Stigma Scale Adaptation and Validation for Measuring COVID-19 Stigma

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been found to be associated with increased psychosocial problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, and stigma. Many health-related stigma instruments that have been developed are condition-specific; these should be adapted and validated for generic use, across different health conditions. This study was conducted to measure stigma, stress, anxiety, and depression using the COVID-19 Stigma Scale-Modified (CSS-M), a modified version of the HIV Stigma Scale, among the Indian population.

A weblink-based online survey was conducted using the adapted CSS-M, along with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Collected data were analyzed with correlation analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and convergent and divergent validity.

With a sample size of 375, the modified scale for COVID-19 stigma showed internal consistency and a good inter-item correlation (Cronbach's alpha 0.821). Principal axis factoring with varimax rotation along with alternative parallel analysis established the two factorial structure and had valid composite reliability, discriminate validity, and partial convergent validity.

We found that COVID-19 Stigma Scale-Modified is a valid measure to assess COVID-19-related stigma. The scale was found to be internally consistent with a good inter-item correlation, composite reliability, valid discriminate validity, and partial convergent validity. Specific COVID-related validated scales for stigma should be developed in the future.