Stigma Among People with Schizophrenia: Adaptation and Cross-Cultural Validation of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue in Berber, Morocco

Background: People with schizophrenia are more stigmatized than those with other mental illnesses. Stigmatization can be measured using the English version of Stigma Measurement Scale contained in the explanatory model interview catalogue (EMIC). Objectives: This study aimed to translate the English version of Stigma Measurement Scale into Berber language and validate the translated version. Methods: This study was conducted in public hospitals in southern Morocco, which are predominantly Berber-speaking. The psychometric properties of the stigma scale contained in the EMIC were validated on a sample including 128 individuals. Results: According to the Cronbach's alpha (alpha = 0.826) and the internal convergence calculated by Pearson's statistic, that the inter-item correlation was significant. Also, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was significant. The added item, concerning the COVID-19 situation has a similar psychometric value to the other items. Conclusions: According to our results, the Berber version of the Stigma Measurement Scale is culturally acceptable and can be used in Moroccan society.