This study investigates the determinants influencing fear related to COVID-19 and assesses the mediating roles of trust in hospitals, access to healthcare, and government capacity. Using secondary data from the 2020 Latinobarómetro, a sample of 6,816 participants was analyzed through structural equation modeling.
Sociodemographic predictors included sex, age, indigenous language use, discrimination, inequality, and religious practice. Findings indicate that female sex and older age correlate with higher levels of COVID-19 fear, while indigenous language speakers report lower fear levels. Discrimination and social inequality show complex relationships, generally increasing fear experiences.
Trust in hospitals emerged as a significant protective factor, reducing fear, whereas greater access to healthcare was unexpectedly associated with increased fear. Government capacity did not significantly mediate fear responses. Religious practice influenced mediating variables but had no direct effect on fear.
These results align with existing literature on the impact of gender and age on mental health during pandemics and underscore the importance of institutional trust in mitigating anxiety. The study also highlights the nuanced effects of health access and social inequalities on psychological responses.
Practical implications include the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions, targeted support for older adults, and strategies to enhance public trust in health institutions. Addressing discrimination and delivering culturally adapted communication—particularly for indigenous communities—are essential for effective health promotion.
Limitations relate to the cross-sectional design, which restricts causal interpretations, and the reliance on self-reported data.
Overall, this research provides a multifaceted model explaining fear of COVID-19 through sociodemographic and institutional factors, offering actionable insights for public health policy and mental health services in crisis contexts.