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An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

DOI

10.35552/0247.37.12.2130

Abstract

Background: Various corona-phobia scales have been constructed to measure the levels of fear related to COVID-19. However, probably these scales were established based on the individualistic perspective, without pay attention to fear for others’ destiny. Objective: The current study is addressing the fear of COVID-19 in light of collectivistic values. Method: The present study constructed and validated a new scale measuring fear of COVID-19 among Palestinians (C-19FSP) based on a sample size of (885) respondents. Further, this study was designed to provide an optimal cut-off score for diagnosing corona-phobia. The study was carried out through two phases using a convenient sampling method and online surveys. Results: Factorial validity using EFA and CFA revealed a consistent and stable structure with a four-factor solution covered 13 items measuring (a) Fear about Others due to COVID-19, (b) F2: Virus Threat and Dangerousness, (c) F3: Pessimism about COVID-19's Course, and (d) F4: Infection Phobia. Based on a cut-off of ≥ 52 on the C-19FSP produced good results regarding sensitivity and specificity (75% and 80% respectively). The AUC equals. 91 (p <  .001, 95% CI =  .88-.93). Age had a significant effect on the fear of the COVID-with a small effect size. Results revealed that those individuals aged more than 53 years old have less fear of COVID-19 compared to younger individuals. Place of residence had also a significant effect on the fear of COVID-19 with a large effect. Citizens from Gaza Strip have more fear of COVID-19 compared to citizens from the West Bank and Jerusalem. In addition, the difference in fear between the citizens from the West Bank and Jerusalem was in favor to those from Jerusalem. Meanwhile, gender, educational level, and marital status had not significant effects on the fear of COVID-19. Conclusion: The C-19FSP proved to be a good measure to identify cases of Coronavirus phobia among Palestinians with moderate accuracy.

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