Development and psychometrics properties of a questionnaire to measure the general perception of COVID-19 risk in Iran: A structural equation modeling approach

Abstract

Background Risk perception in this COVID19 situation is important and its measurement tool can be useful in terms of the making of social health policy. This study aimed to develop and psychometrics properties of a new scale, for assessing general perception of Covid-19 risk (GPCOVID-19R) in Iran.Methods A methodological study with a structural equation model approach was used to develop and psychometrics the GPCOVID-19 R questionnaire. First, qualitative method, an operational definition of risk perception of COVID-19 was presented by 10 experts. The item generation and scale development were performed through literature review, a qualitative approach, and interviews with an expert panel. Then, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated by means of cross-sectional studies. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and scale correlation were performed using Amos software version 23.Results 304 users of social groups in Tehran province participated in completing the online questionnaire. The results of psychometric properties of the questionnaire indicate the desired validity and reliability. The exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors, containing 20 items. The confirmatory factor analysis showed a model with appropriate fitness for the data.Conclusion The results of the study suggest that GPCOVID-19R is a reliable and valid tool for measuring Iranians' general perception of Covid-19 risk.