Development and Validation of COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS) in an Iranian Non-clinical Population

: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generated profound concerns in public. However, few validated scales measure COVID-related stress. We developed and psychometrically assessed a unique COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS) an Iranian non-clinical population. The CSS was to evaluate the existing stress measures, specialists' reviews, interviews with healthy individuals. Experts provided feedback on content validity. correlation of Depression, Anxiety, 21 (DASS-21) evaluated assess convergent Moreover, construct validity reliability were assessed. Seven items found acceptable after experts' review. online method used collect information due dangerous conditions traffic restrictions Iran. scale link shared as invitation virtual social network pages for people respond. statistical population this study included all aged 18 - 60. All 755 people, including 511 females 244 males who completed questionnaire online, selected sample. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed one-factor structure. Correlations between acceptable, item-total correlations being 0.49 0.58. CFA resulted loadings fit statistics. Internal consistency α = 0.74. Regarding validity, had moderate strong depression (r 0.53), anxiety 0.59), 0.64) subscales DASS-21 (P < 0.05). seven-item demonstrated psychometric properties can be useful research evaluation. There is need test scale's random sample other nationalities.