Validity and reliability of psychometric properties of the translated Coronavirus Anxiety Scale in Azerbaijani-Turkish adults: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims Anxiety is the primary psychological symptom associated with COVID-19 that affects health. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale in Azerbaijani-Turkish adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the convenience sampling method recruited 193 people from the Tabriz population in 2022. After obtaining the developer's permission, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale translation into Azerbaijani-Turkish was performed using the forward–backward approach. Face validity was tested with 10 people through interviewing and content validity with four experts. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. To assess reliability, internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error measurement, and minimal detectable change were used to assess its relative and absolute consistency. To establish test–retest reliability, 30 people completed the scale twice at 2-week intervals. Results The exploratory factor analysis extracted a cumulative variance of 45.13%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale has a good fit of information. The confirmatory factor analysis produced a one-dimensional structure and all items were satisfactorily loaded onto this single factor (ie the physiological symptoms of anxiety related to coronavirus). Cronbach's alpha was 0.67, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.924. Furthermore, the standard error measurement and minimal detectable change values were 0.65 and 1.82, respectively. Conclusions The Azerbaijani-Turkish version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale is a valid and reliable scale to assess COVID-19-related anxiety and and is clinically useful for screening. Implications for practice The translation and validation of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale for Azerbaijani-Turkish adults offers significant implications for allied health professionals. First, it provides a culturally adapted, reliable tool to screen for dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19, enabling early identification of individuals at risk. This can guide targeted interventions such as counseling or psychiatric referrals, reducing the burden of untreated anxiety. Additionally, allied health professionals can use Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores to assess the impact of anxiety on physical health and coping behaviors, facilitating holistic care strategies. The scale's application in clinical and community settings also supports mental health monitoring during ongoing or future pandemics, improving preparedness and response efforts.