The Fear of COVID-19 Scale adaptation and validation

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to adapt and raise evidences of validity based on the internal structure, on the relationship with other variables, and on the content of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in Brazilian Portuguese. We performed the Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the scale, its invariance analysis by gender, and established norms for interpreting the instrument’s scores. Participants were 1,000 adults of both genders. The findings showed all fit indices as satisfactory, confirming the scale’s one-dimensionality and its invariance. Results also demonstrated convergent validity between the FCV-19S and the stress of the subjects. Moreover, the stratification of the intensity of fear (mild, moderate and severe) was determined based on the standardization of scores. We concluded that FCV-19S presents sufficient evidence to support its use to assess the fear of Covid-19S in Brazil.