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Aim The threats of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have caused fears worldwide. The Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCV‐19S) was recently developed to assess the fear of COVID‐19. Although many studies found that the FCV‐19S is psychometrically sound, it is unclear whether the FCV‐19S is invariant across countries. The present study aimed to examine the measurement invariance of the FCV‐19S across eleven countries. Design Cross‐sectional study. Methods Using data collected from prior research on Bangladesh (N = 8,550), United Kingdom (N = 344), Brazil (N = 1,843), Taiwan (N = 539), Italy (N = 249), New Zealand (N = 317), Iran (N = 717), Cuba (N = 772), Pakistan (N = 937), Japan (N = 1,079) and France (N = 316), comprising a total 15,663 participants, the present study used the multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch differential item functioning (DIF) to examine the measurement invariance of the FCV‐19S across country, gender and age (children aged below 18 years, young to middle‐aged adults aged between 18 and 60 years, and older people aged above 60 years). Results The unidimensional structure of the FCV‐19S was confirmed. Multigroup CFA showed that FCV‐19S was partially invariant across country and fully invariant across gender and age. DIF findings were consistent with the findings from multigroup CFA. Many DIF items were displayed for country, few DIF items were displayed for age, and no DIF items were displayed for gender. Conclusion Based on the results of the present study, the FCV‐19S is a good psychometric instrument to assess fear of COVID‐19 during the pandemic period. Moreover, the use of FCV‐19S is supported in at least ten countries with satisfactory psychometric properties.

Background The Foot Function Index Revised Short version (FFI-RS) is a foot- and ankle- patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), developed from the Foot Function Index (FFI). Previous studies, estimating item parameters and multidimensional properties, have limitations properly establishing the measurement properties of the FFI-RS. A multi-faceted Rasch analysis with a larger sample would allow for a more robust validation approach to improve the clinical interpretation of the FFI-RS using a multidimensional perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the FFI-RS as a PROM of foot function. Method A total of 2184 patients with foot pathology who completed the FFI-RS were included in the data. Data were extracted from the cloud-based orthopedic and sports medicine global registry Surgical Outcome System (SOS). The psychometric properties of the FFI-RS were assessed using a many-faceted Rasch analysis that included model-data fit, rating scale function, item-person map (distribution of item difficulty and person ability), and item difficulty of the subscale. Results Two misfit items were discovered and deleted; 32-items from the original FFI-RS were retained. The 4-item Likert scale functioned effectively and item difficulty (-0.58 to 1.48), subscale difficulty (-0.58 to 1.15), and person’s foot function (-6.62 to 6.24) had wide distributions. Conclusions Many-faceted Rasch analysis revealed the FFI-RS had sound psychometric properties using the many-faceted Ranch analysis and retained 32 of the original items. Clinicians and researchers should consider weaknesses identified with items in the ‘Difficulty” subscale and future work should be conducted to modify or develop items that will more accurately evaluate a wide range of foot function levels.

The objective of this study was to develop the classification system for version of the SF-6D (SF-6Dv2) from the SF-36v2. SF-6Dv2 is an improved version of SF-6D, one of the most widely used generic measures of health for the calculation of quality-adjusted life years. A 3-step process was undertaken to generate a new classification system: (1) factor analysis to establish dimensionality; (2) Rasch analysis to understand item performance; and (3) tests of differential item function. To evaluate robustness, Rasch analyses were performed in multiple subsets of 2 large cross-sectional datasets from recently discharged hospital patients and online patient samples. On the basis of factor analysis, other psychometric evidence, cross-cultural considerations, and amenability to valuation, the 6-dimension classification used in SF-6D was maintained. SF-6Dv2 resulted in the following modifications to SF-6D: a simpler classification of physical function with clearer separation between levels; a more detailed 5-level description of role limitations; using negative wording to describe vitality; and using pain severity rather than pain interference. The SF-6Dv2 classification system describes more distinct levels of health than SF-6D, changes the descriptions used for a number of dimensions and provides clearer wording for health state valuation. The second stage of the study has developed a utility value set using discrete choice methods so that the measure can be used in health technology assessment. Further work should investigate the psychometric characteristics of the new instrument.

Psychological treatments provide many benefits for patients with psychiatric disorders, but research also suggests that negative effects might occur from the interventions involved. The Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ) has previously been developed as a way of determining the occurrence and characteristics of such incidents, consisting of 32 items and six factors. However, the NEQ has yet to be examined using modern test theory, which could help to improve the understanding of how well the instrument works psychometrically. The current study investigated the reliability and validity of the NEQ from both a person and item perspective, establishing goodness-of-fit, item bias, and scale precision. The NEQ was distributed to 564 patients in five clinical trials at post-treatment. Data were analysed using Rasch analysis, i.e. a modern test theory application. (1) the NEQ exhibits fairness in testing across sociodemographics, (2) shows comparable validity for a final and condensed scale of 20 instead of 32 items, (3) uses a rating scale that advances monotonically in steps of 0 to 4, and (4) is suitable for monitoring negative effects on an item-level. The NEQ is proposed as a useful instrument for investigating negative effects in psychological treatments, and its newer shorter format could facilitate its use in clinical and research settings. However, further research is needed to explore the relationship between negative effects and treatment outcome, as well as to test it in more diverse patient populations.

The results of the studies show that the accuracy of the teaching strategies used influences students' ability to understand English literacy. The need to master English literacy skills can not only be done formally but can also be done through informal learning. With increasing demand to support students taking literacy tests, many informal education institutions organize practice tests internally. However, compiling test instruments must be done in a complex manner, which creates a challenge. So, this process requires measurements to assess the quality of the items on the test instrument. This research aims to test students' level of proficiency in English literacy using the RASCH model. The subjects of this research were 30 students from an informal education institution in Bantul. The Quest program is used to analyze data in this research. The result showed that the instrument tests provided poor quality even if they fit the RASCH model, so they must be reviewed again. This research provided new insight into the importance of question analysis in validating test instruments to improve the quality of instrument tests at Informal education institutions in the future  

This study investigates the reliability, validity, and fairness of university-level calculus assessments using Rasch analysis, focusing on the progression and alignment of key concepts across midterm and final exams. A cohort of 369 students from diverse academic disciplines was assessed using standardized exams designed to align with learning outcomes. The midterm and final exams, comprising conceptual and computational items, were analyzed separately and combined to evaluate their fit to the Rasch model. Summary statistics confirmed the reliability of item and person measures, while alignment analysis highlighted conceptual continuity across assessments. The results demonstrated the assessments’ efficacy in consistently measuring student ability across different subgroups and performance levels. Wright maps and item-level statistics provided a comprehensive view of student understanding, identifying areas requiring targeted pedagogical intervention. The study revealed significant growth in student performance from midterm to final exams, with Rasch analysis enabling the establishment of a consistent scale for tracking progress over time. Findings underscored the importance of aligning assessments with learning outcomes and ensuring fairness across diverse student groups. This research highlights the potential of Rasch analysis as a tool for improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of assessments in higher education, particularly in complex subjects like calculus. By integrating these insights, educators can refine assessment practices to better support student learning and achievement.

To outline key statistical considerations and detailed methodologies for the development and evaluation of a valid and reliable nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Literature on questionnaire development in a range of fields was reviewed and a set of evidence-based guidelines specific to the creation of a nutrition knowledge questionnaire have been developed. The recommendations describe key qualitative methods and statistical considerations, and include relevant examples from previous papers and existing nutrition knowledge questionnaires. Where details have been omitted for the sake of brevity, the reader has been directed to suitable references. We recommend an eight-step methodology for nutrition knowledge questionnaire development as follows: (i) definition of the construct and development of a test plan; (ii) generation of the item pool; (iii) choice of the scoring system and response format; (iv) assessment of content validity; (v) assessment of face validity; (vi) purification of the scale using item analysis, including item characteristics, difficulty and discrimination; (vii) evaluation of the scale including its factor structure and internal reliability, or Rasch analysis, including assessment of dimensionality and internal reliability; and (viii) gathering of data to re-examine the questionnaire's properties, assess temporal stability and confirm construct validity. Several of these methods have previously been overlooked. The measurement of nutrition knowledge is an important consideration for individuals working in the nutrition field. Improved methods in the development of nutrition knowledge questionnaires, such as the use of factor analysis or Rasch analysis, will enable more confidence in reported measures of nutrition knowledge.

Background The 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), a widely used, generic patient-reported measure of health status that provides summary scores of physical and mental health. No study to date has examined the measurement properties of the SF-12v2 in patients with lung cancer using Rasch analysis. The aim of this study was to extend the psychometric evaluations of the SF-12 within the lung cancer population to ensure its validity and reliability to assess the health status in this population. Methods Participants in the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry (VLCR) who completed the SF-12v2 between 2012 and 2016 were included in this study. The structural validity of the SF-12v2 was assessed using Rasch analysis. Overall fit to the Rasch measurement model was examined as well as five key measurement properties: uni-dimensionality, response thresholds, internal consistency, measurement invariance and targeting. Results A total of 342 participants completed the SF-12v2 three months following their lung cancer diagnosis. The SF-12 Physical Component Score (PCS-12) did not fit the overall Rasch measurement model (χ 2 107.0; p  < 0.001). Three items deviated significantly from the Rasch model (item fit residual beyond ± 2.5) with signs of dependency between item responses and disordered thresholds. Nevertheless, the PCS-12 was uni-dimensional with good internal consistency (person separation index [PSI] 0.83) and reasonable targeting. In contrast, the SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS-12) had good overall model fit (χ 2 35.1; p  = 0.07), reasonable targeting and good internal consistency (PSI 0.81). Conclusions Rasch analysis suggests that there is general support for the reliability of the SF-12v2 as a measure of physical and mental health in people with lung cancer. However, the appropriateness of some items (e.g. pain) in the PCS-12 is questionable and further refinement of the scale including changing the response options may be required to improve the ability of the SF-12v2 to more appropriately assess the health status of this population.

In the absence of an upper extremity outcome measure specific to children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a new outcome measure, the SHAPE-UP, was developed to help guide clinicians in their evaluation and decision making for treatment. It is designed for children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita aged 1-21, consists of six descriptive questions and a video-recorded evaluation, divided into Task Completion and Analysis of Joint Motion and Position scales. The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SHAPE-UP Task Completion scale using Rasch analysis and determine the correlation between the number of joints involved and the Task Completion score. This is a cross-sectional study including six participating Shriners hospitals. One hundred and one participants completed the SHAPE-UP, with 92 (54 female, mean age = 10.35 years, SD = 5.18 years) having upper limb involvement and included in the analysis. A Rash Analysis was used and the scoring was revised to improve fit. The original SHAPE-UP included 11 tasks (46 items), scored on a five-point scale. Rasch analysis revealed a significant item-trait interaction (χ2 = 129.55; p < 0.05), with disordered thresholds in most items. Specialists revised the SHAPE-UP, collapsing the scoring options to three and removing four tasks, which improved the fit (χ2 = 29.9026; p = 0.968233). Content validity was adequate (−10 to 7 logits). Construct validity was achieved, and excellent reliability was established (0.96130). However, high local dependency was observed in multiple item sets. A correlation coefficient of r = −0.0466 (p < 0.05) was calculated. The SHAPE-UP Task Completion scale aligns with Rasch model expectations. However, clinical interpretation of the Analysis of Joint Motion and Position scale is needed. Future studies should explore the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of SHAPE-UP. •Development of a first of a novel AMC-specific pediatric upper extremity performance- based outcome measure.•The SHAPE-UP was validated for content and construct validity, as well as reliability among children with AMC and UE involvement between 1 and 21 years of age.•The SHAPE-UP captures both task completion and movement strategies, providing clinicians with functional and clinical insight for treatment planning.

The study aimed to develop a Likert-type measurement tool (Digital Literacy Scale, DLS) to determine the digital literacy levels of secondary school students. The validity and reliability of the developed measurement tool were verified using the Rasch model. The Rasch Model can estimate missing data and allow for small study groups (Rasch, Rasch, Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests, Danish Institute for Educational Research, 1960). Additionally, this model can verify the expected pattern of the measurement tool by calibrating it across participants and items. The content validity of DLS was ensured by expert opinion, and the construct validity was ensured by using the Rach model. In the content validity study, a 25-item pool was created for the draft DLS, and 5 items were removed from the draft DLS at this stage. Construct validity studies were carried out with the remaining 20 items using the classical test theory and item response theory (Rasch model). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and first-level Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used within the scope of classical test theory. Then some Rasch assumptions such as dimensionlessness, local independence, monotonicity, and bias were tested for DLS. In the validity and reliability analysis of DLS, no items were eliminated, and the quantitative theoretical results were statistically confirmed. The analysis results showed that the minimum statistical values required for a good measurement tool were met. Accordingly, 20 valid and reliable compatible items that can be used to determine the digital literacy status of secondary school students were produced.