Caterina Grano

Method effects: The problem with negatively versus positively keyed items

Using confirmatory factor analyses, we examined method effects on Rosenbergs Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) in a sample of older European adults. Nine hundred forty nine community-dwelling adults 60 years of age or older from 5 European countries completed the RSES as well as measures of depression and life satisfaction. The 2 models that had an acceptable fit with the data included method effects. The method effects were associated with both positively and negatively worded items. Method effects models were invariant across gender and age, but not across countries. Both depression and life satisfaction predicted method effects. Individuals with higher depression scores and lower life satisfaction scores were more likely to endorse negatively phrased items.

Transition of care in patients with anorectal malformations: Consensus by the ARM-net consortium

OBJECTIVES To develop the first consensus to standardize the management of patients with Anorectal Malformations (ARMs) transitioning from childhood to adulthood. METHODS A dedicated task force of experts performed an extensive literature review and multiple meetings to define the most important aspects of transition of care. The findings were discussed with all ARM-net consortium members and a set of practical recommendations agreed upon at the annual meeting in 2016. RESULT We defined seven domains that are essential to provide an effective and practical transition process. Within each domain we have developed a set of key recommendations that are important to be considered for ARM patients entering the age of transition. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial that transition begins at an early age with regular and well-structured follow-up. Cooperation with a selected multidisciplinary team of pediatric and adult practitioners is required to prepare patients and families for effective transition to adult care and to reduce long term morbidity. TYPE OF STUDY Review/Consensus paper. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.

A Longitudinal Investigation of Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Italian University Students

Sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the world [1]. Physical inactivity increases all causes mortality and the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, depression, and anxiety [2]. Yet, around the world, physical activity levels are decreasing, particularly among young people. It is estimated that less than 35% of young people are sufficiently active to benefit their present and future health and well-being [1]. This is discouraging for a number of reasons. First, research suggests that patterns of physical activity adopted at a young age are likely to persist into adulthood [3, 4]. Second, involvement in physical activity and sports may encourage the adoption of other health behaviors such as a healthy diet, better safety practices such as seatbelt use, and the avoidance of health risk behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use [5, 6]. Thus, physical activity may influence health outcomes both directly and indirectly through the encouragement of other behaviors that promote health and reduce the risk of accident and injury.

Measuring the automatic negative self-schema: New evidence for the construct and criterion validity of the Depression Implicit Association

Abstract The construct and criterion validity of the Depression Implicit Association Test (Depression IAT) as a marker of an automatic negative self-schema was investigated. The Depression IAT and other measures were administered to a sample of 116 participants (72 females) aged 37.28 (SD = 15.69) that was composed by 56 patients with an history of suicide ideation (SI) and by 60 university students. Combining students and patients’ sub-samples, results revealed that the Depression IAT was significantly and positively correlated with self-report scales of depression and hopelessness as well as with implicit and explicit measures of death-life identification. On the contrary, it was negatively correlated with life satisfaction, optimism, and self-esteem scales. These results give new evidence for the construct validity of the Depression IAT. Moreover, considering only the patients’ sub-sample, significant correlations between Depression IAT scores and SI in the last year, month, and week, as well as in a follow-up observation two months later, were found. These correlations remain unchanged even when the Death IAT was controlled for, supporting the incremental validity of the Depression IAT. Overall, these results provide new evidence for the construct and criterion validity of the Depression IAT as a marker of an automatic negative self-schema.

Sleep quality as predictor of BMI in non-depressed caregivers of people with dementia

PurposeAlthough most cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of children and adolescents have found a link between short duration of sleep and obesity, the literature related to adults provides a non-consensual framework. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between sleep quality and BMI in a population of caregivers looking after people suffering from dementia, with a view to identifying the moderating role of depressive symptoms in the relationship between sleep problems and BMI.MethodsA total of 117 subjects took part in the study, filling in a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Eating behavior Questionnaire and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression.ResultsDepressive symptoms were greater in females than in males. The sample was divided into two subgroups based on depressive-symptom scores. Only within the subsample with low depressive symptoms, higher sleep disturbances influenced BMI positively. Within this subsample of participants with low depressive symptoms, the variables that seem to play a pivotal role in explaining a high BMI are: female gender, sleep problems, and diet quality, while within the subsample with high depressive symptoms only the female gender factor was found to influence BMI.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms seem to act as moderators in the relationship between sleep and BMI. They should be evaluated to identify the risk of high BMI, and to differentiate clinical intervention, at least in this population, which experiences the stress of caregiving chronically, though not suffering from clinical eating disorders.Level of evidenceLevel II, cross-sectional study.

Self-efficacy beliefs, faecal incontinence and health-related quality of life in patients born with anorectal malformations

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rare congenital colorectal anomalies with long lasting consequences, among which faecal incontinence is one of the most relevant since it may strongly affect patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Although a growing body of literature supports the importance of self‐efficacy in chronic disease health outcomes, only few studies have focused on self‐efficacy in ARMs and in faecal incontinence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediational role of self‐efficacy in the path between faecal incontinence and HRQoL in patients born with ARMs.