Cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the Dementia Public Stigma Scale

The Dementia Public Stigma Scale (DPSS) is a brief, user-friendly tool for assessing public stigma related to dementia. While widely used in Western contexts, it has not been validated in China. This study aimed to rigorously translate, adapt, and validate the DPSS for use in Chinese populations, filling a critical gap in dementia research.

The DPSS was translated into Chinese using a forward-backward protocol, followed by cultural adaptation and testing for translation equivalence. The finalized scale was administered to 314 participants. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine the factor structure. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability (ICC) were assessed.

The Chinese DPSS demonstrated strong validity (KMO = 0.840, χ²(120) = 499.475, p < 0.001) and explained 67.68% of the cumulative variance. CFA confirmed the 5-factor model (CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.08). Internal consistency ranged from 0.682 to 0.865, though the 'Fear' subscale showed lower reliability (α = 0.378). Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.789-0.885).

The Chinese DPSS is a psychometrically robust tool for assessing dementia stigma. Its integration into public health initiatives can help tailor anti-stigma interventions in China.