Development of the SOSS-D: a scale to measure stigma of occupational stress and burnout in medical doctors.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Occupational stress and burnout are highly prevalent among doctors, with stigma identified as a barrier to help-seeking in this population. However, there has been a lack of a standardised tool to measure stigma of occupational stress and burnout among doctors. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to develop and investigate the psychometric properties of the Stigma of Occupational Stress Scale for Doctors (SOSS-D). METHOD: An online questionnaire package was completed by 200 (38 male, 162 female) doctors. Participants completed measures relating to help-seeking intentions, general stigma, and the SOSS-D. RESULTS: Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to refine the scale to an 11-item version. The analysis revealed a three-factor structure, which explained 63.4% of variance. Factors related to perceived structural stigma, personal stigma and perceived other stigma. The internal consistency, convergent, discriminant and criterion validity of the scale were supported. CONCLUSIONS: The SOSS-D may assist educators and mental health professionals in measuring and assessing the efficacy of interventions designed to reduce stigma. As such, it is anticipated that the SOSS-D will be a useful instrument for understanding and addressing stigma of occupational stress and burnout among medical doctors, to improve help-seeking behaviours in this population.