Fear Of COVID-19 Scale Research Articles

Crisis Experience and Purpose in Life in Men and Women: The Mediating Effect of Gratitude and Fear of COVID-19.

This study investigated whether gratitude and fear of COVID-19 mediated the relationship between crisis experience during the pandemic and purpose in life in men and women. Six hundred and five participants aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 25.6; SD = 8.39) completed the Gratitude, Resentment, and Appreciation Scale-Short Form (GRAT-S), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Purpose in Life Test (PIL). In addition, the respondents were questioned about life crises during the previous six months (e.g., the death of a loved one or illness). Men and women differed in their endorsement of gratitude or fear of COVID-19 as a mediator. Women's experiences of the crisis related both directly and indirectly to purpose in life, with gratitude and fear of COVID-19 mediating this relationship. In men, only the indirect path, from crisis experience, through gratitude, to purpose in life, turned out to be significant. The results of this study suggest that coping styles differ in men and women and, as a consequence, that crisis interventions need to take gender into account.

Effect of Pregnant Women's Fear of Covid-19 on Their Expectations, Experiences, and Reactions in The First Ultrasound Examination

This study aims to determine the effect of pregnant women’s fear of COVID-19 on their expectations, experiences, and reactions in the first ultrasound examination. This study was conducted with 166 pregnant women who visited the polyclinic in a Hospital of University, on the March and May, 2021 and, have an ultrasound examination for the first time. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Parents’ Expectations, Experiences, and Reactions to Routine Ultrasound Examination Scale (PEER-U). The average age of pregnant women was 29.02±5.56. While 15.1% had a COVID-19 positive history, 8.4% lost someone they knew due to COVID-19. FCV-19S score was found 18.26±5.32. Fear of COVID-19 scores were higher in women who did not work and who had their first pregnancy. While the mean score for PEER-U before was 59.05±6.99, the mean score for PEER-U after was 65.07±4.53. While a positive correlation was reported between FCV-19S and the scores for PEER-U before (r=0.392), no significant correlation was detected between FCV-19S and the scores for PEER-U after. Pregnant women were found to experience an average fear of COVID-19. It was found a correlation between COVID-19 and the scores for PEER-U before. The fear of COVID-19 and the scores for PEER-U before were found to be affected by some socio-demographic characteristics.

Assessing psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale for Nurses.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). The study used a descriptive design and was conducted between April and May 2020. The participants were 213 nurses who were working in 12 hospitals in eight cities in Turkey. Content validity index, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate validity. Cronbach's alpha, item-scale correlation and test-retest reliability were used to evaluate reliability. The CVI was 0.92 (0.81-1.00). A one-factor solution was identified and the factor loading of items in scale varied from 0.377 to 0.909. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.889 in the current study. Item-scale correlations ranged between 0.570 and 0.815. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.93. The Turkish version of the FCV-19S for nurses was found to be valid and reliable measure of the fear of nurses towards COVID-19.

Relationship Between Fear of COVID-19, Conspiracy Beliefs About Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: A Cross-National Indirect Effect Model in 13 Latin American Countries.

The present study explored the predictive capacity of fear of COVID-19 on the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the influence in this relationship of conspiracy beliefs as a possible mediating psychological variable, in 13 Latin American countries. A total of 5779 people recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling participated. To collect information, we used the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Vaccine conspiracy beliefs Scale-COVID-19 and a single item of intention to vaccinate. A full a priori Structural Equation Model was used; whereas, cross-country invariance was performed from increasingly restricted structural models. The results indicated that, fear of COVID-19 positively predicts intention to vaccinate and the presence of conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. The latter negatively predicted intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Besides, conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines had an indirect effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the 13 countries assessed. Finally, the cross-national similarities of the mediational model among the 13 participating countries are strongly supported. The study is the first to test a cross-national mediational model across variables in a large number of Latin American countries. However, further studies with other countries in other regions of the world are needed.

Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus disease-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has contributed to work-related psychosocial risks in healthcare workers. This study evaluated the perceived need for mental health services and related factors in Turkish healthcare workers practicing in pandemic hospitals. Cross-sectional study. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with healthcare workers at 19 pandemic hospitals in 13 provinces between September and November 2021. The study survey included the evaluation of the perceived need for and utilization of mental health services in the previous year, as well as sociodemographic, health-related, and work-related characteristics, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire, and the Fear of coronavirus disease-2019 scale (FCV-19S). Of 1,556 participants, 522 (33.5%) reported a perceived need for mental health services, but only 133 (8.5%) reported receiving these services. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the perceived need for mental health services revealed significant relationships with lower age, female sex, being a current smoker, having a chronic disease, having a mental disorder, coronavirus disease-2019 contact within the last three months in settings other than the home or workplace, a positive coronavirus disease-2019 vaccination history, being a physician, being a non-physician healthcare professional, and coronavirus disease-2019 contact within the last three months at work. After adjustment for these characteristics, higher General Health Questionnaire-12 and FCV-19S scores and lower WHOQoL-BREF domain scores were related to the perceived need for mental health services in logistic regression analyses. The findings indicate a substantial need for mental health services amongst Turkish healthcare workers during the pandemic and outline participants' characteristics regarding high-priority groups for the intervention. Future research may focus on developing actions and evaluating their efficiency.

Fear of COVID-19 and Job Stress in Nursing Professionals in Lima, Peru

COVID-19 pandemic made the importance of nursing care within the healthcare environment visible. The lack of this human resource is essential to provide direct care to patients in meeting basic needs and specialized care for health recovery. However, the new disease brought a lot of fear and fear of getting sick or dying from COVID-19, causing various human responses or emotional problems. The study's objective was to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and work stress in nursing professionals in hospital institutions in Lima. The sample consisted of 515 nursing professionals working in the various hospital services of health institutions in Lima. The fear of COVID-19 scale (7 items) and Work Stress scale (12 items) were used. It was concluded that the greater the fear of COVID-19, the greater the work stress in nursing professionals, since the results obtained indicated an excellent and positive relationship (0.779) between these variables.
 
 Received: 22 March 2023 / Accepted: 11 June 2023 / Published: 5 July 2023

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 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..

Fear, Loneliness, Happiness and Mental Health in the Post-COVID-19 Period: A Cross-Cultural Study in a Sample of Japanese and Polish University Students.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal relations were highly constrained due to the social distancing rules and sanitary restrictions imposed to prevent the transmission of the virus. These social changes gave rise to ever-deepening experiences of loneliness, deterioration of mental well-being, and fear of COVID-19, which affected the citizens of all the countries struggling with the pandemic. The present paper reports the results of a study on mental health, interdependent happiness, loneliness and fear of COVID-19 in Polish and Japanese university students. A total of 180 people (83 Poles and 97 Japanese) aged 19-41 participated in the study. The participants were surveyed using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form to assess three dimensions of mental health; the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale to measure loneliness; the Interdependent Happiness Scale based on the concept of a relational sense of community with others as associated with well-being, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). The respondents were also asked one question about their subjectively perceived economic status. The largest cross-cultural difference in the investigated variables concerned fear of COVID-19. The Japanese university students showed higher levels of this fear. The level of fear of COVID-19 in the group of women, regardless of the culture they came from, was not associated with any other variables we analyzed. In the Japanese sample, it was negatively correlated with interdependent happiness, and in the Polish sample, fear od COVID-19 was only correlated with the Social dimension of Mental Health. Other variables that differentiated the two nationalities, though to a lesser extent, were the Social dimension of Mental Health, which was higher in the Japanese sample, and the Psychological dimension of Social Health, with higher scores in the Polish sample. The power of mental resources, although it may vary among individuals, is independent of culture. Regardless of the level of fear of COVID-19 in the two cultures, the examined mental resources are positively associated with well-being and the return to normal functioning after the pandemic.

Relationship Between Maternal Fear and Anxiety About COVID-19 and Maternal Role Attainment in Mothers of Preterm Neonates

Background: Mothers of preterm neonates are more concerned about their babies’ health than other mothers, which causes them to be worried and anxious. Meanwhile, the possibility of catching COVID-19 may increase their worries and anxiety and negatively affect their parenting roles. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal fear and anxiety about COVID-19 and maternal role attainment in Iranian mothers with preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted from June to July 2021 in 3 level-III NICUs in Tehran, Iran. The study samples were 211 mothers of preterm neonates who were recruited by convenience sampling. The study data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Coronavirus anxiety scale, the fear of COVID-19 scale, and the maternal role adaptation scale in NICUs. The obtained data were analyzed utilizing the independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software, version 23. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean scores of anxiety, fear, and maternal role attainment were 11.44±3.19, 26.49±5.92, and 57.61±11.95, respectively. There were weak, positive, and significant relationships between anxiety and fear (r=0.385, P<0.001), anxiety and maternal role attainment (r=0.213, P=0.002), and some dimensions: Participation in care, distant mothering, interaction, and growth and development (P<0.05). There were also weak, positive, and significant relationships between fear and maternal role attainment (r=0.204, P=0.003) and some dimensions: Participation in care and growth and development (P<0.05). Conclusion: Considering the relationship between the fear and anxiety of COVID-19 with maternal role attainment and the special importance of this issue in NICUs, evaluating the mental health of mothers with preterm neonates and implementing effective psychological interventions to support them is recommended.

Impact of COVID-19 among otorhinolaryngologists in Malaysia: a cross-sectional online survey

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed the lives of millions of people worldwide, including the lives of healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life, financial implications, and fear of COVID-19 among otorhinolaryngologists in Malaysia at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted for a period of one week from 1 to 7 June 2021 using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Financial Well-Being Scale and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) available at a link sent to potential participants. The study’s target participants were otorhinolaryngology specialists residing and working in Malaysia. Results: A total of 115 participants completed the survey. The majority of them were of the Malay (51.3%) race, of Malaysian (99.1%) nationality, and predominantly female. Most of the respondents were 20–40 years old, working in public hospitals (46.1%). The mean WHOQOL-BREF scores for the physical domain, psychological domain, social domain, and environmental domain were 54.64 ± 12.93, 53.79 ± 11.09, 72.70 ± 20.74, and 67.22 ± 16.32, respectively. The mean CFPB and FVC-19S scores were 54.57 ± 8.47 and 19.13 ± 6.04, respectively. A significant difference between the participants with different lengths of professional experience was observed in the social relationship domain (p = 0.011) and the financial well-being score (p = 0.004). Participants with more than ten years of professional experience had the highest CFPD score (mean ± SD: 58.07 ± 8.65). Conclusion: COVID-19 has affected various domains of the quality of life, financial stability, and fear of COVID-19 across the various groups of otorhinolaryngologists in Malaysia. The findings of this survey identify negative effects and help to plan various strategies to address the issue.

The psychosocial effects of the pandemic Covid-19 between Poles in early, middle and late adulthood

Undoubtedly, a pandemic is a crisis, which means that the lives of those who experience it will never be the same as before. It is certain that many people will suffer negative consequences, although observation alone does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm their occurrence. Therefore, it was decided to conduct research aimed at understanding the differences in the psychosocial effects of the pandemic between Poles in early, middle and late adulthood. Almost 300 people (n = 298) participated in the study conducted with the use of several research tools: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale in the Polish adaptation of Lewicka-Zelent and Czerski, the DJGLS Scale (in the Polish adaptation of P. Grygel, G. Humenny, S. Rbisz, P. witaj and J. Sikorska-Grygiel), the General Mood Scale and the Wojciszke and Barya Emotions Questionnaire, as well as the questionnaire by A. Lewicka-Zelent. The conducted analyzes proved that there are statistically significant differences between the compared groups of adults, especially in the severity of fear of COVID-19, experienced mood and emotions.

Development and validation of a COVID-19 risk perception scale in Peru.

Motivation for the study. Risk perception of COVID-19 is a construct that varies according to the characteristics of the population in each geographic area; however, there is no validated scale to measure this construct in the Peruvian population. Main findings. A COVID-19 risk perception scale composed of two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) was designed and validated using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Implications. Having a valid and reliable instrument will help identify the variation of risk perception of COVID-19 according to contextual and psychological factors in the Peruvian population. . To develop and validate a risk perception scale for COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) in the Peruvian population. Psychometric cross-sectional study conducted in 2022. In phase 1, in order to design the scale, we carried out a theoretical review and a documentary review of scales, we also used focus groups as well as an expert panel. Phase 2 included expert judgment and a pilot test. A virtual survey was conducted among 678 Peruvian adults during phase 3. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out as well. We used a correlational analysis (Pearson's r) with a valid risk perception scale and the COVID-19 fear scale to determine criterion validity. The PR-COVID-19-PE has two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) and showed good fit during construct validity (x2/gl=2.34, Comparative Fit Index=0.96, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation= 0.05 and Standardized Root Mean-Square=0.07) and optimal internal consistency (ώ=0.88). Likewise, the PR-COVID-19-PE showed correlation with another COVID-19 risk perception scale (r=0.70, p< 0.001) and a fear of COVID-19 scale (r=0.41, p<0.001). In addition, it presents metric and scalar invariance by both sex and educational level. The PR-COVID-19-PE scale showed adequate reliability and content, construct and criterion validity. It is an instrument that can measure COVID-19 risk perception in similar populations. However, further studies are required for different populations.

Health Literacy, Resilience and COVID-19 fear among Indonesian Survivors: Does age matter?

Research on COVID-19 survivors is an emergent issue to be discussed since comprehensive knowledge needs to be obtained. Hence, an investigation of aspects related to health information management and psychological constructs among survivors is a necessity. The main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between health literacy, resilience, and COVID-19 fear among survivors. 245 COVID-19 survivors aged 14 to 67 years old (M=30.22; SD=12.707) completed the Health Literacy Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale in this study. Results of statistical analysis using PROCESS showed that among Indonesian survivors, resilience plays a full mediating role in the relationship between health literacy and COVID-19 fear. Furthermore, participants were then divided into three age groups. It was found that each age group presented different conditions regarding the relationships between those three variables. This study shows important findings about the importance of considering age in developing healthcare policy.

Impact of closed management on gastrointestinal function and mental health of Chinese university students during COVID-19

BackgroundThe innovative closed management of universities may have influenced the physical and mental health of students during the fourth stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The study aimed to assess the gastrointestinal and mental health status of students in this stage and to explore the possible risk factors and mechanisms to provide a reference for future school responses to similar stressful events.MethodA multicenter, cross-sectional survey was administered to 598 college students from 10 Chinese universities. The study used the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19 S), and the Diagnostic Tendency of Functional Bowel Disease Scale (DT-FBD) to evaluate anxiety, depression, fear of COVID-19 and likelihood of being diagnose diagnosed with functional bowel disease (FBD), respectively.ResultsA total of 516 college students completed the questionnaire. The proportions of students with more severe anxiety, more severe depression, greater fear of COVID-19, and a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with FBD were 49.8%, 57.0%, 49%, and 49%, respectively. These symptoms were significantly and positively correlated with the frequency of irregular sleep and eating (p < 0.05). Students in high-risk areas were more likely to experience anxiety and depression than students in areas with low/medium risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–3.24, p = 0.017; OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.11–4.11, p = 0.022). A high likelihood of being diagnosed with FBD was positively associated with the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms and fear of COVID-19 (all p < 0.001). Moreover, mediation analysis revealed the following pathway in college students: fear of COVID-19 → depression and anxiety → poor diet → likelihood of being diagnosed with FBD.ConclusionCollege students generally exhibited higher more severe anxiety and depression symptoms and psychological symptoms with a greater higher propensity likelihood of being to be diagnosed with FBD. Good lifestyle habits, especially adequate sleep and a regular diet, can alleviate these problems. In addition, appropriate psychological intervention is very important.

Anxiety and Fear Levels of Confirmed&amp;Possible COVID-19 Cases Isolated at Home

Aim: This study aimed to determine anxiety and fear levels of confirmed and possible COVID-19 cases isolated at home and the influencing factors. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 387 confirmed and possible cases in a province in southern Turkey between January-June 2021. The data were collected online via the snowball method using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Results: Of the participants, 50.9% were “confirmed COVID-19 cases” and 49.1% were “possible COVID-19 cases”. It was determined that COVID-19 anxiety was low and fear of COVID-19 was high. COVID-19 anxiety was 2.57 times greater in women, 2.51 times greater in those whose educational level was primary school and below, 2.63 times greater in those living with others at home, and 1.93 times greater in those who had no room to go into isolation at home alone. Fear of COVID-19 was 2.62 times greater in those with low educational levels and 1.82 times greater in those who were married (p&amp;lt;0.05). Women’s fear of COVID-19 was on the statistical significance margin (OR=1.62; 95% CI:0.99-2.62, p=0.051). Conclusion: Confirmed and possible COVID-19 cases have low anxiety and high fear. Disadvantaged groups like women, those with low educational levels and those with inappropriate home conditions for isolation have more apparent anxiety and fear. It is recommended that COVID-19 fear of confirmed and possible cases followed at home be brought to a realistic level.

The role of frailty on quality of life in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of frailty, a physiological state characterized by reduced reserve for stressors and related to worse outcomes, on older adults during the pandemic is unclear. Our aim was to identify the effects of frailty among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 197 older adults who were not exposed to COVID-19 were assessed with an online survey one year after the pandemic began in Turkey. Frailty, quality of life, and fear of COVID-19 were assessed with the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Nottingham Health Profile, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, respectively. Since March 2020, changes in pain severity and localization, fatigue, and fear of falling were assessed. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. In this study, 62.5% of the participants were frail. The prevalence of pain was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but only among the frail. The increases in pain severity, fear of falling, and fatigue were significantly higher for the frail than the non-frail. The model including physical and psychological components of frailty and pain severity explained 49% of the variation in quality of life (R = 0.696; R2 = 0.485; p < 0.001). The physical component of frailty had the highest impact on quality of life (B = 20.591; β = 0.334). This study focused on negative outcomes that were experienced more by frail older adults compared to non-frail older adults when they were locked down at home for an extended period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to quickly improve and maintain the health of these affected individuals.

Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivePatients with gynecological cancer commonly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to cope with the disease. However, despite the existence of treatment strategies, the effect of fear and anxiety caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on attitudes about CAM use is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of fear and anxiety experienced by patients with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic on their attitudes towards the use of CAM. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that included 177 women with gynecological cancer; participants were recruited from a social networking site for cancer patients in Turkey between June and December 2021. Data were collected using an online survey that included the Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Attitude Towards Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson’s correlation test, and simple linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. ResultsDuring the pandemic, 55.4% of the participants reported using CAM methods, but only 22.6% were using CAM before the pandemic. The participants who used CAM during the pandemic also scored higher on the fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety scales (20.69 ± 5.37 and 13.09 ± 6.29, respectively) compared to the participants who did not use CAM (9.29 ± 2.72 and 6.35 ± 2.06, respectively). Fear of COVID-19 accounted for 52% of the CAM attitude score, while coronavirus anxiety accounted for 15% of the CAM attitude score. Fear of COVID-19 and coronavirus anxiety together accounted for 53% of CAM attitude. ConclusionGynecological cancer patients with high levels of COVID-19-related anxiety and fear during the pandemic used CAM more. Given that the psychological effects of the pandemic will continue in the coming years, CAM use should be evaluated as a coping strategy, especially due to the COVID-19-related anxiety and fear experienced by patients with gynecological cancer. While the rational and effective CAM methods should be supported, strategies should be developed to prevent misuse of CAM and its interference in prescribed medical treatments.Please cite this article as: Uslu-Sahan F, Yesilcınar I, Kurt G, Hancer E, Guvenc G. Effects of COVID-19 fear and anxiety on attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use in women with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4): 377–384.

Psychometric Performance of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Its Validation in Czechia

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to people’s lives, causing high levels of anxiety, distress, and fear. In response, the “Fear of COVID-19” scale (FCV-19S) was developed in 2020 to measure the severity of fears related to COVID-19. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Czech version of the FCV-19S, which was administered to a representative sample of 1372 participants, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. The sample reflects the structure of a theoretical population aged 15–74 years and is composed of 50% males and 50% females. Moreover, univariate statistics were calculated, internal consistency was tested, and uni-dimensionality based on principal component analysis was performed. In addition, univariate statistical analyses were performed, internal consistency was tested, and univariate consistency was also assessed using principal component analysis. CFA indicated that the scale demonstrated very good standard indices; FCV-19S showed a high level of internal consistency, and it adequately differentiated the levels of fear among diverse subpopulations. The findings suggest that the Czech version of the FCV-19S is a valid and reliable instrument that has robust psychometric properties and can, therefore, be recommended for use in research. The availability of the Czech version of the FCV-19S will contribute to assessments of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Czech population, providing valuable information in guiding interventions aimed at reducing the negative psychological impacts of the pandemic.

COVID-19-Related Fear and Mental Distress Among Tunisian Primary, Middle and High School Teachers: Prevalence and Predictive Factors.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress among teachers in public schools of Southern Tunisia. This was a cross sectional study among a representative sample of 525 teachers. The level of Fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). A high level was defined as an FCV-19S ≥ 22. Kessler 6 (K6) was performed to predict serious mental distress. Serious mental distress was defined as a K6 score ≥ 13. The prevalence rates of high level of fear of COVID-19 and serious mental distress were 32.8% and 63.8%, respectively. Independent factors associated with a high level of fear of COVID-19 were female gender (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.6 [1.1-2.5]), chronic disease (AOR=1.6 [1.1-2.4]), home-living children (AOR=3.3 [1.4-7.8]), and poor material working conditions (AOR=1.5 [1.2-2.1]). The high level of fear of COVID-19 (AOR=3.1 [1.8-5.1]) was independently associated with serious mental distress. Living in a rural area (AOR=0.4 [0.3-0.8]), previous COVID-19 infection (AOR=0.5 [0.4-0.8]) and going to school on foot (AOR=0.3 [0.2-0.51]) were independently associated with a lower prevalence of serious mental distress.

COVID-19 fear, vaccination hesitancy, and vaccination status in pregnant and breastfeeding women in Turkey.

This study aimed to determine the level of COVID-19 fear, vaccination, and vaccination hesitancy as well as the affecting factors in pregnant and breastfeeding women who participated in an online prenatal education in Turkey. The study, which was designed as descriptive cross-sectional, was conducted online with 360 pregnant and breastfeeding women from Istanbul. Data were collected through the Participant Information Form, Fear of COVID-19 Scale and Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics. The rate of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine is 65.6%. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 16.215.54, and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemics mean score was 29.294.54. The COVID-19 fear of the women participating in this study was moderate, the level of vaccination hesitancy was low, and two-thirds of them were vaccinated. There is a need to organize special counseling and vaccination campaigns for pregnant and lactating women.