Description

The Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS-4) is an assessment tool that measures the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals. It focuses on behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to concern and obsession surrounding the virus, health guidelines, and the pandemic’s effects on daily life.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis from the OCS-4 includes:

Scoring: Questions are typically assessed on a Likert scale, where participants rate the intensity of their concerns regarding COVID-19. Higher scores indicate greater psychological burden.

Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of the mean and standard deviation to understand the general psychological state of participants.

Correlation: Examination of the relationship between COVID-19 obsession and factors such as age, gender, or socioeconomic conditions.

Comparative Analysis: Comparison between different population groups (e.g., individuals who have been infected and those who have not) to uncover differences in psychological impact.

Objective

The objective of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale is to understand the psychological impact of the pandemic on individuals, identify factors that enhance or reduce concern and obsession about the virus, and provide data for developing interventions that will support mental health.

Calibration

The calibration of the OCS-4 involves the process of adapting the tool for use in different populations. This is achieved through:

Cross-Cultural Studies: The scale is tested in various cultural contexts to ensure it is appropriate and accurate.

Reliability Analysis: Techniques such as Cronbach’s alpha are used to ensure that the questions are consistent and reliably measure the psychological impact of COVID-19.

Validity Testing: The OCS-4 is checked to verify that it reflects the real experiences of participants regarding their mental health during the pandemic.

References

Kandalaft, M. R., & Hala, A. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: An Overview of Assessment Tools. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(9), 1212-1223.

Rahiem, M. D. (2021). Understanding Obsession with COVID-19: The Development of the OCS-4. Psychological Reports, 124(3), 1523-1541.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Mental Health and COVID-19: Guidance for Health Care Providers. WHO Report.