Psychometric properties and psychological correlates of the COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale: A comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) has led to the demise of millions of people worldwide; additionally, it has resulted in a significant economic and mental health burden. Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, various measures have been constructed to evaluate pandemic‐related fear and anxiety. The COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C‐19ASS) is a promising measure that assesses coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, checking, worrying and threat monitoring), termed ‘COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome’, in response to COVID‐19 fear and anxiety. The measure has been broadly welcomed, leading to its use in Brazil (Portuguese), China, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iran (Farsi), Italy, Saudi Arabia (Arabic), Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. To gain a better understanding of the relevance of the COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to explore the psychological correlates and psychometric properties of the C‐19ASS. Through the analysis of a total of 17,789 individuals (age range 19–70; female = 33%–85%), the C‐19ASS demonstrated a consistent factor structure, measurement invariance across gender and acceptable reliabilities. Furthermore, a significant association with COVID‐19 anxiety, depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, psychological distress and functional impairment (work and social adjustment) during the COVID‐19 pandemic was observed. When considering the Big Five personality traits, the C‐19ASS and its subscales were only significantly and negatively associated with extraversion; only the total score on the measure was associated with neuroticism. The observed effect sizes ranged from very small to medium. Given that all included studies (K = 24) were cross‐sectional, and due to the nature of the COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome, which may well persist after the pandemic ends, it is recommended to continue screening society for the persistence of this syndrome.

Validity and reliability of the COVID‐19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale in Canadian dentists

“…The C-19ASS has demonstrated a consistent factor structure, measurement invariance across gender and validity and reliability across different languages and cultures (Akbari et al, 2023). It could serve as…”

“…an anxiety measure in future potential viral pandemics, perhaps by utilizing a relevant pandemic associated keyword instead of 'coronavirus' (Akbari et al, 2023).…”

“…The EFA showed that item 4 loaded onto the Avoidance factor (Alhakami et al, 2023). The C‐19ASS has demonstrated a consistent factor structure, measurement invariance across gender and validity and reliability across different languages and cultures (Akbari et al, 2023). It could serve as an anxiety measure in future potential viral pandemics, perhaps by utilizing a relevant pandemic associated keyword instead of ‘coronavirus’ (Akbari et al, 2023).…”

“…It tapped into maladaptive forms of coping (e.g., avoidance, threat monitoring and worry) and demonstrated acceptable levels of validity and reliability in that population. The C-19ASS has been broadly welcomed and used in Brazil, China, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iran, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States (Akbari et al, 2023). It has demonstrated a significant association with COVID-19 anxiety, depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, psychological distress and functional impairment in various countries (Akbari et al, 2023).…”

Psychological Status, Influencing Factors and Intervention Countermeasures of Hospital Pharmacists in Extreme Working Environments in the Post-Pandemic Era--An Embedded Mixed Study

“…In addition, people with specific hobbies were more likely to have positive emotions in extreme work environments, and immersing oneself in something one enjoys gave one relaxation and a release from negative emotions. It is worth noting that the environment is also capable of acting on personal attributes and influencing them in some way, 29 , 30 and this dynamic relationship between personal attributes and the environment also plays an important role in pharmacists’ mental health. The findings of the present study revealed that the environment and people surrounding hospital pharmacists were another important influence on psychological state.…”