Validation of the Dari version of the fear of COVID-19 scale and student self-efficacy as a moderator between fear of COVID-19 and mental well-being

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims This study determined the psychometric integrity of the Dari version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). In addition, this contribution analyzed the moderating role of student self-efficacy between the fear of COVID-19 and mental well-being. Methods The sample comprised 436 Afghan students studying in three universities situated in Kabul. First, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the unidimensional structure of the FCV-19S. Second, relationship of the FCV-19S with Anxiety of COVID-19 and mental well-being determined its concurrent validity. Third, the average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR) determined the convergent validity of the scale. Fourth, the internal consistency reliability of FCV-19S was calculated. Lastly, the moderation analysis was conducted based on Model 1 of the PROCESS macro. Results CFA demonstrated that the FCV-19S was a good model fit and confirmed its unidimensional structure. In addition, the FCV-19S showed good concurrent validity, adequate convergent validity, and excellent internal consistency reliability. Further, student self-efficacy moderated the relation between the fear of COVID-19 and mental well-being. Conclusion The Dari version of the FCV-19S demonstrates robust psychometric properties. Further, moderate and high levels of student self-efficacy significantly reduce the negative influence of fear of COVID-19 on mental well-being..