Translation and validity of the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form (SOSS-SF) in Peruvian population

Introduction: Stigma towards people who die by suicide or present suicidal behaviors, is considered a barrier for the search professional support and because it has effects on psychological, physical and social well-being. Society complies an important role in suicide prevention and treatment, being a necessary support for individuals. Objective: To translate into Spanish and validate the Stigma of Suicide Scale Short Form in Peruvian adults from the general population. Methods: Cross-sectional study of quantitative and instrumental approach. A total of 1013 Peruvian adults who responded the Suicide Stigma Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF) participated. The reverse translation method was used for the English to Spanish version. Analyses were performed as from classical test theory and item response theory. Results: Participants agreed that people who die by suicide were lonely (39,4%), isolated (39,3%), cowardly (35,2%), and irresponsible (35%). The 3-factor structure was adequate, presented good reliability (ωbayes > 0,77, H > 0,83) and gender invariance. In addition, all items discriminated adequately, with item 10 being more accurate in measuring suicide stigma. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the SOSS-SF presents sources of evidence of validity based on content, internal structure, reliability, invariance and item responses. Its use is recommended for the interpretation and inference of its scores in the assessment of stigma towards the suicide in the general adult Peruvian population.