Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS)

Objective: In the context of the epidemic of coronavirus and its psychological effect, it is necessary to develop appropriate tools for measuring the aspects of its psychological pathology. Therefore,  the aims this study  is determine the psychometric properties of coronavirus anxiety using 5-point Likert scale (Sherman A. Lee) in the Iranian statistical population. Methods: In this study, 399 men and women from the adult population of Kermanshah were studied by available sampling method. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), as well as second version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), were used for convergent validity and divergent validity, respectively. Internal consistency method using Cronbach’s alpha was used to analyze data, and confirmatory factor analysis using Lisrel-8.8 software was used for construct validity. Findings: Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 91/5 for the overall score of the scale. CAS found positive and significant correlation between the coronavirus anxiety scale and the sub-components of difficulty in emotion regulation (except for difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors), but he also found that there was negative correlation between acceptance and action. Furthermore, the results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated that single-factor structure is well-suited. Discussion: Covid-19 related anxiety can be disproportionate and unnecessary and cause many psychological problems.The Iranian version of coronavirus anxiety Scale reflected desirable validity and reliability and could be used as a short and valid screening tool for measuring coronavirus anxiety measurement.