Fear of COVID-19 and severity of particular autistic traits in the general population.

INTRODUCTION: A lot of issues have raised since the beginning of the pandemic and doctors had to learn how to deal with increasing problems of stress and anxiety. The new situation was a great threat to one’s safety and some more vulnerable people could experience a higher level of anxiety. Patients with autistic traits might be more prone to it. It is essential to find out who is more exposed and who will require additional care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the level of fear of COVID-19 and explore its possible correlation with the severity of the particular autistic traits in the general population. METHODS: The study was conducted online, utilizing the questionnaire consisting of Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) to assess the severity of autistic traits (social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication and imagination) and questionnaire FCV-19S that was used to assess the level of fear of COVID-19. Access to the questionnaire was possible from 16.02.2021 to 11.06.2021 and 214 unique records were gathered during this period. RESULTS: In the multiple regression (R(2)= 0,16, p<0,0001) a positive relationship between the level of felt fear of COVID-19 and the severity of difficulties with attention switching (p=0,006) and age (p=0,000015) was found. CONCLUSIONS: People with higher severity of problems with attention switching demonstrated higher levels of fear of COVID-19 due to cognitive stiffness and disturbances in the regulation of emotions. Older people presented a higher level of fear as well. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared