Validation of the Hausa version of the EMIC-CSS and SDS among adults in Northern Nigeria

Background People with leprosy in Nigeria tend to be stigmatized, but there are no validated tools to assess the level of stigma by community members. The aim of this study is to test the cross-cultural validity of the Hausa version of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue Community Stigma Scale (H-EMIC-CSS) and the Social Distance Scale (H-SDS) in the field of leprosy in Taraba, Northern Nigeria. Methods Cultural equivalences, including conceptual, item, semantic, and operational equivalences, were assessed using forward and back translations, group discussions, and pretest assessments. A cross-sectional survey conducted among adult community members living in three local government areas (LGAs) of Taraba, Nigeria, was used to assess the measurement equivalence. There were 105 participants who completed the survey. Results The different components of the cultural equivalence assessment of the H-RSES and H-ISMI scales showed adequate fit with all items identified as important in the context of the population. A positive correlation was found between the H-EMIC-CSS and the H-SDS total scores (r = 0.48; p < 0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha values representing internal consistency were 0.86 and 0.94 for the H-EMIC-CSS and H-SDS, respectively. The exploratory factor analysis indicated that both the H-EMIC-CSS and H-SDS scales had adequate fit as one-dimensional scales. There were no floor or ceiling effects in the distribution of the scales. Conclusions The Hausa versions of the H-EMIC-CSS and the H-SDS have good cross-cultural validity to evaluate social stigma in settings with leprosy in the Hausa-speaking population of Taraba, Northern Nigeria. We believe the scales can be utilized in assessing stigma in other conditions in the setting.