A protocol for Italian validation of DEMQoL-Proxy Scale: assessing the Quality of Life of people with moderate or mild dementia

In this paper, we propose an adaptation of a protocol for a tool's validation. We have utilized this phases-theory to validate in Italian language an instrument to assess Quality of Life for people with moderate or mild dementia. We will explain the example of our Italian validation of DEMQoL-Proxy considering each De Vellis's phase. We will explain our application of De Vellis's model to Italian example described. For the first three phases, we reproduced the original validating study in which authors (Smith et al., 2005) defined what to measure, how generate a set of items and the structure of the scale. Indeed, for the last five phases we explained the adaptation of De Vellis's model to Italian validation. We hope that this model could be effective to validating goals, for researchers and in particular for all professionals who deal with caregivers and patients with moderate and mild dementia. Furthermore, the measurement of the Quality of Life makes the scale widely useful within the various professional specialties and setting. Finally, thanks to the methodological assumptions adopted following the De Vellis's eight-phase model, we can affirm that this first Italian pre-validation of the DEMQoL-Proxy seems to be an excellent forerunner for its effective validation in the Italian context

Observed parent-child feeding dynamics in relation to child body mass index and adiposity

BackgroundRestrictive feeding is associated with child overweight; however, the majority of studies used parent-report questionnaires.ObjectivesThe relationship between child adiposity measures and directly observed parent and child behaviours were tested using a novel behavioural coding system (BCS).MethodsData from 109 children, participants in a twin study and their mothers, were analyzed. Parent-child dyads were video-recorded twice in the laboratory, while children ate ad libitum from a buffet lunch. Mother and child behaviours were assessed using the BCS. Height, body weight and body fat were directly measured for each child. Associations between child adiposity measures and average BCS behaviour (i.e. pooled across visits) were tested using partial correlations adjusting for child age.ResultsRegarding discouragement prompts, child body mass index (BMI) z-score was significantly associated with a greater rate of total discouragements (per minute, min(-1)), nonverbal discouragements (min(-1)) and temporary (delay) discouragements (min(-1)) (p<0.05). Child percent body fat was associated with greater nonverbal discouragements (min(-1)). Regarding encouragement prompts, child BMI z-score was significantly associated with a greater rate of total encouragements (min(-1)), nonverbal encouragements (min(-1)) and reward encouragements (min(-1)). Child BMI z-score and percent body fat were both positively associated with greater maternal health encouragements (min(-1)). Associations with encouragement to eat prompts were no longer significant when accounting for the dependence among twins (being part of the same family).ConclusionsHeavier children received greater maternal discouragements to eat and, with qualifications, encouragements to eat. The role of nonverbal parenting cues warrants further research regarding child eating regulation and obesity