Psychometric properties and factor structure of the short form of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS-12) amongst Indian adults

Abstract

Background: Cyberchondria refers to an increase in anxiety and distress because of excessive and repeated online health searches. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale-12 (CSS-12) is the most widely used validated measure to assess cyberchondria. It has consistently emerged as a reliable and valid brief measure to assess cyberchondria. Aim: The current study validated the CSS-12 for the Indian adult population. Methods: The data was collected online using a cross-sectional design from 326 participants (M age = 24, IQR (21, 26), 48.5% females). The datasheet consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, CSS-12, Statistical analyses comprised confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), internal consistency, test-retest reliability, cut off categories, regression, and differences in sociodemographic variables. Results: The content validity index (CVI) for relevancy, accuracy and clarity of the scale was 0.99, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively. CFA showed good fit indexes [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.929; Tukey-Lewis’s index (TLI) = 0.903; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.75]. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were 0.74, 0.81, respectively. 5.8% fall in the moderate level of cyberchondria and 2.1% of participants were found to have high level of cyberchondria. Conclusion: It can be used for detection, management, and treatment monitoring purposes.