Construct validity of the Amharic version perceived stress scale (PSS-10) among Defense University students

Abstract Background: Perceived stress scale (PSS) is the most widely used tool for assessing stressful life events and its management. However, its validity in Ethiopian Amharic language is not assessed. Objective: To translate the perceived stress scale (version PSS-10) and assess its validity among Defense University students in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.Method: From March to May 2020, an anonymous, self-managed questionnaire was used to collect the data on 758 undergraduate students of Defense University in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to assess the factor structure and construct validity of Amharic version of the PSS-10. Cronbach alpha and Item total correlation were calculated to assess the internal consistency of Amharic version of the PSS-10.Result: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a two-dimensional PSS-10 with Eigenvalues of 3.4 and 1.5, which explained 49.8% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicates a good model fit of the two correlated factors (Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.94 with root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05[0.04-0.07] and standardize root mean residual (SRMR) = 0.042). The internal consistency of PSS-10 and the Negative factor were in acceptable range, whereas the Positive factor was marginally acceptable (alpha =0.78, 0.78, and 0.68) respectively.Conclusion: The Amharic translated version of PSS-10 was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure the perceived stress level among university students.