Translation and validation of the Short HIV Stigma scale in Brazilian Portuguese

• DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01571-1
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02T11:02:59Z
• Authors: Paula M. Luz; Thiago S. Torres; Celline C. Almeid...; Luana M. S. Marins; Daniel R. B. Bezerra; Valdilea G. Veloso; Beatriz Grinsztejn; Daphna Harel; Brett D. Thombs
• Keywords: Stigma; Social stigma; Brazilian Portuguese; Polychoric correlation

Abstract Background HIV-related stigma, or the degree to which people living with HIV endorse negative stereotypes associated HIV, is poor continuum of care outcomes. We translated 12-item Short Stigma scale and evaluated its psychometric properties in a Brazilian context regard construct validity reliability. Methods The first step included translation, back-translation, evaluation, peer review, pre-testing Sigma developed by Reinius et al. (Health Qual Life Outcomes 15(1):115, 2017). second involved piloting three convenience samples adults recruited online through advertisements on different platforms: Grindr (October/2019) Hornet (February–March/2020), geospatial network apps for sexual encounters gay, bisexuals other men who have sex men, social media (Facebook WhatsApp, October/2019). evaluation confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning using Multiple-Indicator Multiple-Cause model, correlations between subscale scores antiretroviral treatment use adherence. Reliability was assessed Cronbach’s alpha, ordinal alpha omega from polychoric correlation matrix. Results In total, 114, 164, 1824 participants completed measure items Grindr, media, Hornet, respectively. confirmed 4-factor structure factors personalized stigma (3 items), disclosure concerns public attitudes self-image items). Small respect sample found one (“I feel guilty because I HIV”), did not substantively influence estimates latent scores. Hornet’s scored significantly higher than all except stigma. Higher correlated among lower adherence Hornet. as measured were 0.83, 0.88 0.93 entire scale. Discussion Portuguese version had satisfactory present results suggesting that may be compared without concern measurement differences though further studies greater representation women heterosexual are warranted.