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

<b>Purpose:</b> 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. <b>Patients and methods:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> Bivariable linear regression results demonstrated that being a woman (<i>p</i> < 0.05), being unemployed (<i>p</i> < 0.05), having depression (<i>p</i> < 0.001), having low self-esteem (<i>p</i> < 0.05), experiencing loneliness (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and having feelings of self-stigma (<i>p</i> < 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusion:</b> Clinicians and policymakers should consider the predictors identified in this study when designing interventions to reduce FC among IWSs.