Dimensionality and Measurement Invariance of the 5-Item Coronavirus Fear Scale in Brazilian General Population

Introduction: The COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S) is the most widely used instrument to assess fear of coronaviruses. Although preliminary analyses of the Brazilian–Portuguese version showed promising data for the 7-item version, several studies in Latin America suggest that the 5- and 6-item versions present better psychometric indicators. Objective: To replicate and compare the Brazilian–Portuguese version of the (FCV-5S), studying its homogeneity and dimensionality. Methods: A total of 1003 adults between 18 and 78 voluntarily participated. The data were analyzed through exploratory factorial analysis and structural equations modeling. A Multiple Indicators and Multiples Causes model (MIMIC) was used to check the differential functioning of each item regressed on age. Likewise, Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated for FCV-5S. Finally, as a test of nomological validity, the mean scores and standard deviation between men and women were compared after testing similarity invariance. Results: 73.3% were younger adults (18–44 years old), 71.3% were women, and 59.7% had a university education. The 5-item version (FCV-5S) of the COVID-19 Fear Scale has better goodness-of-fit indicators than the 6-item version for a one-factor structure. FCV-5S accomplish with invariance by gender and partial invariance by age in the general population of Brazil. Conclusions: The FCV-5S has a dimensional structure with partial invariance by gender and age and can be used to assess COVID-19 fear in the general population in Brazil.