Stigma among the Families Engaged in Rag-Picking: Development and Validation of the Stigma Assessment Schedule

Abstract

Rag-pickers, individuals who engage in the collection and sorting of waste materials, face significant social stigmatization due to their occupation. However, there is a lack of standardized measures to assess the extent and impact of stigma experienced by rag-pickers. This study aims to address this gap by developing and validating a comprehensive assessment tool. Extensive literature review, expert consultations, and focused group discussions were conducted to identify key dimensions and indicators of stigma. These findings guided the development of a comprehensive item pool, ensuring content validity and reliability. The development and validation of the Stigma Assessment Schedule provide a valuable contribution to the field of stigma research. The SAS total and subscale scores all had acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha, and I-CVI scores were also excellent. The overall findings support the SAS as a psychometrically sound tool. By offering a reliable and comprehensive measurement tool, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature, enabling researchers and practitioners to effectively assess and monitor stigma related to occupation, especially among rag-pickers.