Development and Initial Validation of the Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale(GAD-۱۹S)

 Aims: The aim of this paper is reporting the development and validation of the Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale (GAD-۱۹S), for assessing the COVID-۱۹ related anxiety. Methods: This is a methodological and psychometric study, we developed a ۷-Item Generalized anxiety disorder of COVID-۱۹ scale (GAD-۱۹S) to measure symptoms of anxiety related to the COVID-۱۹ pandemic to help identify people who might need mental health services. In developing the GAD-۱۹S scale items, we considered a previous theory and research on anxiety symptoms and symptoms reported in Iran. The scale was validated in the Razavi Khorasan (N=۵۰۰). Findings: The CVR in this study for the total scale was ۰.۸۱ indicating a satisfactory result. Also, the CVI of for the scale was۰.۷۸ that the scale had good content validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the seven-factor model. GAD-۱۹S showed good internal consistency Conclusion: The results support the viability of GAD-۱۹S as a tool to identify individuals experiencing COVID-۱۹ related anxiety.                

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Coronavirus , Pandemic. Anxiety , mental health