Psychometric validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Digital Stressors Scale: a sample of healthcare professionals

The rapid digitalization of healthcare systems has introduced new psychosocial stressors affecting healthcare professionals. There is a growing need for culturally sensitive instruments that can comprehensively assess the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of digital stress. This study aims to adapt the Digital Stressors Scale (DSS) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties among healthcare professionals in Türkiye. The Turkish adaptation of the DSS was conducted through a systematic process including linguistic equivalence, expert review, content validity analysis, and pilot testing. The study sample consisted of 605 healthcare professionals working in various healthcare institutions across Türkiye. Construct validity was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability analyses included internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), split-half reliability, and item discrimination. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated using average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the original 10-factor structure of the scale was largely preserved; following the removal of nine items, a refined 41-item structure explained 64.01% of the total variance (KMO = 0.907; Bartlett’s χ² (820) = 11,752.08, $$p < .001$$ ). Confirmatory factor analysis supported an acceptable model fit ( χ²/df = 3.04; RMSEA = 0.058; SRMR = 0.051). Convergent and discriminant validity were supported according to the Fornell–Larcker criterion, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.938 (subscale range: 0.712–0.852). The Turkish version of the DSS demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing digital stress among healthcare professionals in Türkiye. The scale can support organizational assessments, employee well-being initiatives, and policy development related to digital transformation in healthcare settings.