Personal growth initiative moderates the mediating effect of COVID-19 preventive behaviors between fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life

Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the Empathy Quotient- 8 in Turkish university students

BACKGROUND

Empathy is an important psychological construct that plays a significant role in social interactions, mental health, and well-being. Despite the significance of empathy in psychological research and mental health, there is a lack of validated and concise measures available in Turkish.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the eight-item Empathy Quotient (EQ- 8) in Turkish university students, assessing its reliability, convergent validity, and factor structure. Therefore, we seek to determine its suitability for use in psychological and mental health research within Turkish-speaking populations.

METHODS

We collected the data from two groups. The data of the first group (N = 198) was used to test the factor structure of the EQ- 8 by randomly splitting the data into two halves. The first half was used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the second half was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while the second group (N = 47) was carried out to test the reliability of EQ- 8.

RESULTS

The results of the EFA and CFA yielded a one-factor solution for the EQ- 8. The internal consistency reliability was found to be good in both subsamples. Test-retest reliability was established as.86. As to the convergent validity, the scores on EQ- 8 were significantly positively related to the scores of the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide support for the Turkish version of the EQ- 8 as a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring empathy. These results contribute to cross-cultural research and the evaluation of interventions targeting empathy.

Understanding the Relationships Between Fear of COVID-19, Depression, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction in Türkiye: Testing Mediation and Moderation Effects

AIM

This study examined the mediating roles of depression and various dimensions of loneliness (family, social, and romantic) in the associations between COVID-19 fear and satisfaction with life. Additionally, the research investigated how the economic impact of COVID-19, family income, gender, and marital status may moderate these associations.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive design.

METHODS

An online survey was conducted in Türkiye. 1702 participants completed self-report measures assessing COVID-19 fear, depression, social, emotional, and romantic loneliness, and satisfaction with life.

RESULTS

The findings revealed positive associations between COVID-19 fear and depression, along with negative relationships between COVID-19 fear and family, social, and romantic loneliness. Depression was identified as a mediator in the relationship between COVID-19 fear and the different components of loneliness. These loneliness components, in turn, influenced life satisfaction. Furthermore, the study found significant moderation effects related to the economic impact of COVID-19 restrictions, family income, marital status, and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence about the psychological mechanisms linking COVID-19 fear to life satisfaction. It highlights the mediating role of depression and the moderating effects of demographic and economic factors. The findings emphasise the need for targeted mental health interventions, particularly addressing the varied impact of COVID-19 fear across different social and economic groups. This evidence can inform strategies aimed at improving life satisfaction during periods of social and economic disruption.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study has no direct patient involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting. However, it contributes to public health by providing evidence about the psychological impacts of COVID-19, which may inform future interventions and mental health support strategies.

Fear of COVID-19, traumatic growth, and traumatic stress symptoms: the mediating role of basic psychological needs

Although COVID-19 brought many negative psychological consequences, many people also experienced psychological growth. The present study investigated why this happened and hypothesized that self-determination theory's (SDT's) basic psychological needs (BPNs) may play a role in this explanation. Based on SDT, this cross-sectional study hypothesized that both the satisfaction and frustration of BPNs mediated the associations between fear of COVID-19, post-traumatic growth (PTG), and post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. A sample of 391 Peruvian adults (70.6% women; Mage  = 35.04, age range between 18 and 84) responded to several valid and reliable questionnaires: Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV.19S); Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS); Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R); Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). The results showed that need satisfaction mediated the negative association between fear of COVID-19 and PTG, and need frustration mediated the positive association between fear of COVID-19 and PTG. In addition, a direct effect was found from fear of COVID-19 toward PTS symptoms. The results showed the importance of considering SDT's BPNs in explaining PTG and PTS after experiencing fear of COVID-19.

Associations between fear of COVID-19 and mental health in Ghana: A sequential mediation model

Introduction

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ceased globally, individuals may still suffer from various psychological burdens in the post-COVID-19 era. The present observational cross-sectional study investigated how fear of COVID-19 can affect mental health through mediators including stress, perceived stigma, and preventive behaviors among young adults in Ghana.

Methods

A total of 635 participants aged between 18 and 29 years (mean age = 20.2 years [SD = 2.04]) were recruited to complete measures of COVID-19 fear, stress, perceived stigma, preventive behaviors, and mental health status from June to August 2022.

Results

Results from structural equation modeling found that (i) fear of COVID-19 was associated with stress and perceived stigma (standardized coefficients [βs] = 0.518 and 0.148, p-values < 0.001), (ii) stress and perceived stigma were associated with frequency of preventive behaviors (β = 0.173, p < 0.001 for stress; -0.100, p < 0.05 for perceived stigma), and (iii) preventive behaviors were associated with mental health status (β = 0.118, p < 0.01). Stress and preventive behavior (β = 0.009, 95%CI: 0.000, 0.003) and perceived stigma and preventive behavior (β = -0.007, 95%CI: -0.283, -0.020) were significant mediators in the association between fear of COVID-19 and mental health.

Discussion

The findings suggest that fear of COVID-19 may affect mental health through multiple pathways. Health professionals should provide comprehensive mental health interventions that address various influences regarding fear of COVID-19. Further research that examines the relationships between COVID-19-related variables and various health conditions is needed in the post-COVID-19 era to help develop different preventive and therapy measures.

Comparison of stress, anxiety and depression levels of health, education and security sector employees: The effect of psychological resilience

This study compared the stress, anxiety and depression levels in employees working in the health, education and security sectors. The study also investigated the effect of psychological resilience on stress, anxiety, and depression levels and whether the stress, anxiety, depression and psychological resilience levels of employees differ according to occupational and demographic variables. In this cross-sectional study, 1222 employees participated, comprising 50.8% from the health sector, 37.7% from education, and 11.5% from security. Data were collected using the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale-21 and the Brief Resilience Scale. The study revealed varying rates of severe stress (49.1%), anxiety (74.0%), and depression (53.2%) among participants. Health employees experienced higher stress (52.1%), anxiety (77.0%), and depression (58%) rates compared to those in education (46.4%, 72.4%, and 48.4%) and security sectors (44.3%, 66.4%, and 48.5%). Health employees exhibited higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels, signifying a significant difference. Furthermore, the research identified psychological resilience as a crucial predictor of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, these mental health issues were more prevalent among younger individuals with less work experience, females, private sector employees, singles, and those without children. The findings of the study showed that the level of stress, anxiety and depression was high in employees working in all three sectors (health, education and security), but mental problems were more common in health employees. The fact that psychological resilience is a significant predictor of stress, anxiety and depression levels indicates that this factor should be taken into account.

One-year predictors of PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression in SARS-CoV-2 survivors: psychological flexibility and major life events as main predictive factors

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic held considerable health-related outcomes worldwide, including mental health challenges, with elevated risk of psychiatric sequelae.

Methods

This study aimed to test the longitudinal (1 year) predictive role of psychosocial factors on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 survivors (N = 209 at T1; N = 61; attrition rate 70.83%), through Pearson's correlation analyses and longitudinal multiple regression analyses. Participants (age M = 35.4, SD = 10.1) completed online self-report questionnaires of psychosocial variables, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Results

Depression and anxiety symptoms were increased, and 42% of survivors presented clinically meaningful PTSD symptoms. PTSD symptoms were longitudinally predicted by having children (β = 0.32, p < 0.01), number of recent major life events (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), and psychological flexibility (β = -0.36, p < 0.01). Number of major life events (β = 0.29, p < 0.05) and psychological flexibility (β = -0.29, p < 0.05) predicted anxiety. Number of recent major life events (β = 0.32, p < 0.01) was the sole predictor of depressive symptoms.

Discussion

Psychosocial variables contribute to the long-term harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychopathological symptoms. These results suggest that, during the pandemic, mental health was impacted by both socio-contextual factors and individual self-regulatory skills, namely the ability to respond flexibily to contextual cues and guide behavior according to the direct experience. Specifically, results point out the importance of societal incentives to reduce parental burden and socioeconomic losses, as well as to promote adaptive psychological skills such as psychological flexibility.

Mediating roles of meaning in life and psychological flexibility in the relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress in teachers

Employees may experience stress in the workplace for various reasons. Psychological strengths may help them to cope with emerging challenges and foster mental health and work productivity. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and psychological flexibility in the relationships between perceived occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance and psychological distress. This cross-section study included 554 teachers (56.0% males; Mage = 36.99 ± 7.88 years) at all school levels in Türkiye. The research data was collected through a convenience sampling method using an online survey. Participants completed self-report measures of meaning in life, psychological flexibility, perceived occupational stress, job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Pearson product-moment correlation and parallel mediation model using PROCESS macro (Model 4) were utilized to analyze the data. The results showed that perceived occupational stress had a significant effect on meaning in life, psychological flexibility, job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Also, meaning in life and psychological flexibility had significant effects on job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. Furthermore, meaning in life and psychological flexibility partially mediated the relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction, job performance, and psychological distress. These findings highlight the significance of considering meaning in life and psychological flexibility as crucial factors in mitigating the impact of occupational stress on employee mental health and work productivity. By focusing on enhancing employees' sense of meaning and their ability to adapt flexibly to workplace challenges, organizations can potentially create a better environment that fosters positive outcomes for both employees and the organization. However, the impact of occupational stress on job performance, job satisfaction and psychological distress may change over time. To address this concern, future research should test the model through a longitudinal study design.

Factors correlated with personal growth initiative among college students: A meta-analysis

In higher education, Personal growth initiative (PGI) has been the focus of attention, personal growth initiative is a fundamental mechanism for individual advancement, equipping college students with the resilience to navigate obstacles and bolstering self-enhancement. The present study comprehensively synthesizes existing research on the factors correlated with personal growth initiative among collegiate populations, aims to identify all correlated factors of college students' personal growth initiative, and the level of correlation. A systematic search was conducted through Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, JSTOR, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library, as well as manually search in Google Schalor, spanning to collate research on college students' personal growth initiative. Quantitative synthesis was performed using STATA 17, while sensitivity was tested using a change effect model approach and publication bias was assessed employing Egger's test. After applying the Bonferroni correction, this study found that 18 factors were significantly positively correlated with college students' personal growth initiative, including 4 high-level correlated factors, 10 medium-level correlated factors, and 4 low-level correlated factors, as well as 4 factors were significantly negatively correlated, including 1 medium-level correlated factor and 3 low-level correlated factors. These findings offer valuable insights into personal growth initiative among college students, and the reference for educators and institutional leaders aiming to foster personal growth initiative for college student self-development.

Psychometric properties of the wellbeing literacy 6-item scale in Chinese military academy cadets

Background

Positive psychology is a vibrant field of study, and conceptualizations of the components of well-being have received a great deal of attention from researchers. The study of well-being literacy thus provides an innovative perspective for enhancing and sustaining individuals' experiences of well-being.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the wellbeing literacy 6-item (Well-Lit 6) scale in Chinese military academy cadets.

Methods

A total of 3,218 undergraduate students from five military academies in China were recruited to complete questionnaires online.

Results

(1) The items of the scale showed high discrimination; (2) The alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.986 and the split-half reliability was 0.981, indicating high homogeneous reliability and split-half reliability; (3) The scale model fitted well and displayed structural validity; (4) The correlation between well-being literacy and related indicators was significant, and the calibration correlation and convergent-discriminant validity of the scale were high; (5) After gradually adding demographic variables, known predictors factors and well-being literacy, the ∆R2 for subjective well-being, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety ranged from 0.036 to 0.067, 0.184 to 0.340, and 0.009 to 0.017, respectively, showing high incremental validity; (6) the total well-being literacy scores differed significantly by gender, grade, and parenting style.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the Well-Lit 6 is reliable and valid in predicting and accessing the subjective well-being, life satisfaction, emotion regulation, and psychological resilience of Chinese military academy cadets.

Positive and negative aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of US adults: an exploratory mixed-methods analysis of online survey data

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound social and economic impact across the United States due to the lockdowns and consequent changes to everyday activities in social spaces.

METHODS

The COVID-19's Unequal Racial Burden (CURB) survey was a nationally representative, online survey of 5,500 American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latino (English- and Spanish-speaking), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, and multiracial adults living in the U.S. For this analysis, we used data from the 1,931 participants who responded to the 6-month follow-up survey conducted between 8/16/2021-9/9/2021. As part of the follow-up survey, participants were asked "What was the worst thing about the pandemic that you experienced?" and "Was there anything positive in your life that resulted from the pandemic?" Verbatim responses were coded independently by two coders using open and axial coding techniques to identify salient themes, definitions of themes, and illustrative quotes, with reconciliation across coders. Chi-square tests were used to estimate the association between sociodemographics and salient themes.

RESULTS

Commonly reported negative themes among participants reflected disrupted lifestyle/routine (27.4%), not seeing family and friends (9.8%), and negative economic impacts (10.0%). Positive themes included improved relationships (16.9%), improved financial situation (10.1%), and positive employment changes (9.8%). Differences in themes were seen across race-ethnicity, gender, and age; for example, adults ≥ 65 years old, compared to adults 18-64, were more likely to report disrupted routine/lifestyle (37.6% vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001) as a negative aspect of the pandemic, and Spanish-speaking Latino adults were much more likely to report improved relationships compared to other racial-ethnic groups (31.1% vs. 14.8-18.6%, p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

Positive and negative experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic varied widely and differed across race-ethnicity, gender, and age. Future public health interventions should work to mitigate negative social and economic impacts and facilitate posttraumatic growth associated with pandemics.

Translation and psychometric properties of the Mandarin Chinese version of the COVID-19 Impact Scale in college students

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant long psychological impacts that require a novel measurement tool to capture the changes in such impacts. To this end, the COVID-19 Impact Scale (CIS) was developed as an instrument to evaluate psychological responses associated with the pandemic, and has shown evidence of a one-factor structure. The CIS was initially created using an Korea University students sample, and has since been translated and validated in Turkish. A total of 504 College students, aged 17-25, took part in the study from two universities in Jinan, located in Shandong Province, Eastern China, via an online survey platform. They were administered the Chinese versions of the following self-report instruments: Mandarin Chinese CIS, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Satisfaction With Life Scale. Moreover, a sample of 86 participants who provided their contact information and agreed to participate in the second-round survey were asked to reassess using the Mandarin Chinese CIS after a period of 3 weeks following the initial testing. Results showed that Mandarin Chinese CIS had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Additionally, the Mandarin Chinese CIS presented good criterion validity and estimates of convergent validity and incremental validity. In confirmatory factor analysis, the one-factor model showed an acceptable fit after incorporating correlations between error terms. Our findings suggest that the Mandarin Chinese CIS is a reliable and valid self-report tool that demonstrates robust psychometric properties and acceptable construct validity when used with a Chinese university students.

Profiles and predictors of mental health of university students in Hong Kong under the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigated the mental health problems of university students in Hong Kong and related sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors under the pandemic. A total of 978 undergraduate students (mean age = 20.69 ± 1.61) completed an online questionnaire measuring sociodemographic factors, psychological morbidity, positive well-being, COVID-19 related stress and self-efficacy, and positive psychosocial attributes. Psychosocial risk factors included psychological morbidity, COVID-19 related stress, and difficulties encountered under the pandemic, whereas protective factors comprised pandemic related self-efficacy, positive psychological attributes, positive environmental factors, need satisfaction and positive perception toward service. Results showed that psychological morbidity in the participants was widespread, and it was related to sociodemographic factors, particularly family financial difficulties. While pandemic related stress positively predicted psychological morbidity and negatively predicted well-being indicators, COVID-19 self-efficacy showed an opposite effect. Besides, positive psychological attributes (resilience, emotional competence, and positive beliefs related to adversity) and environmental factors (healthy family functioning, peer support, and supportive community atmosphere) negatively predicted psychological morbidity and positively predicted well-being. Furthermore, need satisfaction and positive perception toward service were negatively associated with psychological morbidity and positively associated with well-being, while perceived difficulties showed an opposite effect.

Art-of-Living Intervention Imparted Through a Blended Learning Approach to Nurture Positivity Among Pakistan's University Students During COVID-19: A Growth Curve Analysis

Art-of-living allows individuals to live a contemplative, mindful, and active life to attain well-being. This study demonstrates the development and implementation of an art-of-living training intervention to nurture positivity among Pakistan's university students during COVID-19. To ensure the efficacy of teaching and learning during the second wave of the pandemic, the intervention was imparted through a blended learning approach comprising two modes: (1) online learning and (2) offline personal and collaborative learning. This approach was based on the emotionalized learning experiences (ELE) format to make learning more engaging, permanent, and gratifying. The study comprised 243 students randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 122) and a wait-list control group (n = 121). Growth curve analysis indicated that positivity together with the components of art-of-living-self-efficacy, savoring, social contacts, physical care, and meaning-and overall art-of-living increased at a greater rate in the experimental group than in the control group from pretest to posttest and from posttest to follow-up measurement. The analysis provided an all-encompassing view of how positivity developed in the two groups over time. There were significant variations in participants' initial status (intercepts) and growth trajectories (slopes). The influence of participants' initial positivity scores suggested that students with high initial positivity scores had a slower increase in linear growth, whereas those with low initial positivity scores had a faster increase in linear growth over time. The success of the intervention may be attributed to the dimensions of ELE-embodied in the two modes-and fidelity to intervention for effectively implementing the blended learning approach.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-023-00664-0.

The relationships of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience with depression, anxiety, and stress among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A two-wave longitudinal study in Shandong Province, China

INTRODUCTION

Studies have shown that the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to long-term health problems; therefore, more attention should be paid to the mental health of university students. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal effects of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience on the mental health of Chinese college students during COVID-19.

METHODS

We recruited 2,948 university students from five universities in Shandong Province. We used a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to estimate the impact of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience on mental health.

RESULTS

In the follow-up survey, the prevalence of anxiety (44.8% at T1 vs 41.2% at T2) and stress (23.0% at T1 vs 19.6% at T2) decreased over time, whereas the prevalence of depression (35.2% at T1 vs 36.9% at T2) increased significantly (P < 0.001). Senior students were more likely to report depression (OR = 1.710, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.815, P = 0.019), and stress (OR = 1.385, P = 0.011). Among all majors, medical students were most likely to report depression (OR = 1.373, P = 0.021), anxiety (OR = 1.310, P = 0.040), and stress (OR = 1.775, P < 0.001). Students who wore a mask outside were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.761, P = 0.027) and anxiety (OR = 0.686, P = 0.002) compared to those who did not wear masks. Students who complied with the standard hand-washing technique were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.628, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.701, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.638, P < 0.001). Students who maintained a distance of one meter in queues were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.668, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.634, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.638, P < 0.001). Psychological resilience was a protective factor against depression (OR = 0.973, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.980, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.976, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The prevalence of depression among university students increased at follow-up, while the prevalence of anxiety and stress decreased. Senior students and medical students are vulnerable groups. University students should continue to follow relevant preventive behaviors to protect their mental health. Improving psychological resilience may help maintain and promote university students' mental health.

Mediating effect of work stress in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and nurses' organizational and professional turnover intentions

Nursing is one of the most stressful and high-risk professions. It is important to identify the psychological problems experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the relationship between these problems to devise measures that can properly address them. This study examined mediating effect of work stress in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and nurses' organizational and professional turnover intentions. Using a cross-sectional research design, this study was conducted on 486 nurses working in seven hospitals in Turkey. The mean age of the participants was 35.24 ± 6.81 and 59.9 % of them were women. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the General Work Stress Scale, and the Turnover Intention Scale were used to collect data. A mediation model showed that fear of COVID-19 was positively associated with work stress and organizational and professional turnover intentions. The model also revealed that work stress was positively associated with organizational and professional turnover intentions. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that fear of COVID-19 did not only have a direct effect on organizational and professional turnover intentions but also had an indirect effect on it via increased work stress. Findings improve our understanding of the role of work stress in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and organizational and professional turnover intentions. The findings are fruitful for tailoring and implementing intervention programs to reduce the adverse psychological impacts of COVID-19 on nurses.

Satisfaction With Life Among Vaccinated Turkish People

Abstract. Introduction: Past research has shown that psychological and behavioral factors, including anxiety, fear, and preventive behaviors, are related to well-being outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet little is known about the simultaneous effects of those factors in predicting satisfaction with life among vaccinated people. Methods: This cross-sectional study is among the first to examine whether COVID-19 anxiety, fear of COVID-19, and preventive behaviors predicted satisfaction with life among the vaccinated general public in Turkey. Participants were 1,017 Turkish adults (69.71% female; mean age = 36.28, SD = 10.83 years) who completed online self-reported questionnaires. Results: Results showed that increased levels of anxiety and fear of COVID-19 significantly predicted reduced satisfaction with life over and above the effects of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Discussion: The findings suggest the importance of tailoring and implementing interventions focusing on the improvement of the well-being of people during the pandemic.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and dietary changes according to the fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the implementation of restrictions to reduce transmission worldwide. The restrictions and measures have affected the psychological health and eating habits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate dietary habits, lifestyle changes, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and fear of COVID-19 in Turkey during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey of socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle habits was used for data collection. The fear of COVID-19 levels of the participants was determined by the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to evaluate participants' adherence to the MD. The differences between the FCV-19S and MEDAS according to gender were compared. Eight hundred and twenty subjects (76⋅6 % women and 28⋅4 % men) were evaluated within the study. The mean of MEDAS (ranged between 0 and 12) was 6⋅4 ± 2⋅1, and almost half of the participants moderately adhered to the MD. The mean of FCV-19S (ranged between 7 and 33) was 16⋅8 ± 5⋅7, while women's FCV-19S and MEDAS were significantly higher than men's (P < 0⋅001). The consumption of sweetened cereals, grains, pasta, homemade bread and pastries of the respondents with high FCV-19S were higher than in those with low FCV-19S. High FCV-19S was also characterized by decreased take-away food and fast food consumption in approximately 40 % of the respondents (P < 0⋅01). Similarly, women's fast food and take-away food consumption decreased more than men's (P < 0⋅05). In conclusion, the respondents' food consumption and eating habits varied according to the fear of COVID-19.