Translation and psychometrics of the Bengali adaptation of Coronavirus Anxiety Scale

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) was developed in April 2020 as an instrument to gauge the symptoms of stress and anxiety occurring secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was constructed using the English language due to which its application to a multi-linguistic country like India became a hindrance. Aim: To establish psychometric validity and reliability of the Bengali translation of CAS. Materials and Methods: Experts well-versed in the English and Bengali languages translated CAS from English to Bengali. This was followed by further correction by forward and backward translation processes until a version with high accuracy and low redundancy was procured. The original scale was applied to 91 volunteers, and the translated version was applied to the same group after 14 days. Results: The mean scores of the original version and the translated version showed a significant correlation. The Bengali version of CAS had high internal consistency, significant concurrent validity, and acceptable split-half reliability. It was hence deemed easily understandable and capable of measuring anxiety due to COVID-19 similar to the original scale. Conclusion: The Bengali translation of the CAS can be accurately used to assess symptoms of anxiety and stress with high reliability and validity in those who are able to read the Bengali language.