Jiraporn Khiewyoo

Validation of the Thai Version of a Work-related Quality of Life Scale in the Nursing Profession

Background Currently available questionnaires for evaluating the quality of worklife do not fully examine every factor related to worklife in all cultures. A tool in Thai is therefore needed for the direct evaluation of the quality of worklife. Our aim was to translate the Work-related Quality of Life Scale-2 (WRQLS-2) into Thai, to assess the validity and reliability of the Thai-translated version, and to examine the tools accuracy vis-à-vis nursing in Thailand. Methods This was a descriptive correlation study. Forward and backward translations were performed to develop a Thai version of the WRQLS. Six nursing experts participated in assessing content validity and 374 registered nurses (RNs) participated in its testing. After a 2-week interval, 67 RNs were retested. Structural validity was examined using principal components analysis. The Cronbachs alpha values were calculated. The respective independent sample t test and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to analyze known-group validity and test–retest reliability. Multistate sampling was used to select 374 RNs from the In- and Outpatient Department of Srinagarind Hospital of the Khon Kaen University (Khon Kaen, Thailand). Results The content validity index of the scale was 0.97. Principal components analysis resulted in a seven-factor model, which explains 59% of the total variance. The overall Cronbachs alpha value was 0.925, whereas the subscales ranged between 0.67 and 0.82. In the assessment results, the known-group validity was established for the difference between civil servants and university employees [F (7.982, 0.005) and t (3.351; p < 0.05)]. Civil servants apparently had a better quality worklife, compared to university employees. Good test–retest reliability was observed (r = 0.892, p < 0.05). Conclusion The Thai version of a WRQLS appears to be well validated and practicable for determining the quality of the work-life among nurses in Thailand.

Preliminary Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Work-Related Quality of Life Scale-2 in the Nursing Profession

Objectives As quality of work-life (QWL) among nurses affects both patient care and institutional standards, assessment regarding QWL for the profession is important. Work-related Quality of Life Scale (WRQOLS) is a reliable QWL assessment tool for the nursing profession. To develop a Chinese version of the WRQOLS-2 and to examine its psychometric properties as an instrument to assess QWL for the nursing profession in China. Methods Forward and back translating procedures were used to develop the Chinese version of WRQOLS-2. Six nursing experts participated in content validity evaluation and 352 registered nurses (RNs) participated in the tests. After a two-week interval, 70 of the RNs were retested. Structural validity was examined by principal components analysis and the Cronbachs alphas calculated. The respective independent sample t-test and intra-class correlation coefficient were used to analyze known-group validity and test-retest reliability. Results One item was rephrased for adaptation to Chinese organizational cultures. The content validity index of the scale was 0.98. Principal components analysis resulted in a seven-factor model, accounting for 62% of total variance, with Cronbachs alphas for subscales ranging from 0.71 to 0.88. Known-group validity was established in the assessment results of the participants in permanent employment vs. contract employment (t = 2.895, p < 0.01). Good test-retest reliability was observed (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Conclusion The translated Chinese version of the WRQOLS-2 has sufficient validity and reliability so that it can be used to evaluate the QWL among nurses in mainland China.

Drowning risk perceptions among rural guardians of Thailand A community-based household survey

Drowning is one of the most common causes of death among young children in Thailand. Children in primary school in rural settings have a high rate of fatal drowning. Guardians’ perceptions are important since children are normally in their care. This study aims to describe drowning risk perceptions of guardians and to identify barriers to developing a child’s swimming skills. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among guardians of children who attended 12 schools serving 48 villages in a rural community. The results revealed that less than one-fifth (18%) of children in the household could swim. Guardians reported that children should learn to swim at the age of seven years. About one-quarter (23%) of guardians did not perceive drowning as the leading cause of death among children. More than a quarter (25.4%) perceived that their child was not at the risk of drowning. No statistical differences were reported on drowning perception among guardians with different swimming skills as well as child’s swimming skill. Significantly more parents of children who could not swim perceived lack of swimming instructors, clean water and school swimming lessons as barriers to a child’s acquisition of swimming skill. The results highlight the need to consider improving the infrastructure in rural areas to facilitate swimming skills for school children to reduce drowning risk.

0205 Spirometric changes in normal or early ilo pneumoconiosis radiographs of sandstone-dust exposed workers: a preliminary result

Withdrawn at the author’s request