Psychometric Properties of Iranian Version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (Short-Form of CSS)

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.