemiological research. The Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ) was previously developed to assess 16 types of addictive behaviors. Its factor structure, however, has not been fully investigated. Confirming the factor structure will enable us to hypothesize the common factor(s) shared by all, or if not all, most types of addictive behaviors. Aims: This study aimed at 1) examining the factor structure of the SPQ, 2) confirming the reliability of the questionnaire, and 3) examining the impacts of gender and age on each addictive behavior. Methods: Data obtained from 232 Japanese adults who completed all items of the SPQ were used for the analyses. After confirming the one-factor structure model for each of the 16 subscales, the validity of the one-factor structure of the SPQ was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), by adapting 16 subscale scores as observed variables. If its validity was not confirmed, another model which showed better compatibility to the data was explored. The reliability of the SPQ as well as that of all 16 subscales was evaluated. Also, the impacts of gender and age on each subscale score were examined. Results: The one-factor structure for each of the 16 subscales was confirmed. The compatibility of the SPQ one-factor model was not acceptable. The best fit model was a bi-factor model in which one main factor was shared by all 16 subscales, and three factors were shared by some specific addictive behaviors. Male respondents were more likely than female respondents to show high scores in Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, Sex, and Recreational Drugs, and low scores only in Shopping. Respondents’ age did not impact any of the 16 subscale scores. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that there are common factors shared by all different types, as well as selected types of addictive behaviors, by conducting CFAs of the SPQ. Reliability was proven for the SPQ and for all 16 subscales. Male respondents were more likely to show physically hedonic addictive behaviors.