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

Makoto Tsukuda (), Yoshiyasu Ito, Keisuke Nojima, Tomonori Kayano and Junko Honda
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Makoto Tsukuda: College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Kobe 673-0021, Japan
Yoshiyasu Ito: College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Kobe 673-0021, Japan
Keisuke Nojima: Faculty of Nursing, Kyoto Tachibana University, Kyoto 607-8175, Japan
Tomonori Kayano: Department of Human Nursing, Sonoda Women’s University, Amagasaki 661-8520, Japan
Junko Honda: College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Kobe 673-0021, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-11

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; stigma scale; healthcare workers; reliability; validity; Japan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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