Development and psychometric properties of the HIV Public Stigma Scale (HPSS) among Chilean young adults

Abstract

Rising HIV incidence in Chile underscores the need for culturally appropriate measures of HIV stigma. However, few instruments are available to measure public HIV stigma (stigma held by the general population) on Latin American context. This study addressed this gap by developing and validating the HIV Public Stigma Scale (HPSS) for Chilean young adults. In a sample of 329 university students, exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor structure underlying a single higher-order stigma factor. The final 14-item scale demonstrated excellent fit in confirmatory factor analysis and high internal consistency across subscales and the overall construct. Higher HPSS scores were significantly associated with lower intention to get tested for HIV and greater perceived HIV severity, although no relationship was observed with perceived susceptibility. The HPSS exhibits robust psychometric properties and provides a brief, reliable measure of public HIV stigma to guide stigma-reduction interventions and public health strategies.