Psychometric properties of the Turkish Diabetes Self-stigma Scale: Factor analysis and convergent validity.

Abstract

To determine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Diabetes Self-Stigma Scale (DSSS) MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using a multicenter convenience sampling method. We examined the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the fit of the 2-factor model for the DSSS. Data were obtained from 160 participants, 60.0 % of whom were male, with a mean age of 60.31 ± 10.71 years. The DSSS showed excellent internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability. (Cronbach's α=0.93; ICC=0.82) The scale revealed a two-factor structure explaining 60.77 % of the total variance. The factor loadings ranged from 0.44 to 0.95. The two-factor model fit was supported by the data. A significant and positive relationship was found between the scales for convergent validity. The scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing diabetes stigma in Turkish individuals with T2DM. The scale may also be a valid assessment tool in the Turkish sociocultural context of Turkey. Testing it in different cultures will increase its international validity and reliability.