Validation of an original Behavioral Changes Scale on the Use of Digital Technologies During Social Distancing

Abstract Introduction The social distancing (SD) adopted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has transformed the internet from a convenience into a necessity. The behavioral changes caused by isolation range from adaptation of consumption, work, and teaching routines to altered leisure options to occupy idle time at home. Such transformations can be positive, expanding use of digital technologies (DT), but they can also have serious future physical and emotional consequences if there conscious use of technological devices is lacking. Objectives The study aimed to validate the Behavioral Changes Scale on the Use of Digital Technologies During Social Distancing (BCSDTSD), an instrument for assessing behavioral changes related to use of DT during SD. Method Validation of the BCSDTSD in five phases: 1. construction of an initial scale with 10 questions; 2. evaluation of the questions by a panel of experts; 3. application to 1,012 volunteers via the internet; 4. statistical analysis of the results; and 5. preparation of the validated final version of the BCSDTSD. Data were analyzed using the dplyr, psy , and paran packages and the REdaS statistical program. Three statistical criteria were used in the factor analysis (FA). Results FA confirmed that all 10 questions in the questionnaire should be maintained, confirming its robust construction, and Cronbach’s alpha demonstrated its internal consistency with a value of 0.725, which is satisfactory for first-application questionnaires. Conclusion The BCSDTSD instrument was validated for assessment of behavioral changes related to the use of DT during SD.

摘要：2019冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行期间推行的社交距离（Social Distancing，SD）措施，已将互联网从一项便捷工具转变为生活必需。隔离政策引发的行为改变，涵盖消费、工作与教学日常的调整，以及为填补居家闲暇时间而调整的休闲选择。此类转型既可能带来积极影响，推动数字技术（Digital Technologies，DT）的普及应用，但倘若人们未能理性使用电子设备，也可能在未来引发严重的生理与情绪健康问题。

研究目标：本研究旨在验证《社交距离期间数字技术使用行为改变量表》（Behavioral Changes Scale on the Use of Digital Technologies During Social Distancing，BCSDTSD），该工具用于评估社交距离期间与数字技术使用相关的行为变化。

研究方法：BCSDTSD的验证工作分为五个阶段：1. 编制包含10个题项的初始量表；2. 邀请专家小组对题项进行评审；3. 通过互联网向1012名志愿者施测；4. 对测试结果开展统计分析；5. 形成经验证的BCSDTSD最终正式版本。本研究采用dplyr、psy、paran软件包以及REdaS统计程序进行数据分析。因子分析（Factor Analysis，FA）共采用三项统计标准。

研究结果：因子分析结果确认，问卷全部10个题项均可保留，证明量表结构稳健；克朗巴赫α系数（Cronbach’s alpha）显示量表内部一致性良好，取值为0.725，对于首次施测的问卷而言该结果令人满意。

研究结论：BCSDTSD量表已通过验证，可用于评估社交距离期间与数字技术使用相关的行为变化。