Psychometric properties of Nepalese preschool anxiety scale among preschool children: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS)-Parent version scale is a 28-item measure designed to assess anxiety symptoms in preschoolers aged 3−6 years. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Nepali translated version of the PAS-Parent version. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 680 mothers among seven conveniently selected schools in Kathmandu. Results: The difference in PAS-Parent version scores across age groups was found to be statistically significant. In confirmatory factor analysis, 28 items showed a poor fit of the five-factor original model for the data. However, removing three items (25 item version) through the five-factor model indicated a better fit. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach's α for the PAS-Parent version scale was of good range (0.87). Cronbach's α of the subscales: generalized anxiety (0.63), social phobia (0.67), physical injury fears (0.75), and separation anxiety (0.63) were in fair range; while it was in poor range for the obsessive-compulsive subscale (0.567). Conclusion: Nepali version of the PAS demonstrated fair psychometric properties, supporting its utility in screening and assessing a broad range of anxiety symptoms in Nepalese preschoolers.