Psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version of the FCV-19 scale and assessment of fear of COVID-19 in a Southern Brazilian population

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate and validate the Portuguese version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and also to investigate the association of sociodemographic variables with the FCV-19S scores recorded in a sample of 3,495 women and 1,143 men recruited through a cross-sectional online survey in the population of the State of Parana, Southern Brazil. The statistical analysis indicated that the Portuguese version of the FCV-19S has a unidimensional structure with robust psychometric properties. Besides, the mean score comparison and multiple logistic regression revealed statistically significant differences in gender, age groups, and educational status. These findings can provide a better understanding of the most emotionally vulnerable people in Brazil and assist in planning mental health actions.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychometric
• mental health
• pandemics
• social isolation
• escape reaction

Acknowledgments

We thank all respondents and participants who helped to disseminate this research during the data collection process.

Declaration of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.