To Örebro University

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of Stigma-related Social Problems scale (SSP) in a cancer population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SSP was sent to 1,179 cancer patients. Mean age was 67.9 year and 43% were women. Tests of internal consistency reliability, construct validity, item-scale convergent validity, ceiling and floor effects and known-group validity were conducted.

RESULTS: The response rate was 62%, and the final sample comprised 728 patients. Reliability coefficients were high for both subscales (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the unidimensionality and homogeneity of the scales. Item-scale correlations for both scales indicated satisfactory item-scale convergent validity. The proportion of subjects scoring at the lowest possible score level was 26% for the Distress scale and 28% for the Avoidance scale, while ceiling effects were marginal (<1%). The proportion of missing items was low, ranging from 1.4% to 1.5%. Known-group validity tests confirmed that the scales could capture expected differences between subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: The SSP scale is a feasible instrument with sound psychometric properties that is validated in a study on 728 cancer patients. The instrument can be used to identify cancer patients at risk for psychosocial disturbances and thus in need of support.