BACKGROUND: Stigma is a subjective and multidimensional concept that is dependent on the understanding of individuals and social culture potentially influencing treatment and health in various aspects. The study of patient beliefs about epilepsy can help design preventive interventions. This study was conducted to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Perceived Social Stigma Questionnaire (PSSQ-for adults with epilepsy).
METHODS: This mixed method study of sequential exploratory quantitative-qualitative design was conducted within the framework of instrument development variant. The qualitative section consisted of item development and scale development. In the quantitative section (item analysis), the instrument was validated by investigating face, content, and construct validity and its reliability by internal consistency and stability.
CONCLUSION: The PSSQ-for adults with epilepsy is a culturally appropriate measure with strong psychometric properties. The tool developed in this study can measure the perceived social stigma of epilepsy. However, more information on the scale is needed before it is adequately improved to test interventions, including concurrent validity and sensitivity to change.