# Psychometric evaluation of the Affiliate Stigma Scale for Asian Indian dementia family caregivers living in the United States

## TL;DR

This study developed a shortened, culturally adapted version of the Affiliate Stigma Scale for Asian Indian dementia caregivers in the U.S., finding it to be reliable and valid.

## Contribution

The study introduces a culturally adapted, validated 11-item Affiliate Stigma Scale for Asian Indian dementia caregivers in the U.S.

## Key findings

- The original 22-item scale showed poor model fit, but a unidimensional 11-item version demonstrated good fit and excellent reliability.
- Known-groups validity was supported, with higher stigma scores among female caregivers and those of South Indian origin.

## Abstract

The Affiliate Stigma Scale measures the internalized stigma experienced by caregivers. Among Asian Indians, having a family member with dementia is sometimes perceived as punishment for past-life sins, underscoring the need for culturally relevant tools for measuring stigma. This study evaluated a shortened, culturally adapted version of the Affiliate Stigma Scale for Asian Indian dementia family caregivers in the United States.

Surveys were completed by 222 caregivers, recruited through community and social networks. Analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and construct validity.

The original 22-item scale showed poor model fit. Analyses supported a unidimensional 11-item version with good fit indices and excellent reliability. Known-groups validity was supported, with higher stigma scores among female versus male caregivers and among caregivers of South versus North Indian origin.

This culturally adapted 11-item version is a valid and reliable instrument to assess affiliate stigma in Asian Indian American dementia family caregivers.