Development and Validation of the COVID-19-Related Stigma Scale for Healthcare Workers (CSS-HCWs)

Abstract

Stigma among healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an issue that requires immediate attention, as it may otherwise lead to the collapse of healthcare systems. In this study, we developed the COVID-19-related stigma scale for healthcare workers (CSS-HCWs) and assessed its reliability and validity. Data were collected online from 500 participants, including physicians and nurses involved in COVID-19 care. The first item of the draft scale was developed based on a literature review and qualitative study. The draft scale consisted of 24 items, which were rated on a six-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were calculated and the data distribution was analyzed. To assess the scale’s validity and reliability, structural validity was evaluated through an exploratory factor analysis. Criterion-related validity was examined through a correlation analysis using the E16-COVID19-S, a COVID-19 scale developed for physicians in Egypt. Reliability was evaluated by examining the scale’s stability and internal consistency. The findings revealed that the stigma scale was a valid and reliable instrument. The final scale consisted of 18 items across three domains: personal stigma, concerns of disclosure and others, and family stigma. In conclusion, the scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can measure COVID-19-related stigma among healthcare workers.

Validity and reliability of COVID-19-related stigma scale for use among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study

“…A recent study from Japan developed and validated a new scale exploring the COVID-19-related stigma scale among HCWs. The new scale (18-items) showed high reliability for all factors (Cronbach α=0.970) and the coefficients for the sub-scales 'personal stigma', 'concerns of disclosure and attitude', and 'family stigma', were 0.940, 0.943, and 0.955, respectively 16 . Another group of researchers from the Middle East also developed and validated COVID-19 stigma scale to be used among HCWs working with COVID-19 patients.…”

Develop and test the reliability and validity of the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance assessment scale for children with congenital cataract

“…The positive coe cient of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100%, and the enthusiasm of experts to participate in this study was high. The authority coe cients of experts were 0.84, Cr ≥ 0.8, and the authority of the selected experts was high (Tsukuda et al, 2022). Kendall's harmony coe cient was 0.205 (p < 0.001), and the coe cient of variation was 0.125-0.248, all above 0.25, indicating that the experts' opinions were highly consistent, and the degree of coordination was good.…”

Stigma towards Chronically Ill Patients among Healthcare Workers Caring for COVID-19 Patients during the Outbreak in Jordan

“…It should be mentioned that HCWs play a crucial role in putting awareness practices into place because they can predict the negative efects of stigmatization and lessen them through institutional and social media interventions [20]. In earlier research [27,28], it was also found that dental professionals and laboratory staf for infected persons during the pandemic experienced substantial COVID-19-related stigma [4,22].…”