Parallel exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the Hungarian Fear of COVID-19 Scale in a large general population sample: a psychometric and dimensionality evaluation – Publication by Péter György Balázs, Ariel Mitev and Valentin Brodszky
Abstract:
Background
This study aims to confirm validity and reliability of the Hungarian version of Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and evaluate its dimensional structure.
Methods
Cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2021 among Hungarian general population. In addition to classical test theory methods, construct dimensionality of FCV-19S was assessed using EFA with principal axis factoring method and CFA with diagonally-weighted least squares estimation. Fear score was compared in age, gender, educational level, vaccination and infection subgroups.
Results
Significant differences in FCV-19S mean scores were observed between three subgroups (age, gender, vaccination). Items showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.88). EFA identified two latent factors (eig = 4.2 and 1.02), though parallel analysis supports the one-factor model. The two-dimensional structure was confirmed by CFA, items 3,4,6,7 correlated with Factor 1 (physiological fear), items 1,2,5 with Factor 2 (emotional fear).
Conclusion
The Hungarian version of FCV-19S seems valid and reliable. The EFA identified two-latent factors (emotional and physiological fear), that was confirmed by CFA. The two-factor structure had better model fit, though its’ acceptance is limited.
Prof. Brodszky Valentin Péter
Egyetemi tanár / Professor
Rektori Szervezet / Társadalom- és Politikatudományi Intézet / Egészségpolitika Tanszék
Dr. Mitev Ariel Zoltán
Egyetemi Tanár / Professor
Rektori Szervezet / Marketing- és Kommunikációtudományi Intézet / Marketingmenedzsment Tanszék
Balázs Péter
Egyetemi Adjunktus / Assistant Professor
Rektori Szervezet / Társadalom- és Politikatudományi Intézet / Egészségpolitika Tanszék