Reliability, Validity, and Factor Structure of the Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale in Southern India

J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2019 Jan-Dec:18:2325958219831025. doi: 10.1177/2325958219831025.

Abstract

We used data from 660 people living with HIV in southern India to evaluate the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the presence of 2 factors: a 2-item factor related to disclosure concerns and a 4-item factor related to self-hatred. The self-hatred factor demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α = .80). As evidence of construct validity, both factors were correlated with depression symptom severity as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Further study is needed to understand the correlates of these factors and their impact on the Indian HIV care continuum.

Keywords: India; internalized stigma; validation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Behavior Rating Scale*
  • Depression
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Stigma*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transgender Persons