Development and Psychometric Evaluation of Scales that Assess Stigma Associated With Illicit Drug Users

Abstract

This study established validity evidence for scales that assess perceived public stigma and stigmatization of illicit drug use. These concepts were measured with respect to five commonly used drugs: marijuana, powder cocaine, ecstasy, and nonmedical use of opioids and amphetamine. Data were collected from a diverse sample of 1,048 emerging adults in New York City in 2009. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested two distinct factors, which were inversely related to exposure to users and recent use of each drug. These measures demonstrated good criterion, construct, and incremental validity and effectiveness in analyzing predictors of use. Study limitations were discussed.

RESUME

Le développement et l’évaluation psychométrique des échelles qui déterminent le stigmate associé aux utilisateurs de drogues illicites

Cette étude a établi la preuve de validité pour les échelles qui évaluent le stigmate tel que perçu par le public et la stigmatisation de l'usage de drogue illicite. Ces concepts ont été mesurés par rapport à cinq drogues ordinairement utilisées: la marijuana, la cocaïne en poudre, l'extase ainsi que les opioïdes et l'amphétamine à usage non médical. Les données ont été recueillies sur divers échantillons appartenant à 1,048 adultes émergents, à New York en 2009. L'analyse exploratoire et confirmative a suggéré deux facteurs distincts, qui ont été inversement reliés à l'exposition aux utilisateurs et l'usage récent de chaque drogue. Ces mesures ont démontré les bons critère, construction et validité cumulative ainsi que l'efficacité de l'analyse des tests de prédiction d'usage. Les facteurs limitatifs de l’étude ont été discutés.

RÉSUMÉN

Desarrollo y Evaluación Psicométrica de escalas que determinan el estigma asociado con los usuarios de drogas ilícitas

Este estudio estableció evidencia de validez para escalas que valoran y determinan el estigma y estigmatización del uso de drogas ilícitas. Estos conceptos fueron medidos con respecto a cinco drogas comúnmente utilizadas: marihuana, cocaína de polvo, éxtasis, y el uso no medicinal de opioids y anfetamina. Los datos fueron colectados de una muestra diversa de 1,048 adultos surgidos en la Ciudad de Nueva York en 2009. El factor exploratorio y confirmativo analizado sugirió dos factores claros, que fueron relacionados a lo inverso a la exposición de usuarios y el uso reciente de cada droga. Estas medidas demostraron un buen criterio, constructivo, e incrementó la valides, y la eficacia al analizar pronosticadores de uso. Las limitaciones del estudio fueron discutidas.

Keywords :

• illicit drug use
• stigma
• disapproval
• exposure
• religiosity
• emerging adults

THE AUTHORS

Joseph J. Palamar, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute for Prevention Science, New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. Dr. Palamar has been a research affiliate of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at NYU for over a decade, and his work focuses primarily on substance use, sexual behavior, religiosity, and the stigma associated with risk behaviors.

Mathew V. Kiang, M.P.H., is a Research Assistant in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard School of Public Health. He remains affiliated with the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies where he was a graduate research intern while earning his Master's of Public Health at NYU. His research interests include effective implementation of health policy in reducing disparities.

Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., is an Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies, a Professor of Applied Psychology and Public Health, and the Director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at the Steinhardt School, of Culture, Education, and Human Development at NYU. Dr. Halkitis is internationally recognized for his work examining the intersection between HIV, drug abuse, and mental health and is well known as one of the nation's leading experts on methamphetamine addiction and HIV behavioral research.

GLOSSARY

• Nonmedical use: Use of a controlled drug without a prescription or to achieve a desired feeling such as a “high”.

• Perceived public stigma: An individual's perception of the extent to which the public collectively stereotypes or discriminates against a stigmatized individual or group.

• Stigmatization: The act of negatively labeling or branding an individual as disgraceful in response to a specific flaw.