The adaptation and validation of a stigma measure for individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for an adapted version of the Reece Stigma Scale, specific to the multiple sclerosis population. The validation data suggests strong psychometric properties. Our findings underscore the clinical importance of measuring and addressing stigma among these patients, with the potential to improve medical (i.e., adherence), psychological (i.e., depression and anxiety), and quality of life outcomes. Implications for rehabilitation Understanding stigma-related experiences is crucial to enhance psychosocial factors related to multiple sclerosis. Stigma-related experiences also impact disease treatment outcomes for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The Reece Stigma Scale is a valid and reliable measure of felt stigma created for use in HIV populations. This study adapted and validated the use of the scale among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Clinicians and researchers working within the rehabilitation and treatment area of multiple sclerosis may benefit from using the adapted Reece Stigma Scale to measure and address stigma experiences. PMID: 31130021 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research