Developing an Abortion Stigma Scale: Findings from Factor Analysis

Introduction: Experiencing abortion related stigma may contribute to negative emotions or difficulty coping after an abortion. To measure the phenomenon, we have defined individual level abortion stigma and developed a set of items to measure four dimensions of individual level stigma: felt stigma, enacted stigma, internalized stigma, and behaviors to manage stigma.

Methods: Based on preliminary interviews, research on individual level stigma, and other validated stigma scales, we compiled a comprehensive set of items (number of items= 58) which measure four dimensions of abortion stigma. In summer 2010, we conducted in-person cognitive interviews to examine how women formulated their responses to our items. Based on findings from these interviews we revised our scale. Next we will use factor analysis to identify the minimal comprehensive set of items. Based on best practice guidelines for factor analysis, we are gathering a sample of 580 women (10 per item in our scale) to test our scale. Women are recruited from waiting rooms of 5 regionally diverse family planning clinics across the country. The survey is self-guided and taken on an iPad computer.

Results: Data collection began in January 2011 and will be completed in April 2011. Our primary findings will be the results of our factor analysis and the final items in our validated scale.

Conclusion: A validated scale for abortion stigma will be useful for understanding which demographic and relational factors predict stigma, what social and emotional outcomes are associated with stigma, and whether programs to address stigma are effective.