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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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04-05-2020 | Mood Disorders | Brief Report

Validation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Italian Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale

Authors: Paolo Soraci, Ambra Ferrari, Francesco A. Abbiati, Elena Del Fante, Rosanna De Pace, Antonino Urso, Mark D. Griffiths

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Background

The advent of COVID-19 worldwide has led to consequences for people’s health, both physical and psychological, such as fear and anxiety. This is the case in Italy, one of the countries most affected by the pandemic. Given the heightened fear concerning COVID-19 in Italy., the present study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S).

Methods

The sample comprised 250 Italian participants who were administered Italian versions of the FCV-19S, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Severity Measure for Specific Phobia–Adult (SMSP-A). Several psychometric tests were performed to investigate the validity and reliability of the test including confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Analysis of the data showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics and confirmed the scale’s unidimensional properties. The seven FCV-19S items had acceptable correlations with the test total (from .443 to .784). Furthermore, the loadings on the factor were significant and strong (from .684 to .897). The internal consistency was very good (α = .871). Construct validity for the FCV-19S was supported by significant and positive correlations with the HADS (r=.649) and SMSP-A (r=.703).

Conclusions

The Italian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale is valid and reliable in assessing fear of COVID-19 among the general Italian population.

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Title: Validation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Italian Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
Authors: Paolo Soraci
Ambra Ferrari
Francesco A. Abbiati
Elena Del Fante
Rosanna De Pace
Antonino Urso
Mark D. Griffiths
Publication date: 04-05-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00277-1

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Validation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Italian Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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