Patient Unique Stigmatization Holistic tool in dermatology (PUSH-D): Development and validation of a dermatology-specific stigmatization assessment tool

Background The skin plays an important role in establishing interpersonal relationships, and thus visible skin disorders, which have a significant impact on physical appearance, influence other people's behaviours and attitudes. Objective To develop and validate a dermatologic-specific questionnaire to evaluate stigmatization in individuals with visible skin conditions. Methods Items were generated by a verbatim report based on qualitative interviews with patients with various dermatologic conditions. Subsequently, a study was implemented for psychometric analysis. A dermatology-specific stigmatization questionnaire (PUSH-D) was refined via item reduction according to inter-question correlations, consensus among experts and exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity was determined by calculating the correlation between PUSH-D and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results From a primary list of 22 items, PUSH-D was reduced to a 17-item questionnaire, covering two pertinent dimensions based on the exploratory factor analysis. Construct validity was demonstrated, and PUSH-D showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.9). PUSH-D correlated strongly with the DLQI 0.72 (p < 0.001) and moderately with the RSES 0.49 (p < 0.001). Conclusion PUSH-D allows a comprehensive view of the degree of stigmatization in visible skin disorders, as well as the comparability of stigmatization levels across various skin conditions.