Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale Research Articles

Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among community members in Nepal

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had huge impact on social, psychological, and economic well-being of general community people in Nepal. Objectives: To assess the extent of psychological distress, fear, and level of coping strategies among community members in Nepal. Methods: A nationwide analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among Nepali residents aged >=18 years using an online structured questionnaire during 2020 December to 2021 January. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) were used in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. Ethical clearance was obtained from institutional review committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Results: Among 311 respondents, 167 (53.7%) were female. Median age (IQR) 31.3 (13) years with age range 18-69 years. Mean age was 31.4 ± 10.3 years. Being above 30 years old (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 2.13-6.84) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Being a female (AOR 0.55, CI 95% 0.30-0.99), moderately improved working situation due to change of employment (AOR 0.39, CI 95% 0.20-0.76), having little perceived distress due to change of employment status (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-0.97), having positive impact of COVID-19 on financial situation (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13-0.61) were associated with lower levels of fear based on the FCV-19S scale. Conclusions: This study identified individuals who were at higher risk of psychological distress, level of fear, and low coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. These findings would assist in exploring the strategies to support mental health of vulnerable population during pandemic and post-pandemic periods.

The Buffering Role of Self-compassion in the Association Between Loneliness with Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study Among Older Adults Living in Residential Care Homes During COVID-19.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-023-01014-0.

The Relationship Between Social Support, Fear, and Psychological Distress Among Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia.

The current cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between social support, fear, and psychological distress among frontline nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants from 20 wards for adult patients from public and private hospitals in Indonesia were recruited. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Job Stress Scale, and Perceived Social Support Questionnaire were used to measure outcomes of interest. Questionnaires were completed by a total of 211 nurses. High risk working unit, higher fear score, younger age, less working experience, and less social support were significant influences on nurses' psychological distress. Social support as a modifiable factor is a potential target for intervention strategies to manage psychological issues among nurses. Findings can help policymakers and managers better understand how to support frontline nurses' psychological health and maintain well-engaged nursing staff. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(5), 53-58.].

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine attitude in people with multiple sclerosis, its correlation with demographic factors, and fear of coronavirus: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Despite special global considerations which have been made to prioritize vaccination of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), some are reluctant to get vaccinated. This study was aimed to evaluate the attitude toward coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and its probable correlations. Methods: Considering the study objectives, two valid questionnaires including Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and attitude questionnaires were administered pre and post COVID-19 vaccination among people with MS. Results: The questionnaires were administered among 349 people with MS pre and post vaccination. The mean age of participants was 38.78 ± 8.68 (range: 19 to 64) years. They all received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Sinopharm). Although about 90% of participants felt satisfied after getting vaccinated and respected the preventive actions like social distancing and wearing face mask after vaccination, about 40% of them did not recommend vaccination to other patients. None of the demographic data was predictor of attitude score in COVID-19 vaccine and the only effective factor regarding fear of COVID-19 among people with MS was gender (P = 0.001). It was found that the more a patient's fear score was, the more he/she felt satisfied after vaccination. Those patients who had got the influenza vaccine last year felt more satisfied with the vaccine and accepted the COVID-19 vaccine easier than others. Conclusion: This study revealed that there was an inverse correlation between fear of coronavirus and less trust in the vaccine in patients with MS. However, it should be mentioned that the patients felt more satisfied after COVID-19 vaccination.

Prevalence of fear of COVID-19, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate students during remote classes.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, undergraduate students were exposed to symptoms of psychological suffering during remote classes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that may be generated and be related to such outcomes. To investigate the association between fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and related factors in undergraduate students during remote classes. This cross-sectional study included 218 undergraduate students (60.6% women and 39.4% men). Students answered a self-administered online questionnaire designed to gather personal information, pandemic exposure, physical activity level, fear of COVID-19 using the 'Fear of COVID-19 Scale', symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and anxiety using General Anxiety Disorder-7. Undergraduate students had a high prevalence of depression and anxiety (83.0% and 76.1%, respectively) but a low prevalence of fear of COVID-19 (28.9%) during remote classes. Multivariate analysis revealed that women who reported health status as neither good nor bad and who had lost a family member from COVID-19 had the highest levels of fear. For depression and anxiety, the main related factors found were female gender, bad health status, insufficiently active, and complete adherence to the restriction measures. These findings may be used to develop actions to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression among students, with interventions through physical activity programmes to improve mental health.

Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Preoccupation With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among Frontline Nursing Professionals: Mediating Role of Reassurance-Seeking Behavior and Adherence to Physical Distancing.

This study investigated the relationship between preoccupation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reassurance-seeking behavior, viral anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and adherence to physical distancing among frontline nursing professionals working in COVID-19 inpatient wards. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether the commitment to physical distancing mediates the influence of intolerance of uncertainty on viral anxiety. Frontline healthcare professionals working in the COVID-19 inpatient wards at three tertiary-level affiliated hospitals in Korea were surveyed between April 7 and 26, 2022. The survey included scales-such as the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale, Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 and a questionnaire on adherence to physical distancing. A total of 256 responses were analyzed after excluding inappropriate or incomplete responses. Pearson's correlation analysis found that age was significantly associated with the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (r = -0.12, P < 0.05) and adherence to physical distancing (r = 0.27, P < 0.01). Linear regression analysis ascertained that age (β = -0.07, P = 0.002), Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (β = 0.35, P < 0.001), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (β = 0.24, P < 0.001) were predictors of obsession with COVID-19 (Adjusted R² = 0.60, F = 78.1, P < 0.001). The indirect pathway by mediation analysis showed that reassurance-seeking and viral anxiety mediated the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on the preoccupation with COVID-19. During the pandemic, there may be a strong association between reassurance-seeking behavior, viral anxiety, and a heightened preoccupation with COVID-19 among frontline healthcare workers. Thus, from the early stages of infectious disease, a psychological support team for medical staff responding to the disease should be established, and periodic evaluations should be conducted to identify high-risk groups.

Inducing situations and pathogenetic chains of health deterioration in combatants in the context of COVID-19 and quarantine

&lt;b&gt;Introduction: &lt;/b&gt;The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and the ensuing health problems associated with quarantine.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods: &lt;/b&gt;All combatants who were hospitalized during the first and most severe quarantine restrictions in Ukraine (from 12 March 2020 to 22 May 2020) were surveyed. Through clinical, anamnestic, psychopathological, and psychodiagnostic examination, including psychoanalysis and the fear of COVID-19 scale, the authors identified combatants’ health disorders and their association with pandemic and quarantine-related experiences.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;The authors found that the following situations could provoke deterioration in the health of combatants due to fear: contact with a patient with COVID-19, planned posting to the hotbed of COVID-19, military service in the area of high risk of contact with patients with COVID-19, receiving information about COVID-19, receiving false information about COVID-19, disruption of critical infrastructure due to quarantine measures.the authorshave provided an algorithm by which these traumatic situations provoke the development of health disorders. In particular, they cause fear of social and work stigmatization due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), fear of suffering or death during COVID-19, ear that family members will become infected, erroneous conclusions about someone deliberately exaggerating the dangers of COVID-19, feeling of injustice and incorrectness of the quarantine measures, household discomfort and organizational stress. These experiences change the subjective picture of the future of combatants, and this provokes the development or exacerbation of pre-existing mental and somatic disorders. The impact of information on COVID-19 on combatant health disorders was investigated.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/b&gt;The authors believe that this knowledge will help to develop special psychoprophylactic approaches that would prevent the development of mental and somatic disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the quality of quarantine measures. It will also allow measures to be taken to prevent a reduction in the army’s combat effectiveness through a pandemic and quarantine.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy of adolescents with psychiatric disorders and their parents: data from a child psychiatry outpatient clinic.

Vaccinating adolescents and determining the factors influencing their vaccination status are critical in the event of a pandemic. One of the factors affecting vaccination is vaccine hesitancy, which is an increasing problem worldwide. Vaccine hesitancy and the vaccination rates of some special groups, such as psychiatric patients and their families, may differ from the general population. The purpose of this study was to identify any vaccine hesitancy to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in adolescents evaluated in a child psychiatry outpatient clinic, as well as to determine the factors influencing vaccination in these adolescents and their families. Two hundred forty-eight adolescents examined in the child psychiatry outpatient clinic were evaluated using a semi-structured psychiatric interview, strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), the fear of COVID-19 scale, and a form about coronavirus vaccine hesitancy. The parents completed the vaccine hesitancy scale and answered the vaccine hesitancy questions. The vaccination rate was higher in patients with anxiety disorders. The patient`s age (odds ratio [OR]:1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.26, 2.02), the parent`s vaccine hesitancy (OR: 0.91; CI:0.87-0.95), the status of chronic disease in a family member (OR: 2.26; CI:1.10, 4.65), and the vaccination status of the adolescent`s parents (OR:7.40; CI:1.39, 39.34) were found to be predictive for adolescent vaccination. While 2.8% of the adolescents said that they were definitely against getting vaccinated, 7.7% were undecided. While the rate of undecided parents was 7.3%, those who were against vaccination was 1.6%. Age, parental vaccine hesitancy, and parental vaccination status can affect the vaccination of adolescents admitted to a child psychiatry clinic. Recognizing vaccine hesitancy in adolescents admitted to a child psychiatry clinic and in their families is beneficial for public health.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and dietary changes according to the fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the implementation of restrictions to reduce transmission worldwide. The restrictions and measures have affected the psychological health and eating habits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate dietary habits, lifestyle changes, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and fear of COVID-19 in Turkey during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey of socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle habits was used for data collection. The fear of COVID-19 levels of the participants was determined by the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to evaluate participants' adherence to the MD. The differences between the FCV-19S and MEDAS according to gender were compared. Eight hundred and twenty subjects (76⋅6 % women and 28⋅4 % men) were evaluated within the study. The mean of MEDAS (ranged between 0 and 12) was 6⋅4 ± 2⋅1, and almost half of the participants moderately adhered to the MD. The mean of FCV-19S (ranged between 7 and 33) was 16⋅8 ± 5⋅7, while women's FCV-19S and MEDAS were significantly higher than men's (P < 0⋅001). The consumption of sweetened cereals, grains, pasta, homemade bread and pastries of the respondents with high FCV-19S were higher than in those with low FCV-19S. High FCV-19S was also characterized by decreased take-away food and fast food consumption in approximately 40 % of the respondents (P < 0⋅01). Similarly, women's fast food and take-away food consumption decreased more than men's (P < 0⋅05). In conclusion, the respondents' food consumption and eating habits varied according to the fear of COVID-19.

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Associated With Fear of COVID-19 in Peruvian Dental Students: A Multivariate Analysis With 12 Sociodemographic Factors.

Excessive fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in dental students could cause mood disorders, especially if there are factors in the environment that generate feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fear of COVID-19 and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress in Peruvian dental students according to their sociodemographic factors. This analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 398 dental students of a public university in the Peruvian capital during April 2021 to July 2021. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items was used to diagnose depression, anxiety, and stress. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to detect fear of COVID-19. The Pearson's chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. In addition, a logit model using odds ratio (OR) was performed to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress of students with the associated factors: fear of COVID-19 and 12 sociodemographic variables (gender, age group, marital status, year of study, origin, companion, living with vulnerable people, history of mental illness, history of COVID-19, loss of close relatives due to COVID-19, occupation, and area of residence). A significance level of P < .05 was considered. In addition, predictive models were developed for the variables depression, anxiety, and stress, considering all possible significant causes. The prevalence of fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.6%, 36.2%, 40.7%, and 19.6%, respectively. According to the adjusted logit model, students who had fear of COVID-19 had OR = 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62-4.64), OR = 5.59 (95% CI: 3.14-9.97), and OR = 3.31 (95% CI: 1.88-5.83) for developing depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, those who reported history of mental illness were four times more likely to develop depression (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.96-8.25) and anxiety (OR = 4.50, 95% CI: 2.06-9.82), whereas those living with people vulnerable to COVID-19 were twice as likely to develop stress (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16-3.66). The highest prevalence of mood disorders among dental students was anxiety. In addition, those who were afraid of COVID-19 had three times the probability of developing depression and stress, and five times the probability of developing anxiety. On the other hand, the most influential factor in the development of depression and anxiety was history of mental illness, whereas the factor of living with vulnerable people was the most influential factor in the development of stress.

Voluntary suspension of medically-assisted reproduction during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a nationwide internet survey

We explored whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related distress was associated with voluntary suspension of medically-assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment from April to May 2020 in Japan. Data for 1,096 candidate respondents were collected from a Japanese nationwide cross-sectional internet survey distributed from August 25 to September 30, 2020. Multiple logistic regression was performed to clarify the association between voluntary suspension of MAR treatment and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FVC-19S) score. High FCV-19S score was inversely associated with voluntary suspension of MAR treatment compared to low FCV-19S score among women (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10–0.84). Age-stratified analyses revealed that low FVC-19S score was significantly associated with voluntary suspension of MAR treatment among women aged < 35 years (OR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.35–11.0). In contrast, the association between FVC-19S score and voluntary suspension of MAR treatment was reversed and not significant among women aged ≥ 35 years (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.24–1.84). COVID-19-related distress was significantly associated with voluntary suspension of MAR treatment among women aged < 35 years, and this association was reversed but not significant among women aged ≥ 35 years.

Assessment of Burden in Family Caregivers of Chronic Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients During the Pandemic Period of COVID-19.

In Greece, patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) usually go to dialysis centers two or three times a week for three/four hours per session because the treatment for home is unavailable; therefore, caregivers should perform supportive transportation and care functions. This study was designed to assess the burden and quality of life in caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to record their attitude toward Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). We studied caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. A total of 80 caregivers took part (30 caregivers of patients of PD and 50 caregivers of patients of HD). The final form of the questionnaire was based on the Quality-of-Life Scale (SF-12) and the Zarit Scale, in order to record the scale of burden and the effect on them throughout the process. The Fear Due to COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) contributed to recording the caregivers' fear toward the pandemic of COVID-19. Most of the caregivers were women with an average age of about 60years and 6-10 were the patient's wife or partners. The prevalence of the moderate or severe burden of the patients was found at 18.7%, and the few or no burden at all at 33.8%. The prevalence of fear toward COVID-19 was at very high levels, reaching 82.5% in all caregivers. During the pandemic period of COVID-19, the role of the caregivers of the patients, both who follow the PD method and those who have joined the HD, is particularly important. Their quality of life has been partially affected in all dimensions.

Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Bölümü Öğrencilerinde COVID-19 Korkusunu Etkileyen Faktörler: Tanımlayıcı Bir Araştırma

Objective: To determine the level of fear of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the factors that affect the fear of COVID-19 in students of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments. Material and Methods: The study involved 253 volunteer students from 4 different universities in Türkiye. Utilizing an online data collection technology, the participant information form and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used to collect the study's data. Results: Female gender (p=0.06), not working in any job (p=0.76), income source only (p=0.92), smoking (p=0.26), and not using alcohol (p=0.88), history of chronic disease (p=0.32), no previous COVID-19 infection (p=0.96), 12 weeks after COVID-19 infection (p=0.17), 3 doses of vaccination (p=0.63), using public transportation (p=0.49) were factors that increased the level of fear in physiotherapy and rehabilitation department students. In addition, the fear levels of the students who had a family history of chronic disease (p=0.007) and had the thought of freezing the school (p=0.001) were significantly higher than the others. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the fear of COVID-19 and terms of living environment, number of theoretical lessons, number of practical lessons and class size (p>0.05). Conclusion: Physiotherapy and rehabilitation department students have low-to-moderate fear of COVID-19. Those with a chronic disease in their family have a high fear of COVID-19, and those with a high level of fear consider freezing the school. The number of practical and theoretical lessons and class size have no effect on the level of fear.

Tıp Fakültesi Öğrencilerinin COVID-19 Pandemisi Sırasında Korku, Travma Sonrası Stres ve Beslenme Alışkanlıklarının İrdelenmesi

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and post-traumatic stress disorder on eating disorders and eating habits. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study employed 562 (167 males, and 395 females) medical students, utilizing the fear of COVID-19 scale, COVID-19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI), SCOFF (REZZY) eating disorders scale and Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS) scale. Results: Of the participants, 292 (52.0%) had an adequate/balanced diet, and 339 (60.3%) students had an average sleep time of &amp;lt;8 hours. The REZZY scale score showed 198 (35.2%) students had an eating disorder risk, and MEDAS scores exhibited 320 (56.9%) students had incompatible diets. A significant correlation was detected between the REZZY score and the fear of COVID-19 scale score (p=0.003) and CPDI score (p&amp;lt;0.001). The CPDI scores of the underweight participants and those with normal body mass index (BMI) class were significantly higher (p=0.009). A significant difference was spotted in respecting REZZY scores according to BMI classes (p&amp;lt;0.001). The ones with normal BMI class had significantly higher MEDAS score (p=0.031). Females were 2.315 times more likely to develop eating disorders. BMI value affected the risk of eating disorders (p&amp;lt;0.001). When BMI (kg/m2) increased by 1 unit, the risk of eating disorders would increase by 1.220 times. Adequate and balanced nutrition had a significant impact on the risk of eating disorders (p=0.018). Conclusion: Assuring adequate and balanced nutrition and eliminating fears and stresses experienced during epidemics are essential.

Validation of the Persian Version of the Self-care in COVID-19 Scale (SCOVID Scale) in the Iranian Population

Background: Self-care during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) helps people follow self-care strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. To control the disease, people need to engage in self-care behaviors, which should be investigated by a valid and reliable instrument to yield valid and credible results. Objectives: This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the Self-Care in COVID-19 Scale (SCOVID Scale). Methods: The sample included 582 participants from Tehran’s general population, selected through convenience sampling in 2021. They were divided into two groups, one for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega were used to assess the internal consistency. Standard error of measurement and the interclass correlation coefficient were also employed to examine absolute and relative stability, respectively. Results: In the EFA, three factors, including Precaution, Routine Activities, and Lifestyle, were extracted, explaining 32.31% of the total variance in COVID-19 self-care. Internal consistency of the whole scale using both Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega was above 0.7. The goodness of fit indices of the second-order CFA were in the acceptable range (x2=262.365, df=82, P&lt;0.001, RMSEA=0.062, PCFI=0.725, PNFI=0.703, IFI=0.930, and the CFI=0.929). Conclusion: The Persian version of the SCOVID Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in studies on COVID-19.

Fear of COVID-19 and Anxiety in the Arabic Language Learners in Kuala Lumpur

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic contributed to distress and affected mental health in many sectors, including education, which triggered fear and anxiety among learners and educators. Therefore, this research aimed to perceive mental health issues such as fear, stress, and anxiety during the pandemic, especially among learners aged between 15 to 25 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The questionnaire consisted of seven questions related to the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). The respondents were invited to participate via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Emails, and Facebook. The link to the Google form was given to them to allow them to join the survey. Three hundred twenty-four respondents from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, participated in this survey to show their anxiety levels during this pandemic. The findings showed that the level of fear of COVID-19 was high and significant by using SPSS version 26. It also constructed mental health issues among the learners, decreasing their performance in education. This research is applicable to distinguish and describe the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic, which influences learners’ mental health. The findings also revealed that fear and anxiety were high and affected students’ performance.

Validation of the Spanish Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in Long-Term Care Settings.

Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the main psychological impacts of the actual pandemic, especially among the population groups with higher mortality rates. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) has been used in different scenarios to assess fear associated with COVID-19, but this has not been done frequently in people living in long-term care (LTC) settings. The present study is aimed at measuring the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FCV-19S in residents in LTC settings, following both the classical test theory (CTT) and Rasch model frameworks. The participants (n = 447), aged 60 years or older, were asked to complete the FCV-19S and to report, among other issues, their levels of depression, resilience, emotional wellbeing and health-related quality of life with validated scales. The mean FCV-19S score was 18.36 (SD 8.28, range 7−35), with higher scores for women, participants with lower education (primary or less) and higher adherence to preventive measures (all, p < 0.05). The Cronbach’s alpha for the FCV-19S was 0.94. After eliminating two items due to a lack of fit, the FCV-19S showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2 (20) = 30.24, p = 0.019, PSI = 0.87), with unidimensionality (binomial 95% CI 0.001 to 0.045) and item local independency. Question 5 showed differential item functioning by sex. The present study shows that the FCV-19S has satisfactory reliability and validity, which supports its use to effectively measure fear in older people living in LTC settings. This tool could help identify risk groups that may need specific health education and effective communication strategies to lower fear levels. This might have a beneficial impact on adherence to preventive measures.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with spinal cord injury: Mental health and use of telehealth.

Limited access to health care services and the self-isolation measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have had additional unintended negative effects, affecting the health of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). To examine the perceived influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with SCI. First, this study looked to understand how the pandemic affected the use and perception of telehealth services for these individuals. Second, it investigated the effect of COVID-19 on mental health. Cross-sectional online survey. Individuals with SCI living in the community in British Columbia, Canada. This survey was offered to individuals with SCI and had 71 respondents, with 34% living in a rural setting and 66% in an urban setting. Not applicable. Telehealth utility, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), and Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD). Telehealth use in the SCI population has increased from 9.9% to 25.4% over the pandemic, with rates of telehealth use in urban centers nearing those of rural participants. Thirty-one percent of respondents had probable depression and 7.0% had probable generalized anxiety disorder as measured by a score of ≥10 on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively. The mean scores on FCV-19S and PVD were 17.0 (6.6 SD) and 4.29 (1.02 SD), respectively. Telehealth use during COVID-19 has more than doubled. It is generally well regarded by respondents, although only a fourth of the SCI population has reported its use. With this in mind, it is important to understand the barriers to further adoption. In addition, higher rates of probable depression were seen than those estimated by pre-pandemic studies in other countries.

EVALUATION OF COVID-19 FEAR AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ObjectiveThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an impact on physical health, but also has effects on mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of fear increases and fear triggers many psychological diseases such as depression. We aimed to determine the COVID-19 fear situation in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients and to examine its relationship with the quality of life.MethodologyIn this prospective study, 64 patients who underwent HSCT during the pandemic (between 11 March 2020 and 31 December 2020) were included. The COVID-19 fear situation was evaluated with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Quality of life was evaluated with the European Organization for Quality of Life Research and Treatment Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) (version 3).ResultsThe median FCV-19S score was 16.5 (12.0-22.0). The FCV-19S score was significantly higher in urban residents than rural residents (19.0 (15.0-23.5) vs 14.0 (9.0-22.0) (p=0.44). The general health score was 59.64 ± 20.04. The strongest positive correlation between fear level and quality of life was found in emotional function (r=0.474, p <0.01). In addition, a weak, significant, positive correlation was observed between role function, nausea-vomiting, pain, anorexia, and fear level.ConclusionFCV-19S is a short, safe and valid tool that can be used to determine the COVID-19 fear level in vulnerable patient groups such as HSCT patients and to direct them to the necessary psycho-oncological support.

The association between fear of COVID-19 and depression, anxiety, and psychosis among Lebanese chronic patients with schizophrenia: any moderating effect of spirituality?

To assess whether fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with depression, anxiety, and psychosis and to evaluate if these variables are correlated with the interaction between spirituality and fear of COVID-19. Between September and November 2020, this cross-sectional study enrolled 118 chronic schizophrenia patients. The interview with patients included Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Lebanese Anxiety Scale-10, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being-12. The results were analyzed by using linear regressions (Enter method), with anxiety, depression, total PANSS score, positive PANSS, negative PANSS, and general psychopathology PANSS subscales as dependent variables. Spirituality, fear of COVID-19, and the interaction of spirituality with fear of COVID-19 were independents variables. Fear of COVID-19 was positively correlated with increased total PANSS scores (Beta=0.90, P=0.030). Higher spirituality was significantly associated with lower anxiety (Beta=-0.14, P=0.009), lower depression (Beta=-0.21, P=0.001), lower total PANSS score (Beta=-0.90, P=0.004), lower negative PANSS score (Beta=-0.23, P=0.009), and lower general psychopathology PANSS score (Beta=-0.61, P=0.001). In patients with high fear of COVID-19, having low spirituality was significantly associated with higher anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms. This study suggests a positive correlation between fear of COVID-19 and higher psychosis among inpatients with schizophrenia. The interaction of spirituality with fear of COVID-19 was correlated with reduced anxiety, depression, and psychosis.