TURKISH VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES STIGMA ASSESSMENT SCALE.

Background/aim Stigma has a high incidence and adversely affects people with diabetes. In this context, patients face difficulties such as fear of losing their jobs, travel restrictions, isolation from social life, problems related to mental health and feeling of wellness. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the stigma assessment scale in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods The sample of the study consisted of 153 diabetic individuals. The validity of language, content, and construct were examined to evaluate the validity of the type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale. Cronbach?s alpha was used to assess internal consistency reliability. Results The content validity index of 19 items which were detected as significant was found to be 0.86. The Cronbach?s alpha coefficient of the scale is 0.92. The results of the item analysis show that all factor loads are significant (t-value> ± 1.96). The coefficient of correlation between type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale and test-retest technique was 0.82. Conclusion It was concluded that the Stigma Assessment Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nurses may use this tool to better understand and help relieve the prevalence and severity stigma of individuals with Type 2 diabetes in Turkey.