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Predictors of the Fear of COVID-19 in Individuals with Schizophrenia: a Prospective Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: The fear of COVID-19 can result in psychological distress and mental health problems.Individuals with schizophrenia (IWSs) are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19.This study with a 1-year follow-up examined whether individual characteristics (sociodemographic characteristics, schizophrenia symptoms, depression, and self-esteem) or factors related to individual-environmental interaction (self-stigma, loneliness, and perceived social support) predicted the level of fear of COVID-19 (FC) among IWSs.Patients and methods: In total, 257 IWSs (out of an initial pool of 300 IWSs) were enrolled, and their baseline data were collected.FC was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale at 1 year after the onset of the study.The associations of baseline factors with FC 1 year later were analyzed using bivariable and multiple linear regression analysis.Results: Bivariable linear regression results demonstrated that being a woman (p < 0.05), being unemployed (p < 0.05), having depression (p < 0.001), having low self-esteem (p < 0.05), experiencing loneliness (p < 0.01), and having feelings of self-stigma (p < 0.001) significantly predicted FC 1 year later.A multiple linear regression model further indicated that having feelings of self-stigma significantly predicted FC 1 year later (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Clinicians and policymakers should consider the predictors identified in this study when designing interventions to reduce FC among IWSs.

Source: International Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.7150/ijms.106953

Authors: Cheng-Fang Yen, Ching-Shu Tsai, Chien-Wen Lin, Ray C. Hsiao, Peng-Wei Wang