0000000000338337
AUTHOR
Luciana Sofía Moretti
Factorial invariance of a computerized version of the GAD-7 across various demographic groups and over time in primary care patients.
Abstract Background The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is commonly used by clinicians and researchers to screen for anxiety disorders and to monitor anxiety symptoms in primary care. However, findings regarding its factor structure are mixed, with most studies reporting a best-fitting for a one-factor structure, whereas others indicate a two-factor model. To be valid for comparisons, the GAD-7 should measure the same latent construct with the same structure across groups and over time. We aimed to examine the best-fit factor structure model of the GAD-7 among primary care patients and to evaluate its measurement invariance. Methods A total of 1255 patients completed the c…
Latent structure and factor invariance of somatic symptoms in the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-15).
Abstract Background Somatic symptoms are highly prevalent in primary care although insufficiently understood. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) is a valuable screening test but it has not yet been possible to unequivocally demonstrate its latent structure and measurement invariance. Methods A total of 1,255 patients from 28 primary care centres suffering symptoms of anxiety, depression or somatisation participated in a clinical trial. They completed the PHQ-15 at baseline and 374 retook it at three months. Exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) was used to compare three models: 1) a single global factor for somatisation, 2) four specific correlated factors, and 3) a bifact…
Design of virtual environments for the treatment of agoraphobia: Inclusion of culturally relevant elements for the population of the Dominican Republic
Abstract Virtual Reality is a powerful tool for the treatment of agoraphobia. However, how effective is the use of these scenarios when they do not resemble the sociocultural context? Literature suggests that the inclusion of culturally relevant elements increases the ecological validity and transferability of learning since it reduces the gap between the virtual and real context. Unfortunately, in Latin America, the development of virtual environments is incipient, and the use of generic virtual environments is commonplace. The objective of this study was to develop virtual environments that include elements that are culturally relevant to the population of the Dominican Republic. Three hu…
An appraisal of the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in University students
The aim of this study was to evaluate the fit of a cognitive behavioural model of headache in the population of University students, from Córdoba,Argentina. The direct and indirect contributions to pain intensity of control beliefs, beliefs and thoughts about pain and coping strategies weredetermined, as were the direct contributions of pain behaviours and disability. The sample was comprised of 382 students of both genders fromseveral Universities. Multiple instruments were administered to measure the variables proposed in the cognitive behavioural model of headachefollowed by a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the data. Structural equation modelling was used and revealed an accepta…