Abstract

FERREIRA, Maria; RODRIGUES, Joana; PIMENTA, Filipa  and  PATRAO, Ivone. Validation of the pandemic fatigue scale and its COVID-19-related predictors. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.1, pp.1-13.  Epub Apr 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230101.

Pandemic fatigue poses a threat to both the control of the COVID-19 spread and mental health. Research on this phenomenon is scarce and most studies have used scales that were not developed to assess pandemic fatigue. This study aims to adapt and validate a Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS), as well as describe participants’ pandemic fatigue levels and explore determinants related to the pandemic context. A non-probabilistic sample of 1,854 Portuguese adults (M age = 37.73; SD age = 10.86), mostly women (92.9%), was recruited online through social networks. Participants completed the PFS along with sociodemographic and pandemic-related questions. Sensitivity, construct validity and reliability were estimated, and structural equation modelling was used to explore pandemic fatigue predictors. The scale presented a good fit, good convergent validity, and high internal consistency. Face-to-face work, isolation, significant others’ positive test result and the negative impact of COVID-19-related news predicted higher levels of pandemic fatigue, especially in women, younger people and those who participated during full confinement. The PFS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess pandemic fatigue levels. Factors related to the current pandemic context must be included in this assessment, and interventions should be tailored according to individuals’ characteristics.

Keywords : Pandemic fatigue; COVID-19; Validation; Psychometric properties; Predictors; Adults.

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