Fear of Covid-19 and Its Associated Factors among Adults in South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: The fear of COVID-19 has become a social problem during the pandemic. Fear is a reaction that has the power to impact many aspects of one's life and health. There have been severe physical, social, behavioural, and psychological effects connected to fear during the Covid-19 pandemic. Aim and Objectives: The present study to find out the prevalence of fear of COVID-19 among members of the general public and examines various factors associated with the fear of COVID-19. Methodology: Data were gathered from cross-sectional population-based studies conducted in June to July 2021 with adults from Tamilnadu from south India. The Fear of Covid-19 scale was used to evaluate fear of Covid19. Exposure variables were socioeconomic, demographic, health and pandemic-related factors. Result(s) A total of 937 subjects were assessed. Higher fear of Covid-19 was found among 69.48% (651) of young adults. The mean score of fear on the Covid-19 scale was 16.91+/- 6.90., 40.34% & 7.36% of them having moderate & high level of fear score respectively. Family member who died due to Covid19 infections are having more fear than others (p<0.05). Conclusion(s) Greater fear of the COVID-19 among the young adults in Tamilnadu, south Indian suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of younger adults should be prioritized. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.