Psychometric Properties of Iranian Version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (Short-Form of CSS). Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foroughi, Aliakbar; Taheri, Amir Abbas; Khanjani, Sajad; Mohammadpour, Mohsen; Amiri, Sasan; Parvizifard, Ali akbar; McElroy, Eoin
• Is Part Of: Journal of consumer health on the Internet. Volume 26:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 145
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Confirmatory factor analysis -- cyberchondria severity scale (CSS-12) -- validity and reliability; Health -- Computer network resources -- Periodicals; Internet -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Computer network resources -- Periodicals; Computer Communication Networks -- Periodicals; Consumer Participation -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; 025.063621
• DOI: 10.1080/15398285.2022.2045668
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-8285

Abstract

Abstract: Cyberchondria refers to a clinical phenomenon in which repeated Internet searches regarding medical information result in excessive concerns about physical health. Due to the lack of research on the psychometric properties of CCS-12 and the lack of appropriate tools cyberchondria measurement in Iran, this study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of of the Iranian version of the CSS-12 (short-form). A convenience sample of 420 students (191 men, and 229 females) from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were selected to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12). The participants also completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Whiteley Index, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7). LISREL 8 and SPSS-24 were used to analyze data. Cronbach's alpha, divergent and convergent validity and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted as well. The four-factor structure of CSS-12 (excessiveness, distress, reassurance and compulsion) was supported by the results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis in the Iranian sample. The CSS-12 had positive and significant correlations with health anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and GAD-7. Furthermore, the CSS-12 had a negative and significant correlation with the AAQ-II. In general, the four-factor structure of CSS-12 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties among the Iranian sample. CSS-12 has appropriate psychometric properties for use in research and clinical practice.