Arabic Translation of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire: Instrument Validation Study of Factor Structure and Reliability

BACKGROUND: While it is most often associated with its effects on physical health, obesity is also associated with serious self-stigmatization. The lack of a suitable, validated tool to measure weight-related self-stigma in Arabic countries may be partly responsible for the scarcity of literature about this problem. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). METHODS: Data on the Arabic-translated version of the 12-item WSSQ were collected using two cross-sectional electronic questionnaires distributed among Saudi nationals through the Sharik Association for Health Research’s database in June 2020. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and exploratory factor analysis of the Arabic WSSQ were assessed and compared with the original English version and other translations. RESULTS: For reliability analysis, 43 participants completed the Arabic WSSQ during two time periods. Internal consistency was α=.898 for the overall survey, α=.819 for the fear of enacted stigma subscale (factor 1), and α=.847 for the self-devaluation subscale (factor 2). The test-retest reliability of the intraclass correlation coefficient was α=.982. In the factor structure analysis, 295 participants completed the questionnaire. The Arabic WSSQ loading of the items was consistent with the original WSSQ, except for the loading of item 9, which was stronger in factor 2 than in factor 1. The two factors accounted for the observed variances of 47.7% and 10.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the WSSQ has good internal consistency and reliability, and the factorial structure is similar to that of the original WSSQ. The Arabic WSSQ is adaptable for clinicians seeking to assess weight-related self-stigma in Arabic-speaking people.