The Reliability and Validity of the Simplified Chinese Version of the DASS-21 in Chinese University Students during the Home Isolation of COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

Objective To assess the reliability and validity of the simplified Chinese version of the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21) in Chinese university students during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods Using a whole-group sampling method to investigate 7,364 Chinese university students in home isolation with DASS-21, from April to May 2020, the reliability, and validity of the results were analyzed. Results the items of each subscale of the DASS-21 had a high correlation with the total score of the subscale; the DASS-21 included 21 items, with Cronbach's alpha for the internal consistency reliability of the simplified Chinese version of the DASS-21 was 0.909, and Cronbach's alpha for the internal consistency reliability of the subscales were 0.709-0.810, the DASS-21 had good convergent validity and discriminant validity, the fit indices of the validation factor analysis were well fitted and the intrinsic construct was consistent with the theoretical conception. Conclusion the DASS-21 had good reliability and validity and could be used as a valid tool to examine the psychological status of university students during the COVID-19 epidemic.