The reliability and validity of Turkish version of coronavirus anxiety scale

Abstract

The new type of coronavirus (COVID-19), which occurs in Wuhan, China, and turns into a pandemic in a short time, differs from other coronavirus outbreaks in terms of spreading rate and mortality rates. COVID-19, which is also effective on psychological health with the traumatic experiences it brings along with physical health, can cause anxiety in individuals directly or indirectly. In this study, it was aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, developed to measure COVID-19 induced anxiety, in the Turkish sample. A total of 1176 people, 793 females, and 383 males, participated in the study. Demographic data form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Health Cognitions Questionnaire were applied to the participants. For the language validity of the scale, suitable Turkish item translations were prepared by getting expert opinions. Exploratory factor analysis showed that it has a single factor structure. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, the structure of the scale was found suitable for the research sample. Scale items were found to have high discrimination. Test-retest and criterion-related reliability findings showed that the scale has a high-reliability value. According to the data obtained, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for the Turkish sample and it is suitable to be used in future studies.