Adaptation of the Turkish version of the obsession with COVID-19 scale (TR-OCS): its association with psychological distress and resilience

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the physical and mental health of individuals. Measures required to prevent the spread of the virus, such as isolation, hygiene, mask use, and lockdown, led individuals to develop obsessive thoughts and behaviors. This study aims to adapt the obsession with COVID-19 scale (OCS) to Turkish culture. This four-item scale aims at measuring obsessive thoughts related to COVID-19. The study group consisted of 870 participants from seven regions of Turkey. Data from different groups were collected for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Data for the exploratory factor analysis were collected from 296 (71.5%) females and 118 (28.5%) males (n = 414). For the confirmatory factor analysis, data were collected from 301 (66.0%) females and 155 (34.0%) males (n = 456). As a result of the analysis, the one-dimensional structure of the TR-OCS was confirmed in the Turkish sample. It was revealed that TR-OCS scores had a positive relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress but a negative relationship with resilience. The findings confirmed that the TR-OCS was valid and reliable. This scale is a short and effective tool for measuring obsessive thoughts related to COVID-19.

Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS)

“…The Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) [ 31 ] was developed at the beginning of the pandemic and later adapted and validated in several countries worldwide (Brazil [ 32 ]; Peru [ 33 ]; China [ 34 ]; Republic of Korea [ 35 ]; Japan [ 36 ]; Turkey [ 37 ]; Iran [ 38 ]; and specific ethnic groups [ 39 ] and professional groups, such as frontline health staff [ 40 ]), with proven psychometric properties for clinical screening. Accordingly, this study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale using a general sample from all regions of the country, as well as a more specific sample of Portuguese parents.…”