The use of voice to perform biometric authentication is an importanttechnological development,because it is a non-invasive identification methodand does not require special hardware,so it is less likely to arouse user...The use of voice to perform biometric authentication is an importanttechnological development,because it is a non-invasive identification methodand does not require special hardware,so it is less likely to arouse user disgust.This study tries to apply the voice recognition technology to the speech-driveninteractive voice response questionnaire system aiming to upgrade the traditionalspeech system to an intelligent voice response questionnaire network so that thenew device may offer enterprises more precise data for customer relationshipmanagement(CRM).The intelligence-type voice response gadget is becominga new mobile channel at the current time,with functions of the questionnaireto be built in for the convenience of collecting information on local preferencesthat can be used for localized promotion and publicity.Authors of this study propose a framework using voice recognition and intelligent analysis models to identify target customers through voice messages gathered in the voice response questionnaire system;that is,transforming the traditional speech system to anintelligent voice complex.The speaker recognition system discussed hereemploys volume as the acoustic feature in endpoint detection as the computationload is usually low in this method.To correct two types of errors found in the endpoint detection practice because of ambient noise,this study suggests ways toimprove the situation.First,to reach high accuracy,this study follows a dynamictime warping(DTW)based method to gain speaker identification.Second,it isdevoted to avoiding any errors in endpoint detection by filtering noise from voicesignals before getting recognition and deleting any test utterances that might negatively affect the results of recognition.It is hoped that by so doing the recognitionrate is improved.According to the experimental results,the method proposed inthis research has a high recognition rate,whether it is on personal-level or industrial-level computers,and can reach the practical application standard.Therefore,the voice management system in this research can be regarded as Virtual customerservice staff to use.展开更多
Objective:Pelvic floor dysfunction is common among pregnant and postpartum women and significantly impacts quality of life.This study aims to translate the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnant and Postpartum...Objective:Pelvic floor dysfunction is common among pregnant and postpartum women and significantly impacts quality of life.This study aims to translate the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnant and Postpartum Women into Chinese and to evaluate its reliability and validity in the Chinese population.Methods:The questionnaire was translated using the Brislin model.A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant and postpartum women to assess the content validity,construct validity,Cronbach’sαcoefficient,test-retest reliability,and split-half reliability of the Chinese version.Results:A total of 72 women were included,with 6.9% being pregnant and 93.1% postpartum;the age was(32.3±3.6)years.The Chinese version of the questionnaire contains 4 dimensions and 45 items.The content validity index of individual items ranged from 0.833 to 1.000,with a scale-level content validity index of 0.977 and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs)exceeding 0.90.The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.891,with subscale coefficients ranging from 0.732 to 0.884(all ICCs>0.70).The testretest reliability of the total scale was 0.833,and for the 4 dimensions,bladder,bowel,prolapse,and sexual function,the values were 0.776,0.579,0.732,and 0.645,respectively.The split-half reliability was 0.74.Conclusion:The Chinese version of the questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity,indicating its applicability in assessing pelvic floor dysfunction and associated risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum.展开更多
BACKGROUND Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs),defined as‘Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction’,are now considered a global health problem.There is a dearth of concepts and scales to assess the severity of th...BACKGROUND Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs),defined as‘Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction’,are now considered a global health problem.There is a dearth of concepts and scales to assess the severity of the different symptoms encountered while dealing with the variety of FGIDs as described in the ROME IV classi-fication.We introduced a novel scoring system with the incorporation of 16 different symptoms called Bacharyya’s Questionnaire Scale and started using it while dealing with children suffering from FGIDs.AIM To verify the usefulness and applicability of this recently developed scale,this study was undertaken with the objectives to establish the validity of this scoring system in assessing the severity of symptoms associated with a specific FGID in children and to determine the scoring system's applicability in assessing the treatment response.METHODS The study included children aged 5 to 18 years diagnosed with any FGID based on ROME IV criteria.They completed the newly developed scale and a Visual Analog Scale at initial diagnosis and after a 2-month treatment period.A control group without FGID participated for comparative baseline purposes.Treatment response was defined as a less than or equal to 50%reduction in the total score,which is statistically significant.RESULTS Results from a comprehensive cohort of 190 cases and 90 controls indicated a female preponderance(57.9%)and prevalent disorders such as functional constipation(28%)and functional abdominal pain,not otherwise specified(21%).The grade of FGID(mild,moderate,severe)experienced by the patients was also derived.Post-treatment,96 children demonstrated symptom improvement.The Spearman rank correlation coefficient for pre(r=0.72,95%CI:0.65-0.77,P value<0.0001)and post(r=0.49,95%CI:0.3-0.64,P value<0.0001)treatment data showed positive results with significant P values.CONCLUSION The novel scoring system shows high comprehensibility and gives an objective view of the symptomatology of FGIDs.The use of this novel score in clinical settings will be helpful to typify the FGIDs and may significantly improve decision-making processes to initiate appropriate treatment.展开更多
Background:Hypertension is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.Urbanization has contributed to an increased prevalence of hypertension by introducing lifestyle-...Background:Hypertension is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.Urbanization has contributed to an increased prevalence of hypertension by introducing lifestyle-related risk factors such as physical inactivity,unhealthy dietary patterns,and stress.Region-specific tools for assessing hypertension risk factors are essential for designing effective public health interventions.Objectives:This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the risk factors for hypertension in the urban population of Mysuru and identify the prevalence of key modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 participants aged 18-60 years in urban Mysuru.A 40-item questionnaire was developed based on literature review and expert input.It included domains such as sociodemographic factors,lifestyle habits,and clinical history.Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha,while construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis.Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis.Results:The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency(Cronbach’s alpha>0.7)and satisfactory construct validity.Key findings included a high prevalence of low physical activity(60%),high salt intake(50%),and overweight individuals(30%).In addition,40%of participants reported a family history of hypertension,and 18%had prediabetes.These findings emphasize the role of modifiable risk factors in the rising hypertension burden in urban settings.Conclusion:The developed and validated questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing hypertension risk factors in urban populations.展开更多
Heating,Ventilation,andAir Conditioning(HVAC)systems are critical formaintaining thermal comfort in office environments which also crucial for occupant well-being and productivity.This study investigates the impact of...Heating,Ventilation,andAir Conditioning(HVAC)systems are critical formaintaining thermal comfort in office environments which also crucial for occupant well-being and productivity.This study investigates the impact of integrating ceiling fans with higher air conditioning setpoints on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in office environments.Field measurements and questionnaire surveys were conducted to evaluate thermal comfort and energysaving potential under varying conditions.Results show that increasing the AC setpoint from 25○C to 27○C,combined with ceiling fan operation,reduced power consumption by 10%,achieving significant energy savings.Survey data confirmed that 85%of participants reported consistent thermal sensations across all conditions,with ceiling fans effectively compensating for higher setpoints through enhanced air circulation.CFDsimulations revealed that mediumspeed ceiling fan operation produced the most uniformairflowdistribution,with an average air velocity of 0.45 m/s,and minimized temperature variations,ensuring balanced thermal conditions.Temperature analysis showed a reduction in hotspots and cold zones,maintaining an average temperature deviation of less than±0.5○C.Predicted Mean Vote(PMV)evaluations at a 27○C setpoint indicated improved thermal comfort,with average PMV values around−0.3,corresponding to a“neutral”thermal sensation.These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating ceiling fans with HVAC systems in achieving energy efficiency and occupant comfort,offering a sustainable approach to reducing AC energy consumption in office environments.展开更多
BACKGROUND The rising global prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)has been closely linked to lifestyle changes driven by globalization.GERD imposes a substantial public health burden,affecting quality of...BACKGROUND The rising global prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)has been closely linked to lifestyle changes driven by globalization.GERD imposes a substantial public health burden,affecting quality of life and leading to potential complications.Early intervention through lifestyle modification can prevent disease onset;however,there is a lack of effective risk prediction models that emphasize primary prevention.AIM To develop and validate a GERD Risk Scoring System(GRSS)aimed at identifying high-risk individuals and promoting primary prevention strategies.METHODS A 45-item questionnaire encompassing major lifestyle and demographic risk factors was developed and validated.It was administered to healthy controls and GERD patients.Two regression models-one using continuous variables and another using categorized variables-were used to develop a computational prediction equation and a clinically applicable scoring scale.An independent validation cohort of 355 participants was used to assess model performance in terms of discrimination(C-index),calibration,sensitivity,specificity,internal consistency(Cronbach's alpha),and test-retest reliability(intraclass correlation coefficient,Bland-Altman analysis).RESULTS Significant associations were observed between GERD and key lifestyle factors.The derived GRSS equation and scoring scale demonstrated strong discriminative ability,with high sensitivity and specificity.The scoring system exhibited excellent internal consistency(Cronbach’s alpha)and strong test-retest reliability.The C-index indicated excellent predictive accuracy in both derivation and validation cohorts.CONCLUSION GRSS offers a novel and validated approach to GERD risk prediction,combining a robust equation for digital applications and a practical scale for clinical use.Its ability to accurately identify at-risk individuals supports a paradigm shift toward primary prevention,underscoring its significance in addressing the growing burden of GERD at the population level.展开更多
Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.Iodine deficiency increases the burden on thyroid function and causes harm to health.The identification of convenient and reliable biomarkers for as...Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.Iodine deficiency increases the burden on thyroid function and causes harm to health.The identification of convenient and reliable biomarkers for assessing iodine nutritional status is essential for evaluating iodine intake.Urinary iodine concentration(UIC)is commonly used for population level iodine status assessment but is less reliable for individuals.A 24-h urine sample is more accurate but difficult to collect[1].Thyroid volume(Tvol)and goiter rate are suitable for evaluating the long-term iodine nutritional status in populations[2].Blood indicator collection is an invasive procedure.展开更多
The development of interest can improve the efficiency and quality of students’learning activities.Previous research mainly explored professional interest,but less on subject interest.This study designed and validate...The development of interest can improve the efficiency and quality of students’learning activities.Previous research mainly explored professional interest,but less on subject interest.This study designed and validated a subject interest questionnaire for primary school students to assess their potential to predict academic performance and offer reference for educational assessment and counseling.A sample of 545 students from two primary schools in Beijing was selected.The questionnaire consisted of 138 questions involving eight major courses,such as Chinese,mathematics and English.Through analysis,questions with good discrimination and social desirability were screened out,and nine questions of each sub-scale were finally retained.According to the result,the reliability and validity of the questionnaire reached an acceptable level.Further analysis of exploratory and confirmatory factors revealed that the subject interest can be summarized into two dimensions:“humanities-related factor”and“mathematics-related factor”.The two dimensions are consistent with the“human and material dimensions”proposed by ACT.As a preliminary exploration,this study lays a foundation for further research on the relationship between subject interest and basic interest and provides a practical evaluation tool for primary education.展开更多
Prototype landscape refers to the impressive scenes that one has experienced in his/her living environment before 20 years old.Based on the analysis of the existing literature,the authors compiled a standard scale typ...Prototype landscape refers to the impressive scenes that one has experienced in his/her living environment before 20 years old.Based on the analysis of the existing literature,the authors compiled a standard scale type questionnaire by means of a field survey,which was about the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception.Taking Likert scale as the main part,this questionnaire analyzed the influence of prototype landscape on landscape perception from perception,attitude,and behavior dimensions.In order to further improve its rationality,the authors tested some other aspects of this questionnaire,including logic validity,construct validity,congeniality reliability,split-half reliability,etc..The results validated that the questionnaire possessed good theoretical structure and validity target,which can evaluate various aspects of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception in an effective and reliable way.Therefore,the questionnaire put forward by this study not only enriched the studies of prototype landscape on landscape designing,but also provided an effective tool for quantitative analysis of "the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception".展开更多
How to comprehensively,scientifically,objectively and impartially evaluate the multiple learning achievements of the PBL model should be highlighted when PBL is introduced and applied.A questionnaire of a total of 23 ...How to comprehensively,scientifically,objectively and impartially evaluate the multiple learning achievements of the PBL model should be highlighted when PBL is introduced and applied.A questionnaire of a total of 23 items involving such dimensions of language proficiency,subject contents and 21 st Century skills was designed.Its reliability and validity were tested and well-met with the statistical requirements.展开更多
The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) has been tested in many languages, but not in Chinese mainland. We aimed to assess the Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39. Seventy-one subjects with Par...The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) has been tested in many languages, but not in Chinese mainland. We aimed to assess the Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39. Seventy-one subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) completed the PDQ-39 and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). All subjects were retested with the PDQ-39 a week later. The united Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and the Hoehn and Yahr (H & Y) scale were also used to evaluate the subjects. Reliability was assessed by Cron- bach's α and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Validity was examined in terms of agreement with SF-36, UPDRS, and H & Y scales. The Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39 demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.84-0.88; ICC: 0.56-0.82). The item-total correlations (0.33-0.88) and scaling success rates (77.56%) indicated satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity of the PDQ-39 items. The correlations between related constructs of the PDQ-39 and UPDRS (r=0.44-0.68) and between those of the PDQ-39 and SF-36 (r=(-0.46)-(-0.69)) were all statistically significant (P<0.01). Except for stigma, cognitions, and bodily discomfort, all other dimensions of the PDQ-39 significantly discriminated patients at different H & Y stages indicated by the H & Y scale. Although our observations indicate that some problematic subscales of this version of the PDQ-39 could be improved upon, this study suggests acceptable reliability and validity of the Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39.展开更多
Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) among Chinese children aged 12-17 years. Methods A semi-quantitative 7...Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) among Chinese children aged 12-17 years. Methods A semi-quantitative 72-food item FFQ was developed for children aged 12-17 years. The reliability and validity of this FFQ were evaluated against 24-h dietary recalls(24 h DRs) to measure the consumption of foods and nutrients. We administered two FFQs and three DRs to children(N = 160) over a period of 1 month to evaluate the reliability and validity. Reliability was examined by quartile agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs), and validity was examined by quartile agreement, Bland-Altman plots and correlation with DRs. Results For reliability, the ICCs between the two FFQs ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 for foods and nutrients, and the quartile agreement ranged from 70.0% to 95.0% in the same or adjacent quartiles. Spearman’s correlation coefficients of foods and nutrients between the second FFQ and the 24 h DRs ranged from-0.04 to 0.59. The Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement across the range of intakes among nutrients. The quartile agreement ranged from 50.0% to 100.0%, with infrequent misclassification. Conclusion The FFQ assessment of dietary intakes demonstrated acceptable relative validity and high reproducibility for Chinese children aged 12-17 years.展开更多
The Penn State Worry Questionnaire(PSWQ) is a measure of worry phenomena and has been demonstrated valid in cross-cultural populations. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of th...The Penn State Worry Questionnaire(PSWQ) is a measure of worry phenomena and has been demonstrated valid in cross-cultural populations. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of PSWQ(Ch-PSWQ) in a Chinese college sample(n=1243). Exploratory factor analysis of the Ch-PSWQ revealed a two-factor solution(engagement of worry and absence of worry). Confirmatory factor analysis and model comparison supported that the model of one factor with method effect provided the best fit to the data. The Ch-PSWQ and its factors evidenced good internal consistency and both convergent and discriminate validity. The present study supports the opinion that the second factor of PSWQ not only contains the component of evaluating pathological worry,but also might represent other traits.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： Even in secular societies, a small portion of patients find their spirituality to help cope with illness. But for the majority of patients, psychosocial and spiritual needs are neither addressed nor even c...OBJECTIVE： Even in secular societies, a small portion of patients find their spirituality to help cope with illness. But for the majority of patients, psychosocial and spiritual needs are neither addressed nor even considered a relevant factor by health care professionals. To measure such specific needs, the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire （SpNQ） was developed. The aim of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the SpNQ （SpNQ-Ch） and thus to measure psychosocial and spiritual needs of Chinese patients. METHODS： This was a cross-sectional study among 168 patients with chronic diseases who were recruited in the Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China using standardized questionnaires. We performed reliability and factor analyses, as well as analyses of variance, first order correlations and regression analyses. RESULTS： The 17-item SpNQ-Ch had a similar factorial structure as the original version with two main and three minor factors which accounted for 64% of variance, and internal consistency estimates （Cronbach＇s a） ranging from 0.51 to 0.81. Included were the 4-item scale Inner Peace Needs, the 5-item scale Giving/Generativity （with 2 sub-constructs, Praying and Sources）, and a Needs, the 5-item scale Religious Needs 3-item scale Reflection/Release Needs. In Chinese patients with cancer （63%）, pain affections （10%）, or other chronic conditions （23%）, the needs for Giving/Generativity （which refer to categories of Connectedness and Meaning） and Inner Peace Needs scored highest, while Religious Needs and the Reflection/Release Needs scored lower. CONCLUSION： The SpNQ-Ch is congruent with its primary version, and can be used in future studies with the mostly nonreligious patients from China. First findings indicate specific psychosocial and spiritual needs which should be addressed by health care professionals to support patients in their struggle with chronic illness in terms of psycho-emotional stabilization, finding hope and meaning, and thus achieving peaceful states of mind despite chronic illness.展开更多
Objective This study is aimed to report the development,the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire(CCPAQ)which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in ...Objective This study is aimed to report the development,the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire(CCPAQ)which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China.Methods The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children(mean age 13.1±2.4 years;boys 47%)to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients.Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method,the ActiGraph accelerometer.Data on physical activity patter n including time spe nt on d iff ere nt intensi ties and total physical activity,sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots.Results The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93(Intra-class correlation coefficient).Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32(P<0.001),and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58(P<0.001).Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer(rho=0.20,P=0.040;rho=0.19,P=0.054).Conclusion The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children.展开更多
AIM:To develop and test an Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25).METHODS:NEI-VFQ-25 was translated into Arabic according to WHO translation guidelines. We enrolled a...AIM:To develop and test an Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25).METHODS:NEI-VFQ-25 was translated into Arabic according to WHO translation guidelines. We enrolled adult consenting patients with bilateral chronic eye diseases who presented to 14 hospitals across Egypt from October to December 2012, and documented their clinical findings. Psychometric properties were then tested using STATA.RESULTS:We recruited 379 patients, whose mean age was(54.5±15)y. Of 46.2% were males, 227 had cataract,31 had glaucoma, 23 had retinal detachment, 37 had diabetic retinopathy, and 61 had miscellaneous visual defects. Non-response rate and the floor and ceiling numbers of the Arabic version(ARB-VFQ-25) were calculated. Internal consistency was high in all subscales(except general health), with Cronbach-α ranging from0.702-0.911. Test-retest reliability was high(intraclass correlation coefficient 0.79).CONCLUSION:RB-VFQ-25 isareliableandvalidtool for assessing visual functions of Arabic speaking patients. However, some questions had high non-response rates and should be substituted by available alternatives. Our results support the importance of including self-reported visual functions as part of routine ophthalmologic examination.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate psychometrics of the Chinese (mainland) chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 460 Chinese patients with CHB was se...AIM: To evaluate psychometrics of the Chinese (mainland) chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 460 Chinese patients with CHB was selected from the Outpatient Department of the Eighth Hospital of Xi'an, including CHB (CHB without cirrhosis) (n = 323) and CHB-related cirrhosis (n = 137). The psychometrics includes reliability, validity and sensitivity. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's α. Convergent and discriminant validity was evaluated by item-scale correlation. Factorial validity was explored by principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was assessed using Cohen's effect size (ES), and independent sample t test between CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis groups and between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal and abnormal groups after stratifying the disease (CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis).RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability of the CLDQ was 0.83 (range: 0.65-0.90). Most of the hypothesized item-scale correlations were 0.40 or over, and all of such hypothesized correlations were higher than the alternative ones, indicating satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Six factors were extracted after varimax rotation from the 29 items of CLDQ. The eligible Cohen's ES with statistically significant independent sample t test was found in the overall CLDQ and abdominal, systematic, activity scales (CHB vs CHBrelated cirrhosis), and in the overall CLDQ and abdominal scale in the stratification of patients with CHB (ALT normal vs abnormal). CONCLUSION: The CLDQ has acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in Chinese (mainland) patients with CHB.展开更多
Objectives:This study aimed to develop a self-management behavior questionnaire for Chinese enter-ostomy patients and examine its reliability and validity.Methods:Guided by the theory of self-management,an initial que...Objectives:This study aimed to develop a self-management behavior questionnaire for Chinese enter-ostomy patients and examine its reliability and validity.Methods:Guided by the theory of self-management,an initial questionnaire was generated through literature review,group meetings,and two rounds of an expert consultation.Finally,the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were validated through a questionnaire survey of 200 enterostomy patients were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Medical University from June 2016 to March 2017.Results:The content validity index was 0.80e1.00.The exploratory factor analysis yielded a five-factor(dietary behavior,psychosocial behavior,symptom management behavior,medical compliance behavior,information management behavior),consisting of 40 items.The cumulative variance contri-bution rate was 65.42%.The Cronbach’s a coefficient for the total questionnaire was 0.972,and for the five factors ranged from 0.797 to 0.939,indicating a good internal consistency.The test-retest reliability was 0.867(P<0.01).The self-management behavior questionnaire score was negatively related to the Ostomy Skin Tool score(r=-0.800,P<0.01).Conclusions:The self-management behavior questionnaire developed in this study showed good reli-ability and validity and can be used to assess the self-management behavior of Chinese enterostomy patients.展开更多
Objectives This study was design to develop a semi-quantitative Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire （FFQ） and to conduct a validation study for the questionnaire. Methods Based on the survey experience in recent ye...Objectives This study was design to develop a semi-quantitative Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire （FFQ） and to conduct a validation study for the questionnaire. Methods Based on the survey experience in recent years, a new Chinese food frequency questionnaire （FFQ） with 149 items in 17 food categories was developed. A validation study on this new FFQ was conducted in Jiangsu and Beijing of China between 1999 and 2001. The period of study covered 1 year and the FFQ was validated by comparing with data obtained by a six repeated 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days, or a totally 18-day 24- hour recall throughout the year. A total of 271 healthy adult subjects were enrolled in the study. Food and nutrient intakes measured by the 18-day dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires （FFQs） were computed in the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC using the existing nutrition database. The average daily intake of foods and nutrients over the 18-day recall was used to compare with FFQ1 and FFQ2, which was conducted at the beginning and the end of the year, respectively. All statistical analyses were carried out using SAS software version 6.12.展开更多
文摘The use of voice to perform biometric authentication is an importanttechnological development,because it is a non-invasive identification methodand does not require special hardware,so it is less likely to arouse user disgust.This study tries to apply the voice recognition technology to the speech-driveninteractive voice response questionnaire system aiming to upgrade the traditionalspeech system to an intelligent voice response questionnaire network so that thenew device may offer enterprises more precise data for customer relationshipmanagement(CRM).The intelligence-type voice response gadget is becominga new mobile channel at the current time,with functions of the questionnaireto be built in for the convenience of collecting information on local preferencesthat can be used for localized promotion and publicity.Authors of this study propose a framework using voice recognition and intelligent analysis models to identify target customers through voice messages gathered in the voice response questionnaire system;that is,transforming the traditional speech system to anintelligent voice complex.The speaker recognition system discussed hereemploys volume as the acoustic feature in endpoint detection as the computationload is usually low in this method.To correct two types of errors found in the endpoint detection practice because of ambient noise,this study suggests ways toimprove the situation.First,to reach high accuracy,this study follows a dynamictime warping(DTW)based method to gain speaker identification.Second,it isdevoted to avoiding any errors in endpoint detection by filtering noise from voicesignals before getting recognition and deleting any test utterances that might negatively affect the results of recognition.It is hoped that by so doing the recognitionrate is improved.According to the experimental results,the method proposed inthis research has a high recognition rate,whether it is on personal-level or industrial-level computers,and can reach the practical application standard.Therefore,the voice management system in this research can be regarded as Virtual customerservice staff to use.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2024JJ6626)the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control(HPKL202320),China.
文摘Objective:Pelvic floor dysfunction is common among pregnant and postpartum women and significantly impacts quality of life.This study aims to translate the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnant and Postpartum Women into Chinese and to evaluate its reliability and validity in the Chinese population.Methods:The questionnaire was translated using the Brislin model.A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant and postpartum women to assess the content validity,construct validity,Cronbach’sαcoefficient,test-retest reliability,and split-half reliability of the Chinese version.Results:A total of 72 women were included,with 6.9% being pregnant and 93.1% postpartum;the age was(32.3±3.6)years.The Chinese version of the questionnaire contains 4 dimensions and 45 items.The content validity index of individual items ranged from 0.833 to 1.000,with a scale-level content validity index of 0.977 and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs)exceeding 0.90.The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.891,with subscale coefficients ranging from 0.732 to 0.884(all ICCs>0.70).The testretest reliability of the total scale was 0.833,and for the 4 dimensions,bladder,bowel,prolapse,and sexual function,the values were 0.776,0.579,0.732,and 0.645,respectively.The split-half reliability was 0.74.Conclusion:The Chinese version of the questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity,indicating its applicability in assessing pelvic floor dysfunction and associated risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum.
文摘BACKGROUND Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs),defined as‘Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction’,are now considered a global health problem.There is a dearth of concepts and scales to assess the severity of the different symptoms encountered while dealing with the variety of FGIDs as described in the ROME IV classi-fication.We introduced a novel scoring system with the incorporation of 16 different symptoms called Bacharyya’s Questionnaire Scale and started using it while dealing with children suffering from FGIDs.AIM To verify the usefulness and applicability of this recently developed scale,this study was undertaken with the objectives to establish the validity of this scoring system in assessing the severity of symptoms associated with a specific FGID in children and to determine the scoring system's applicability in assessing the treatment response.METHODS The study included children aged 5 to 18 years diagnosed with any FGID based on ROME IV criteria.They completed the newly developed scale and a Visual Analog Scale at initial diagnosis and after a 2-month treatment period.A control group without FGID participated for comparative baseline purposes.Treatment response was defined as a less than or equal to 50%reduction in the total score,which is statistically significant.RESULTS Results from a comprehensive cohort of 190 cases and 90 controls indicated a female preponderance(57.9%)and prevalent disorders such as functional constipation(28%)and functional abdominal pain,not otherwise specified(21%).The grade of FGID(mild,moderate,severe)experienced by the patients was also derived.Post-treatment,96 children demonstrated symptom improvement.The Spearman rank correlation coefficient for pre(r=0.72,95%CI:0.65-0.77,P value<0.0001)and post(r=0.49,95%CI:0.3-0.64,P value<0.0001)treatment data showed positive results with significant P values.CONCLUSION The novel scoring system shows high comprehensibility and gives an objective view of the symptomatology of FGIDs.The use of this novel score in clinical settings will be helpful to typify the FGIDs and may significantly improve decision-making processes to initiate appropriate treatment.
文摘Background:Hypertension is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.Urbanization has contributed to an increased prevalence of hypertension by introducing lifestyle-related risk factors such as physical inactivity,unhealthy dietary patterns,and stress.Region-specific tools for assessing hypertension risk factors are essential for designing effective public health interventions.Objectives:This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess the risk factors for hypertension in the urban population of Mysuru and identify the prevalence of key modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 participants aged 18-60 years in urban Mysuru.A 40-item questionnaire was developed based on literature review and expert input.It included domains such as sociodemographic factors,lifestyle habits,and clinical history.Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha,while construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis.Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis.Results:The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency(Cronbach’s alpha>0.7)and satisfactory construct validity.Key findings included a high prevalence of low physical activity(60%),high salt intake(50%),and overweight individuals(30%).In addition,40%of participants reported a family history of hypertension,and 18%had prediabetes.These findings emphasize the role of modifiable risk factors in the rising hypertension burden in urban settings.Conclusion:The developed and validated questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing hypertension risk factors in urban populations.
基金support by the National Science and Technology Council under Grant No.NSTC 112-2221-E-167-017-MY3.
文摘Heating,Ventilation,andAir Conditioning(HVAC)systems are critical formaintaining thermal comfort in office environments which also crucial for occupant well-being and productivity.This study investigates the impact of integrating ceiling fans with higher air conditioning setpoints on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in office environments.Field measurements and questionnaire surveys were conducted to evaluate thermal comfort and energysaving potential under varying conditions.Results show that increasing the AC setpoint from 25○C to 27○C,combined with ceiling fan operation,reduced power consumption by 10%,achieving significant energy savings.Survey data confirmed that 85%of participants reported consistent thermal sensations across all conditions,with ceiling fans effectively compensating for higher setpoints through enhanced air circulation.CFDsimulations revealed that mediumspeed ceiling fan operation produced the most uniformairflowdistribution,with an average air velocity of 0.45 m/s,and minimized temperature variations,ensuring balanced thermal conditions.Temperature analysis showed a reduction in hotspots and cold zones,maintaining an average temperature deviation of less than±0.5○C.Predicted Mean Vote(PMV)evaluations at a 27○C setpoint indicated improved thermal comfort,with average PMV values around−0.3,corresponding to a“neutral”thermal sensation.These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating ceiling fans with HVAC systems in achieving energy efficiency and occupant comfort,offering a sustainable approach to reducing AC energy consumption in office environments.
文摘BACKGROUND The rising global prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)has been closely linked to lifestyle changes driven by globalization.GERD imposes a substantial public health burden,affecting quality of life and leading to potential complications.Early intervention through lifestyle modification can prevent disease onset;however,there is a lack of effective risk prediction models that emphasize primary prevention.AIM To develop and validate a GERD Risk Scoring System(GRSS)aimed at identifying high-risk individuals and promoting primary prevention strategies.METHODS A 45-item questionnaire encompassing major lifestyle and demographic risk factors was developed and validated.It was administered to healthy controls and GERD patients.Two regression models-one using continuous variables and another using categorized variables-were used to develop a computational prediction equation and a clinically applicable scoring scale.An independent validation cohort of 355 participants was used to assess model performance in terms of discrimination(C-index),calibration,sensitivity,specificity,internal consistency(Cronbach's alpha),and test-retest reliability(intraclass correlation coefficient,Bland-Altman analysis).RESULTS Significant associations were observed between GERD and key lifestyle factors.The derived GRSS equation and scoring scale demonstrated strong discriminative ability,with high sensitivity and specificity.The scoring system exhibited excellent internal consistency(Cronbach’s alpha)and strong test-retest reliability.The C-index indicated excellent predictive accuracy in both derivation and validation cohorts.CONCLUSION GRSS offers a novel and validated approach to GERD risk prediction,combining a robust equation for digital applications and a practical scale for clinical use.Its ability to accurately identify at-risk individuals supports a paradigm shift toward primary prevention,underscoring its significance in addressing the growing burden of GERD at the population level.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant numbers 82204041)Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Program Funded Projects(Grant numbers 22JR11RA184).
文摘Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.Iodine deficiency increases the burden on thyroid function and causes harm to health.The identification of convenient and reliable biomarkers for assessing iodine nutritional status is essential for evaluating iodine intake.Urinary iodine concentration(UIC)is commonly used for population level iodine status assessment but is less reliable for individuals.A 24-h urine sample is more accurate but difficult to collect[1].Thyroid volume(Tvol)and goiter rate are suitable for evaluating the long-term iodine nutritional status in populations[2].Blood indicator collection is an invasive procedure.
基金Beijing Shidayidu Cultural Development Co.,Ltd:Research on the influencing factors and curriculum intervention of middle school students’career adaptability(No.BUU2023026).
文摘The development of interest can improve the efficiency and quality of students’learning activities.Previous research mainly explored professional interest,but less on subject interest.This study designed and validated a subject interest questionnaire for primary school students to assess their potential to predict academic performance and offer reference for educational assessment and counseling.A sample of 545 students from two primary schools in Beijing was selected.The questionnaire consisted of 138 questions involving eight major courses,such as Chinese,mathematics and English.Through analysis,questions with good discrimination and social desirability were screened out,and nine questions of each sub-scale were finally retained.According to the result,the reliability and validity of the questionnaire reached an acceptable level.Further analysis of exploratory and confirmatory factors revealed that the subject interest can be summarized into two dimensions:“humanities-related factor”and“mathematics-related factor”.The two dimensions are consistent with the“human and material dimensions”proposed by ACT.As a preliminary exploration,this study lays a foundation for further research on the relationship between subject interest and basic interest and provides a practical evaluation tool for primary education.
文摘Prototype landscape refers to the impressive scenes that one has experienced in his/her living environment before 20 years old.Based on the analysis of the existing literature,the authors compiled a standard scale type questionnaire by means of a field survey,which was about the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception.Taking Likert scale as the main part,this questionnaire analyzed the influence of prototype landscape on landscape perception from perception,attitude,and behavior dimensions.In order to further improve its rationality,the authors tested some other aspects of this questionnaire,including logic validity,construct validity,congeniality reliability,split-half reliability,etc..The results validated that the questionnaire possessed good theoretical structure and validity target,which can evaluate various aspects of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception in an effective and reliable way.Therefore,the questionnaire put forward by this study not only enriched the studies of prototype landscape on landscape designing,but also provided an effective tool for quantitative analysis of "the influences of prototype landscape on one's landscape perception".
文摘How to comprehensively,scientifically,objectively and impartially evaluate the multiple learning achievements of the PBL model should be highlighted when PBL is introduced and applied.A questionnaire of a total of 23 items involving such dimensions of language proficiency,subject contents and 21 st Century skills was designed.Its reliability and validity were tested and well-met with the statistical requirements.
基金Project supported by the Science and Technology Bureau of Zhejiang Province of China (No. 2007C33004) and Pao Yu-kong and Pao Zhao-long Scholarship for Chinese Students Studying Abroad
文摘The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) has been tested in many languages, but not in Chinese mainland. We aimed to assess the Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39. Seventy-one subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) completed the PDQ-39 and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). All subjects were retested with the PDQ-39 a week later. The united Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and the Hoehn and Yahr (H & Y) scale were also used to evaluate the subjects. Reliability was assessed by Cron- bach's α and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Validity was examined in terms of agreement with SF-36, UPDRS, and H & Y scales. The Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39 demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.84-0.88; ICC: 0.56-0.82). The item-total correlations (0.33-0.88) and scaling success rates (77.56%) indicated satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity of the PDQ-39 items. The correlations between related constructs of the PDQ-39 and UPDRS (r=0.44-0.68) and between those of the PDQ-39 and SF-36 (r=(-0.46)-(-0.69)) were all statistically significant (P<0.01). Except for stigma, cognitions, and bodily discomfort, all other dimensions of the PDQ-39 significantly discriminated patients at different H & Y stages indicated by the H & Y scale. Although our observations indicate that some problematic subscales of this version of the PDQ-39 could be improved upon, this study suggests acceptable reliability and validity of the Chinese (mainland) version of the PDQ-39.
基金provided by the Science&Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program of China [grant number:2017FY101101 and 2017FY101103]
文摘Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire(FFQ) among Chinese children aged 12-17 years. Methods A semi-quantitative 72-food item FFQ was developed for children aged 12-17 years. The reliability and validity of this FFQ were evaluated against 24-h dietary recalls(24 h DRs) to measure the consumption of foods and nutrients. We administered two FFQs and three DRs to children(N = 160) over a period of 1 month to evaluate the reliability and validity. Reliability was examined by quartile agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs), and validity was examined by quartile agreement, Bland-Altman plots and correlation with DRs. Results For reliability, the ICCs between the two FFQs ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 for foods and nutrients, and the quartile agreement ranged from 70.0% to 95.0% in the same or adjacent quartiles. Spearman’s correlation coefficients of foods and nutrients between the second FFQ and the 24 h DRs ranged from-0.04 to 0.59. The Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement across the range of intakes among nutrients. The quartile agreement ranged from 50.0% to 100.0%, with infrequent misclassification. Conclusion The FFQ assessment of dietary intakes demonstrated acceptable relative validity and high reproducibility for Chinese children aged 12-17 years.
基金supported by the Soft Science Office of Beijing MunicipalScience and Technology Commission of China(No.Z000608100007110)the German Academic Exchange Service(No.2006-3139)
文摘The Penn State Worry Questionnaire(PSWQ) is a measure of worry phenomena and has been demonstrated valid in cross-cultural populations. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of PSWQ(Ch-PSWQ) in a Chinese college sample(n=1243). Exploratory factor analysis of the Ch-PSWQ revealed a two-factor solution(engagement of worry and absence of worry). Confirmatory factor analysis and model comparison supported that the model of one factor with method effect provided the best fit to the data. The Ch-PSWQ and its factors evidenced good internal consistency and both convergent and discriminate validity. The present study supports the opinion that the second factor of PSWQ not only contains the component of evaluating pathological worry,but also might represent other traits.
文摘OBJECTIVE： Even in secular societies, a small portion of patients find their spirituality to help cope with illness. But for the majority of patients, psychosocial and spiritual needs are neither addressed nor even considered a relevant factor by health care professionals. To measure such specific needs, the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire （SpNQ） was developed. The aim of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the SpNQ （SpNQ-Ch） and thus to measure psychosocial and spiritual needs of Chinese patients. METHODS： This was a cross-sectional study among 168 patients with chronic diseases who were recruited in the Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China using standardized questionnaires. We performed reliability and factor analyses, as well as analyses of variance, first order correlations and regression analyses. RESULTS： The 17-item SpNQ-Ch had a similar factorial structure as the original version with two main and three minor factors which accounted for 64% of variance, and internal consistency estimates （Cronbach＇s a） ranging from 0.51 to 0.81. Included were the 4-item scale Inner Peace Needs, the 5-item scale Giving/Generativity （with 2 sub-constructs, Praying and Sources）, and a Needs, the 5-item scale Religious Needs 3-item scale Reflection/Release Needs. In Chinese patients with cancer （63%）, pain affections （10%）, or other chronic conditions （23%）, the needs for Giving/Generativity （which refer to categories of Connectedness and Meaning） and Inner Peace Needs scored highest, while Religious Needs and the Reflection/Release Needs scored lower. CONCLUSION： The SpNQ-Ch is congruent with its primary version, and can be used in future studies with the mostly nonreligious patients from China. First findings indicate specific psychosocial and spiritual needs which should be addressed by health care professionals to support patients in their struggle with chronic illness in terms of psycho-emotional stabilization, finding hope and meaning, and thus achieving peaceful states of mind despite chronic illness.
基金funded by National Scientific and Technological Basic Resources Investigation Program ‘Research and application of nutrition and health system for children aged 0-18 years in China’[2017FY101100]
文摘Objective This study is aimed to report the development,the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire(CCPAQ)which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China.Methods The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children(mean age 13.1±2.4 years;boys 47%)to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients.Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method,the ActiGraph accelerometer.Data on physical activity patter n including time spe nt on d iff ere nt intensi ties and total physical activity,sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots.Results The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93(Intra-class correlation coefficient).Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32(P<0.001),and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58(P<0.001).Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer(rho=0.20,P=0.040;rho=0.19,P=0.054).Conclusion The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children.
文摘AIM:To develop and test an Arabic version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25).METHODS:NEI-VFQ-25 was translated into Arabic according to WHO translation guidelines. We enrolled adult consenting patients with bilateral chronic eye diseases who presented to 14 hospitals across Egypt from October to December 2012, and documented their clinical findings. Psychometric properties were then tested using STATA.RESULTS:We recruited 379 patients, whose mean age was(54.5±15)y. Of 46.2% were males, 227 had cataract,31 had glaucoma, 23 had retinal detachment, 37 had diabetic retinopathy, and 61 had miscellaneous visual defects. Non-response rate and the floor and ceiling numbers of the Arabic version(ARB-VFQ-25) were calculated. Internal consistency was high in all subscales(except general health), with Cronbach-α ranging from0.702-0.911. Test-retest reliability was high(intraclass correlation coefficient 0.79).CONCLUSION:RB-VFQ-25 isareliableandvalidtool for assessing visual functions of Arabic speaking patients. However, some questions had high non-response rates and should be substituted by available alternatives. Our results support the importance of including self-reported visual functions as part of routine ophthalmologic examination.
基金Supported by The National TS Major Project of China,No.2008ZX10002-001 and No.2012ZX10002001
文摘AIM: To evaluate psychometrics of the Chinese (mainland) chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 460 Chinese patients with CHB was selected from the Outpatient Department of the Eighth Hospital of Xi'an, including CHB (CHB without cirrhosis) (n = 323) and CHB-related cirrhosis (n = 137). The psychometrics includes reliability, validity and sensitivity. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's α. Convergent and discriminant validity was evaluated by item-scale correlation. Factorial validity was explored by principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was assessed using Cohen's effect size (ES), and independent sample t test between CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis groups and between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal and abnormal groups after stratifying the disease (CHB and CHB-related cirrhosis).RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability of the CLDQ was 0.83 (range: 0.65-0.90). Most of the hypothesized item-scale correlations were 0.40 or over, and all of such hypothesized correlations were higher than the alternative ones, indicating satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Six factors were extracted after varimax rotation from the 29 items of CLDQ. The eligible Cohen's ES with statistically significant independent sample t test was found in the overall CLDQ and abdominal, systematic, activity scales (CHB vs CHBrelated cirrhosis), and in the overall CLDQ and abdominal scale in the stratification of patients with CHB (ALT normal vs abnormal). CONCLUSION: The CLDQ has acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in Chinese (mainland) patients with CHB.
文摘Objectives:This study aimed to develop a self-management behavior questionnaire for Chinese enter-ostomy patients and examine its reliability and validity.Methods:Guided by the theory of self-management,an initial questionnaire was generated through literature review,group meetings,and two rounds of an expert consultation.Finally,the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were validated through a questionnaire survey of 200 enterostomy patients were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Medical University from June 2016 to March 2017.Results:The content validity index was 0.80e1.00.The exploratory factor analysis yielded a five-factor(dietary behavior,psychosocial behavior,symptom management behavior,medical compliance behavior,information management behavior),consisting of 40 items.The cumulative variance contri-bution rate was 65.42%.The Cronbach’s a coefficient for the total questionnaire was 0.972,and for the five factors ranged from 0.797 to 0.939,indicating a good internal consistency.The test-retest reliability was 0.867(P<0.01).The self-management behavior questionnaire score was negatively related to the Ostomy Skin Tool score(r=-0.800,P<0.01).Conclusions:The self-management behavior questionnaire developed in this study showed good reli-ability and validity and can be used to assess the self-management behavior of Chinese enterostomy patients.
基金the funding from the National Institute for Cancer Research,NIH,USA,and the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety,Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
文摘Objectives This study was design to develop a semi-quantitative Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire （FFQ） and to conduct a validation study for the questionnaire. Methods Based on the survey experience in recent years, a new Chinese food frequency questionnaire （FFQ） with 149 items in 17 food categories was developed. A validation study on this new FFQ was conducted in Jiangsu and Beijing of China between 1999 and 2001. The period of study covered 1 year and the FFQ was validated by comparing with data obtained by a six repeated 24-hour recalls for 3 consecutive days, or a totally 18-day 24- hour recall throughout the year. A total of 271 healthy adult subjects were enrolled in the study. Food and nutrient intakes measured by the 18-day dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires （FFQs） were computed in the National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, China CDC using the existing nutrition database. The average daily intake of foods and nutrients over the 18-day recall was used to compare with FFQ1 and FFQ2, which was conducted at the beginning and the end of the year, respectively. All statistical analyses were carried out using SAS software version 6.12.
