PCR32 Psychometric Evaluation of the Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS) Using Rasch Analysis

Pharmacists play an important role in caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS. However, stigma healthcare settings can be a deterrent to providing appropriate care. This study assessed psychometric properties and convergent validity of Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS) among pharmacy students the United States (U.S.) using Rasch analysis. Students enrolled four U.S. universities were administered survey (N=203). analysis was conducted each HPASS subscale assess dimensionality, model-data fit, item difficulty, person’s level, distribution items persons across item-person map rating scale function model. Convergent evidence established by comparing Pearson’s correlation coefficients between subscales AIDS Attitude (AAS) (Avoidance Empathy subscales). All fit respective well except Item 15[Infit Mnsq=2.50, Outfit Mnsq=4.09] 13 [Infit MnSq=1.52, MnSq=1.56] Prejudice which misfit therefore removed. The 6-point did not perform satisfactorily any three subscales. difficulty ranges wide[Stereotyping(–5 0.8 logits), Discrimination(-6 1 Stereotyping(-5 0.4 logits)]. Items all biased towards measuring higher levels stigma. Person separation index satisfactory(Stereotyping=2.2; Discrimination=2.06; Prejudice=2.17), as person reliability(Stereotyping=0.83; Discrimination=0.81; Prejudice=0.83). showing significant correlations AAS–Avoidance(p<.001) AAS-Empathy(p<0.001). Modifying or removing exploring alternate scales will help better related students. Having validated that measures different dimensions enable use this routinely curriculum education unmet needs allow tailoring training modules accommodate same.