Weight Stigma in Indonesian Young Adults: Validating the Indonesian Versions of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire and Perceived Weight Stigma Scale

Introduction: Weight stigma, a psychological-related health issue associated with obesity or weight problems, is one of the major concerns within public health. Indeed, weight stigma may cause health and behavioral problems, such as a lack of motivation to exercise. Assessing weight stigma is thus essential. Both the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and the Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS) are valid and reliable instruments that have been used in several countries. However, WSSQ and PWSS have never been used in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and validate both WSSQ and PWSS in Indonesian for Indonesian young adults. Methods: Via an online survey with convenience sampling, Indonesian college students (n = 438) completed the Indonesian WSSQ, PWSS, and depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21), and provided their height and weight. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Rasch analysis, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were used for data analysis. Results: The internal consistency was satisfactory for the WSSQ (alpha = 0.90 and omega = 0.93). One PWSS item did not fit well and was removed. The revised 9-item PWSS had satisfactory internal consistency (alpha = 0.82 and omega = 0.87). The CFA and Rasch results supported a two-factor structure for the WSSQ, and a one-factor structure for the PWSS. WSSQ and PWSS were significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.32; P < 0.001). Both WSSQ and PWSS were significantly and positively associated with the DASS-21 score (r = 0.18 to r = 0.48; all P < 0.001); WSSQ was significantly and positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.17 to r = 0.50; all P < 0.01). Conclusion: The translated Indonesian versions of WSSQ and PWSS can be used as instruments to assess weight stigma in Indonesian young adults.