COVID-19 Worry and Related Factors: Turkish Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the COVID-19 Worry Scale

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Coronavirus Worry Scale and related factors with COVID-19 worry. Methods: The data were collected through online survey from 846 participants and final sample was 804 after excluding missing data. The psychometric properties of the Turkish Coronavirus Worry Scale were assessed through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability analysis, and Pearson product moment correlation with other psychological constructs. Finally, the one-way analysis of variance and independent samples t -test were utilized for comparing the Coronavirus Worry Scale scores between different socio-demographic and clinical variables. Higher Coronavirus Worry Scale scores suggested higher COVID-19 worry. Results: Exploratory factor analysis explored the single-factor structure of the Turkish Coronavirus Worry Scale and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this single-factor structure with good model fits. This scale had good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.92, McDonald’s ω = 0.92). The Coronavirus Worry Scale scores were significantly positively correlated with the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale ( r = 0.41, P < .01), Fear of COVID-19 Scale ( r =0.67, P < .01), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale ( r = 0.54, P < .01), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 ( r = 0.36, P < .01). COVID-19 worry was higher in females, those who had a chronic disease, the loss of first-degree or other relatives or close friends due to COVID-19, or those who had never been vaccinated for COVID-19. Those who obeyed the COVID-19 rules, such as wearing masks and physical distancing had higher Coronavirus Worry Scale scores. Also, those who avoided crowded environments to protect themselves from COVID-19 transmission had higher Coronavirus Worry Scale scores. Conclusion: These findings show that the Turkish Coronavirus Worry Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing COVID-19 worry.

Commentary: How Can We Detect and Manage COVID-19 Worry and Related Factors?

“…Herein, a more distinctive differentiation of COVID-19 may be required in terms of mental health care measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, comparisons of COVID-19 worry-related factors reported in other countries may be required to verify the novel findings of Uygur et al 6 Currently, since COVID-19 is a constant rather than a variable in mental health care, COVID-19 and its related factors may require continual evaluation to overcome its under-detection and under-management.…”

“…The COVID-19 Worry Scale (CWS), 6 which was initially developed in Bangladesh, is a self-report questionnaire used to evaluate COVID-19 worries about ones’ self and loved ones. 6 Unlike the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale, the CWS can be defined as a unique method to assess only COVID-19 worry. The CWS is composed of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert response.…”

“…The CWS is composed of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert response. Uygur et al 6 recently validated the single-factor model of the Turkish version of the CWS with reliability. Thus, the CWS may be a useful instrument for the early detection and management of COVID-19 pandemic-related worry and other mental health problems in Türkiye.…”

“…Network analysis is predominantly based on a bottom-up approach, whereas factor analysis using the structural equation model is predominantly based on a top-down approach. 8 , 9 Herein, with the help of further network analysis for the seven items of the CWS, Uygur et al 6 proposed a new perspective on COVID-19 worry, which is distinct from the results of the structural equation model.…”

“…Additionally, Uygur et al 6 reported that individuals with high levels of COVID-19 worry are characterized by a female predilection; higher comorbidity of chronic disease; higher proportions for the loss of first-degree relatives, other relatives, or close friends due to COVID-19 infection; a higher rate of never-vaccination for COVID-19; and higher levels of conformance with the preventive rules of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., mask wearing and social distancing). Thus, COVID-19 worry may have both positive and negative effects on mental health problems and prevention of epidemics during the pandemic.…”