Infertility Stigma Scale: A psychometric study in a Turkish sample

Area of Science:

• Psychological assessment
• Reproductive health
• Sociomedical sciences

Background:

• Infertility stigma significantly impacts women's mental health and well-being.
• Validated instruments are crucial for accurate assessment and intervention.
• The Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) requires cultural adaptation and validation for the Turkish population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS).
• To establish a culturally relevant tool for measuring infertility stigma among Turkish women.

Main Methods:

• Methodological study conducted in a Turkish infertility polyclinic.
• Sample comprised 178 infertile women.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess scale validity and reliability.

Main Results:

• The four-factor structure of the ISS was confirmed, with appropriate fit indices.
• Internal consistency was sufficient, indicated by item total score correlations.
• High test-retest reliability (r=0.948) and Cronbach's alpha (α=0.93) were observed.

Conclusions:

• The Turkish version of the ISS is a valid and reliable instrument.
• The scale can be effectively used to assess infertility stigma in Turkey.
• Findings support the use of the ISS for targeted interventions and improved patient care.