Turkish validity and reliability study of dialysis-related stigma scale

Introduction – Patients’ psychological well-being, social functioning, and treatment adherence are all adversely impacted by the stigma associated with dialysis. For the purpose of recognizing stigma and directing nursing interventions, accurate and culturally relevant measurement instruments are crucial. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Dialysis-Related Stigma Scale (DRSS) in Turkish. Methods – This methodological study was conducted at a private dialysis facility in Sivas, Turkiye, between July and September 2025. Data were collected from 92 participants using the “Patient Information Form” and the “DRSS.” Language validity, content validity, item analyses, internal consistency tests, and test–retest reliability analyses were carried out using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 software during the scale’s validity and reliability stage. Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI), construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and reliability was examined using internal consistency and test–retest analyse analyses. Results – With a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.89 (McDonald’s omega = 0.894), the scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency. The scale’s content validity index of the Turkish version was 0.91. Test–retest analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.967, p < 0.05). Discussion – Finally, the Turkish version of the DRSS was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring stigma in dialysis patients. Copyright © 2026 Akın, Karaca and Mollaoğlu.