Psychometric properties of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) in Brazil.

Authors :: Diógenes de Medeiros E
Gregório Nascimento da Silva P
Mota Reis L
P Monteiro R
Lins de Holanda Coelho G
Lohana Cardoso Guimarães C
C Bezerra de Medeiros P
Source :: Death studies [Death Stud] 2022; Vol. 46 (10), pp. 2424-2434. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Aug 10.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: We aimed to adapt the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) in Brazil, using a range of statistical techniques (e.g., factor analysis, item response theory). Two studies were conducted ( N <subscript>total</subscript> = 512). The unidimensional structure presented a good model fit and reliability, significant convergent validity, and all items presenting very high discrimination levels, adequately assessing medium and high anxiety levels. We also gathered evidence on cutoff points for detecting anxiety symptoms, reinforcing the diagnostic feasibility (for screening) of the CAS. Our findings emphasize the CAS as useful for rapid assessment and research involving COVID-19 and mental health markers.