Translation, Adaption, and Psychometric Testing of the Myanmar Version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey for People Living With HIV/AIDS.

Feifei Huang,Wei-Ti Chen,Htun Nyunt Oo,Thet Wai Nwe,Sai Htun Lin,Yin Thet Nu Oo,Min San Tun

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.707142

Abstract

Introduction: Valid and reliable instruments are crucial for measuring perceived social support among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the English version of the 19-item Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) adapted for PLHIV in Myanmar.Methods: Based on a standard cross-cultural procedure, we adapted the MOS-SSS and formed a Myanmar version of the scale (MOS-SSS-M), and then tested its validity and reliability. A sample of 250 eligible PLHIV was collected from a closed Facebook group that included more than 10,000 Myanmars, most of whom were PLHIV.Results: The MOS-SSS-M achieved a Cronbach’s α of 0.82–0.95. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit index for the four-factor structure. Construct validity was demonstrated by significant association with self-reported HIV stigma and stress levels, and further confirmed by the findings of Rasch analysis.Conclusion: The MOS-SSS-M with a four-factor structure can be used to measure the level and categories of perceived social support among PLHIV in Myanmar.

Highlights

Valid and reliable instruments are crucial for measuring perceived social support among people living with HIV (PLHIV)
The findings indicate that the four-dimensional structure is appropriate for the Myanmar context and that the scale can be used to measure the level and categories of social support obtained by PLHIV
The psychometric properties presented in this study suggest that the 19-item Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS)-M can accurately measure the levels and types of social support among PLHIV in Myanmar

Summary

Introduction

Valid and reliable instruments are crucial for measuring perceived social support among people living with HIV (PLHIV). HIV-related psychological distress, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and stigma, still influence the quality of life (QOL) among PLHIV, as those psychosocial needs are rarely addressed (Lazarus et al, 2016; Betancur et al, 2017; Garfin et al, 2019; Olson et al, 2019), especially in Myanmar, which has poor public health resources (UNAIDS, 2019). These HIVrelated negative experiences may be countered by establishing strong social support systems (Kim et al, 2017)

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