Evaluation of a skin self examination attitude scale using an item response theory model approach

Introduction The Skin Self-Examination Attitude Scale (SSEAS) is a brief measure that allows for the assessment of attitudes in relation to skin self-examination. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the SSEAS using Item Response Theory (IRT) methods in a large sample of men ≥ 50 years in Queensland, Australia. Methods A sample of 831 men (420 intervention and 411 control) completed a telephone assessment at the 13-month follow-up of a randomized-controlled trial of a video-based intervention to improve skin self-examination (SSE) behaviour. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, item–total correlations, and Cronbach’s alpha) were compiled and difficulty parameters were computed with Winsteps using the polytomous Rasch Rating Scale Model (RRSM). An item person (Wright) map of the SSEAS was examined for content coverage and item targeting. Results The SSEAS have good psychometric properties including good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.80), fit with the model and no evidence for differential item functioning (DIF) due to experimental trial grouping was detected. Conclusions The present study confirms the SSEA scale as a brief, useful and reliable tool for assessing attitudes towards skin self-examination in a population of men 50 years or older in Queensland, Australia. The 8-item scale shows unidimensionality, allowing levels of SSE attitude, and the item difficulties, to be ranked on a single continuous scale. In terms of clinical practice, it is very important to assess skin cancer self-examination attitude to identify people who may need a more extensive intervention to allow early detection of skin cancer.

Efecto de la magnitud y la probabilidad de la pérdida en el riesgo asumido por los conductores

Se analiza el efecto de la magnitud de la probabilidad de la pérdida en el riesgo asumido por 60 conductores, de edades comprendidas entre los 19 y los 44 años (Media = 23.38; SD = 4.78), en un programa de simulación de conducción. Tanto las teorías basa as en la utilidad esperada, como los modelos basados en la Teoría del Aprendizaje, predicen una relación inversa entre dichas variables y el riesgo asumido. Los resultados de nuestro estudio corroboran tales predicciones en cuanto a la probabilidad de la pérdida: el riesgo asumido disminuye a medida que aumenta la probabilidad de la pérdida. El riesgo asumido, en cambio, parece ser independiente de la magnitud de la probabilidad de la pérdida. De acuerdo con estos resultados, resultaría más efectivo aumentar el control para garantizar el cumplimiento de las normas de circulación que incrementar la cuantía de las sanciones por su incumplimiento

Fluid intake and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and kidney function: a population-based longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND Drinking eight glasses of fluid or water each day is widely believed to improve health, but evidence is sparse and conflicting. We aimed to investigate the association between fluid consumption and long-term mortality and kidney function. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal analysis within a prospective, population-based cohort study of 3858 men and women aged 49 years or older residing in Australia. Daily fluid intake from food and beverages not including water was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. We did multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and a boot-strapping procedure for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS Upper and lower quartiles of daily fluid intake corresponded to >3 L and <2 L, respectively. During a median follow-up of 13.1 years (total 43 093 years at risk), 1127 deaths (26.1 per 1000 years at risk) including 580 cardiovascular deaths (13.5 per 1000 years at risk) occurred. Daily fluid intake (per 250 mL increase) was not associated with all-cause [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-1.01)] or cardiovascular mortality [HR 0.98 (95% CI 0.95-1.01)]. Overall, eGFR reduced by 2.2 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) (SD 10.9) in the 1207 (31%) participants who had repeat creatinine measurements and this was not associated with fluid intake [adjusted regression coefficient 0.06 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per 250 mL increase (95% CI -0.03 to 0.14)]. CONCLUSIONS Fluid intake from food and beverages excluding water is not associated with improved kidney function or reduced mortality.

A novel computer test to assess driving-relevant cognitive functions - a pilot study

BACKGROUND: The assessment of driving-relevant cognitive functions in older drivers is a difficult challenge as there is no clear-cut dividing line between normal cognition and impaired cognition and not all cognitive functions are equally important for driving. METHODS: To support decision makers, the Bern Cognitive Screening Test (BCST) for older drivers was designed. It is a computer-assisted test battery assessing visuo-spatial attention, executive functions, eye-hand coordination, distance judgment, and speed regulation. Here we compare the performance in BCST with the performance in paper and pencil cognitive screening tests and the performance in the driving simulator testing of 41 safe drivers (without crash history) and 14 unsafe drivers (with crash history). RESULTS: Safe drivers performed better than unsafe drivers in BCST (Mann-Whitney U test: U = 125.5; p = 0.001) and in the driving simulator (Student's t-test: t(44) = -2.64, p = 0.006). No clear group differences were found in paper and pencil screening tests (p > 0.05; ns). BCST was best at identifying older unsafe drivers (sensitivity 86%; specificity 61%) and was also better tolerated than the driving simulator test with fewer dropouts. CONCLUSIONS: BCST is more accurate than paper and pencil screening tests, and better tolerated than driving simulator testing when assessing driving-relevant cognition in older drivers.

Report and recommendations of the fact finding panel in the Greyhound bus dispute. February 21, 1946.

"Minority report of labor member": p. 61-67.

Suggested procedures and acceptance limits for assessing the safety and ease of use of driver information systems /

"December 1995."

Human factors aspects of the transfer of control from the automated highway system to the driver /

"July 1995."

Preliminary design study of a driving simulator, for the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Boston, Massachusetts.

"Final report, Contract no. CC-102."

Techniques for determining the requirements of part-task driving simulators: a methodological study;

"Contract no. CPR-11-8012."

A modern, scientific, simplified, step by step, safe method for teaching safety driving in the family car; a text book for behind the wheel driver training, an educational book for better, safer, smoother, driving, a method of driving to end accidents.

Mode of access: Internet.

Alcohol, drugs, and driving : hearing before the Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of the Committee on Labor and Human Resources, United States Senate, Ninety-seventh Congress, second session, on to examine what effect alcohol and drugs have on individuals while driving, August 5, 1982.

Mode of access: Internet.

Report of the Massachusetts highway accident survey, CWA and ERA project,

Printed on one side of leaf only.

Saving teenage lives : the case for graduated driver licensing.

"November 1998"--P. [4] of cover.

A booklet on safe driving practices and how to procure an operator's license. Compiled "for your safety" ...

DeweyNonstandard MARC.