Psychometric Properties of an Instrument to Assess the Fear of COVID-19 in a Sample in Argentina: a Mixed Approach

Abstract

The FCV-19S was the first instrument designed to assess the severity of fear related to COVID-19 and has already been validated in many languages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the homogeneity and construct validity of the 5-item version of the FCV19S, using an online questionnaire in 599 people. The participants’ age ranged from 18 to 65 years. Age, gender, marital status, educational level, employment status, and socioeconomic status were analyzed. In the evaluation process we assessed interitem correlation, item rest-correlation, confirmatory factor analysis: Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, Comparative Fix Index, Tucker-Lewis Index; internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega), and the Rasch model was assessed for learning more about the psychometric properties of the scale, which allows a detailed knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of a scale. The FCV-5S has adequate psychometric indicators from the perspective of the Classical Theory of Items. The major limitations were using a self-reported measure and having a convenience sample not necessarily representative of the general population of Argentina.

Attitudes toward COVID-19 Pandemic among Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Evidence from Greece Two Years after the Pandemic

“…In our study, the higher educational level was significantly associated with fear of COVID-19. The impact of education on fear is controversial since two studies [ 50 , 51 ] in Peru and Iran found a positive relationship between age and fear, while two studies [ 52 , 53 ] in China and Colombia found the opposite result. Interestingly, a large study with 14,558 participants in 48 countries found that less educated participants experienced increased fear of COVID-19 [ 54 ].…”

Prevalence and factors associated with fear of COVID-19 in military personnel during the second epidemic wave in Peru

“…Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has posed a threat to both physical ( 1 – 4 ) and psychological health ( 5 – 14 ). This impact, coupled with its effects on social and economic aspects, has had far-reaching consequences on the safety and overall well-being of the population ( 15 , 16 ). The severity ( 2 , 17 ) and high transmission rate of COVID-19 ( 18 , 19 ) have instilled fear in people ( 15 , 20 ).…”

“…This impact, coupled with its effects on social and economic aspects, has had far-reaching consequences on the safety and overall well-being of the population ( 15 , 16 ). The severity ( 2 , 17 ) and high transmission rate of COVID-19 ( 18 , 19 ) have instilled fear in people ( 15 , 20 ). This fear is exacerbated by misinformation, leading to the psychological impact of concerns about infection and the potential to infect loved ones ( 20 , 21 ).…”

Prevalence and factors associated with fear of COVID-19 in military personnel during the second epidemic wave in Peru

“…Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has represented a threat to physical (1-4) and psychological health (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14), which, together with its impact on the social and economic level, has had repercussions on the safety and well-being of the population (15,16). The severity (2,17) and high transmission rate of COVID-19 (18,19) has created fear in people (15,20), who, by being misinformed, have suffered the psychological impact due to the concern of becoming infected and infecting their loved ones (20,21). A total of 30.5-41.8% of fear of COVID-19 in various populations has been estimated (22,23), even a study conducted in Peruvian policemen found that 42.5% were afraid of COVID-19 (24).…”