FC24: Discrimination and Stigma Scale Ultra Short for People Living with Dementia (DISCUS- Dementia): Development and Psychometric Validation

Abstract

Objectives: This work was aimed at characterizing the experiences of discrimination, and report initial psychometric properties of a new tool to capture these experiences, among a global sample of people living with dementia.

Methods: Data from 704 people living with dementia who took part in a global survey from 33 different countries and territories were analysed. Psychometric properties were examined, including internal consistency and construct validity.

Results: A total of 83% of participants reported discrimination in one or more areas of life, and this was similar across WHO Regions. The exploratory factor analysis factor loadings and scree plot supported a unidimensional structure for the Discrimination and Stigma Scale Ultra Short for People Living with Dementia (DISCUS-Dementia). The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with most of the construct validity hypotheses being confirmed and qualitative responses demonstrating face validity.

Conclusions: The DISCUS-Dementia performs well with a global sample of people living with dementia. This scale can be integrated into large-scale studies to understand factors associated with stigma and discrimination. It can also provide an opportunity for a structured Discussion around stigma and discrimination experiences important to people living with dementia, as well as planning psychosocial services and initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination.