Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Consumer Experiences of Stigma Questionnaire (CESQ)

Introduction Tackling stigma and discrimination is a major concern worldwide as demonstrated e.g. in the European Mental Health Action Plan. We need valid and feasible indicators to assess the stigma of mental illness. In Portugal, validated scales focused on mental health consumers’ personal experiences of stigma are scarce. The consumer experiences of stigma questionnaire (CESQ) (Wahl, 1999), developed in collaboration with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, focuses on users’ real life experiences. Although it was validated in different countries, some psychometric properties (e.g. test-retest reliability) are to be tested. Objectives To further assess CESQ psychometric properties and to validate its Portuguese translation. Methods The CESQ Portuguese translation was developed in collaboration with the author (Otto Wahl), using standard translation and back-translation procedures. The acceptability of items was assessed in pilot studies and discussed in groups also involving health professionals. The measure was then used in a convenience sample of 122 persons with severe mental illness. Assessments included test-retest reliability ( n = 48). A factor analysis was also conducted. Results Overall, the CESQ translation proved acceptable and missing items were few, not compromising the analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability was 0.83 [95% CI 0.71–0.90] and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.80 [95% CI 0.75–0.85]. In the principal component analysis, factor loadings confirmed the two originally reported domains: stigma and discrimination. Conclusions The CESQ Portuguese version demonstrated good validity and reliability, replicating research using the original version and adding to the documentation of its psychometric properties. Disclosure of interest The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.