Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Adaptation and psychometric properties in Peruvian population

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Abstract
Context and objective: Current context caused by COVID-19 has changed social and day-to-day life worldwide. Mental health is no exception. The objective of this study was to adapt and analyze the psychometric properties of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in a sample of Peruvian professionals.

Material and methods. The sample was composed of 169 participants of a longitudinal study about burnout during the pandemic in Peru. Translation-back translation method was performed (from English to Spanish). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. Additionally, reliability analyses (Cronbach's Alpha, McDonald's Omega and Test-retest) and correlations with other variables were carried out.

Results: Results confirm the one-dimensional nature of the instrument (CFA) with excellent indicators of goodness of fit (CFI = .996; TLI = .99; RMSEA = .06; SRMR = .04) and present good levels of reliability (α = .79; ω = .81; ICC = .75). Furthermore, evidence for external validity was found with the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale and Perceived Stress Scale. The FCV-19S score presents previously unknown correlations with fear of infection of relatives, fear of infection in public places and self-reported perceived health. The score differs by gender, but further examination with larger samples are needed.

Main conclusions: The Peruvian version of the FCV-19S shows solid psychometric properties. Its use is attractive for the study of mental health during the pandemic, and the design and focalization of initiatives in vulnerable groups and spaces.
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Journal
Ansiedad y Estrés
Year of Publication
2021
Volume
27
Issue
2-3
Number of Pages
103-111
Date Published
10/2021
Type of Article
Journal article
ISSN Number
1134-7937
ISBN Number
2174-0437
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DOI
10.5093/anyes2021a14