Development and psychometric evaluation of scales that assess stigma associated with illicit drug users

Joseph J. Palamar, Mathew V. Kiang, Perry N. Halkitis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This study established validity evidence for scales that assess perceived public stigma and stigmatization of illicit drug use. These concepts were measured with respect to five commonly used drugs: marijuana, powder cocaine, ecstasy, and nonmedical use of opioids and amphetamine. Data were collected from a diverse sample of 1,048 emerging adults in New York City in 2009. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested two distinct factors, which were inversely related to exposure to users and recent use of each drug. These measures demonstrated good criterion, construct, and incremental validity and effectiveness in analyzing predictors of use. Study limitations were discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1457-1467
Number of pages11
JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
Volume46
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 13 2011

Keywords

  • disapproval
  • emerging adults
  • exposure
  • illicit drug use
  • religiosity
  • stigma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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