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Background The Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) measures symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. We aimed to test the psychometric properties of the MSK-HQ among the general adult population and identify the determinants of MSK-HQ states. In addition, we aimed to explore the relationship between MSK-HQ and standard well-being measurement tools. Methods The translation proccess of the MSK-HQ into Hungarian followed the standard methods provided by the developer. A cross-sectional online survey was performed in Hungary involving a population normative sample ( N  = 2004, women: 53.1%; mean age: 48.3, SD = 16.6 years). Socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported MSK disorders were recorded. Alongside the MSK-HQ, standard measures of HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), physical functioning (HAQ-DI) and well-being (ICECAP-A/O, WHO-5, Happiness VAS) were applied. Clinical and convergent validity were assessed by subgroup comparisons (Mann–Whitney-U and Kruskal–Wallis tests) and Spearman’s rank correlations. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha. Test–retest reliability ( N  = 50) was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Predictors of MSK-HQ were analysed by ordinary least square multiple regressions. Results The mean MSK-HQ index score was 44.1 (SD = 9.9). MSK-HQ scores were significantly lower in subgroups with self-reported MSK disorders. Correlations were strong between MSK-HQ and EQ-5D-5L (0.788), EQ VAS (0.644) and HAQ-DI (-0.698) and moderate with the well-being measures ( p  < 0.05). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.924 and ICC was 0.936 ( p  < 0.05). Being a man, living in the capital, having higher income and education were positively associated with MSK-HQ scores. Conclusions This is the first study to prove the validity and reliability of the MSK-HQ among the general public. The impact of socio-demographic characteristics on MSK-HQ scores deserves consideration in clinical studies.

Purpose We aimed to develop and assess the psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian language version of two well-being capability measures, the ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults/Older people (ICECAP-A/-O), and to establish population norms. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed involving a representative sample of the Hungarian population. Socio-demographic characteristics, the use and provision of informal care were recorded. The Minimum European Health Module (MEHM), EQ-5D-5L, WHO-5 well-being index, happiness and life satisfaction visual analogue scale (VAS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) measures were applied alongside the ICECAP-A (age-group 18–64) and ICECAP-O (age-group 65+). Results Altogether 1568 and 453 individuals completed the ICECAP-A/-O questionnaires, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.86 for both measures (internal consistency). Subgroup analyses showed positive associations between ICECAP-A/-O scores and marital status, employment, income, health status (MEHM) and informal care use (construct validity). Pearson correlations were strong ( r  > 0.5; p  < 0.01) between ICECAP-A/-O indexes and EQ-5D-5L, WHO-5, happiness and satisfaction VAS and SWLS scores (convergent validity). The age, education, and marital status were no longer significant in the multiple regression analysis. Test–retest average (SD) scores were 0.88 (0.11) and 0.89 (0.10) for the ICECAP-A, and equally 0.86 (0.09) for the ICECAP-O (reliability). Conclusion This is the first study to provide ICECAP-A/-O population norms. Also, it is the first to explore associations with WHO-5 well-being index which, alongside the MEHM measures, enable estimates from routinely collected international health statistics. The Hungarian ICECAP-A/-O proved to be valid and reliable measurement tools. Socio-demographic characteristics had minor or no impact on ICECAP-A/-O. Other influencing factors deserve further investigation in future research.

Objective The ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O were validated as capability wellbeing measures of adults aged 18 + and 65 + years, respectively. We aimed to compare their measurement properties in age group 50-70. Methods Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey among a sample representative for the adult Hungarian population. Respondents aged between 50 and 70 filled in both the ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O questionnaires. We assessed and compared feasibility, agreement, discriminatory power, convergent and content validity of the two instruments and explored the determinants of the differences between the two measures. Results 707 respondents (99.4%) provided full answers to both questionnaires (46.3% women, average age 60.1 years). The instruments showed similar construct and convergent validity and discriminatory power. Pearson-correlations between instrument items were strong (r>0.5). ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O scores could be calculated from each other with a good confidence (R² = 0.69 and 0.71). ICECAP-O scores (mean 0.87, SD = 0.12) were systematically higher than ICECAP-A scores (0.85, SD = 0.15) in most subgroups. The difference increased with the deterioration of capability and health, and with age. Regression results showed that employment and health status had larger marginal effect on the ICECAP-A than on the ICECAP-O scores, and these effects were larger than the effect of age on both measures. Conclusion Validity of both instruments was confirmed in the age groups 50-70. Given that employment and health status are important determinants of the differences between the two instruments besides age, the possibility of linking the choice between ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O to these factors should be investigated by further research.

BackgroundPatient activation comprises the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary for patients’ effective contribution to their care. We adapted and validated the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) in the ≥ 40 years old Hungarian general population.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was conducted among 900 respondents selected from an online panel via quota sampling. After 10 days, the survey was repeated on 100 respondents. The distribution, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, factor structure, convergent, discriminant and known-groups validity of PAM-13 were assessed according to the COSMIN guidelines.ResultsThe sample comprised 779 respondents. Mean (± SD) age was 60.4 ± 10.6 years, 54% were female and 67% had chronic illness. Mean (± SD) PAM-13 score was 60.6 ± 10.0. We found good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha: 0.77), moderate test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.62; n = 75), a single-factor structure and good content validity: PAM-13 showed moderate correlation with the eHealth Literacy Scale (r = 0.40), and no correlation with age (r = 0.02), education (r = 0.04) or income (ρ = 0.04). Higher PAM-13 scores were associated with fewer lifestyle risks (p < 0.001), more frequent health information seeking (p < 0.001), participation in patient education (p = 0.018) and various online health-related behaviours. When controlling for health literacy, sociodemographic factors and health status, the association of higher PAM-13 scores with overall fewer lifestyle risks, normal body mass index, physical activity and adequate diet remained significant. Similar properties were observed in the subgroup of participants with chronic morbidity, but not in the age group 65+.ConclusionPAM-13 demonstrated good validity in the general population. Its properties in clinical populations and the elderly as well as responsiveness to interventions warrant further research.

This study aims to provide a theoretical analysis of the applicability of competency-based Human Resource Management (HRM) approaches in the civil service with a view to enhancing and embedding the development of HRM in national systems, such as in the Hungarian civil service, where, despite its growing popularity, it has not been adequately addressed so far. It is our intention to focus on several interrelated aspects of the issue, analysing its components and indicating directions for improvement. Exploring the reasons behind the lack of progress in this area, the study highlights aspects such as the misunderstandings resulting from the differences of interpretations of competency-based HRM, and of the practical implications of the measurability of competencies. It also presents the special features of practices employed in the United States, where the interpretation of competencies is based on the unified personality of the employee, who is ready to develop new competencies that meet the requirements of employers and the changing work environment. It seems important to bring the approaches of the training institutions into line with those of the public institutions, even if compromises are unavoidable.

The study is providing a theoretical analysis of the competency-based Public Human Resource Management (PHRM) with regard to the newly emerging Hungarian system and the American approaches and core practices. Empirical findings by Dobos in the U.S.A. are focusing on competency management solutions applied in the leadership development practice of the U.S. Federal Government with the intention to reveal possible benchmarking opportunities for the developing Hungarian system. Data collection by Belényesi targeted the new developments in the Hungarian public service, in which Human Resource Management (HRM) has recently gained momentum. Therefore, the international best practices can offer adaptation opportunities and innovative solutions.

AIM To study the relation between erythrocyte Na+,K+-ATPase subunit isoform composition, Na+,K+-ATPase activity, and cation pump function in preterm and term neonates. DESIGN Erythrocyte Na+,K+-ATPase subunit isoform abundance, Na+,K+-ATPase activity, and cation pump function were studied in blood samples obtained from 56 preterm neonates of 28–32 weeks gestation (group 1), 58 preterm neonates of 33–36 weeks gestation (group 2), and 122 term neonates (group 3) during the first two postnatal days. RESULTS α1isoform abundance was higher and β2 isoform abundance was lower in group 1 than in group 3 (p = 0.0002). α2 and β1 isoform abundance did not change with maturation and there was no evidence for the presence of the α3 isoform. Gestational age was inversely related to Na+,K+-ATPase activity (p = 0.0001) and directly related to intracellular Na+ concentration (p = 0.0025). CONCLUSIONS Expression of the α1 and β2Na+,K+-ATPase subunit isoforms is developmentally regulated. The increased abundance of α1isoforms of immature neonates translates to increased ATPase activity. The lower intracellular Na+ concentration of immature neonates suggests that their erythrocyte Na+,K+-ATPase cation pump function may also be increased.