Adaptation of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support in a Ugandan setting.
BACKGROUND
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was developed in the USA. The adequacy of its use in Uganda to guarantee its reliability and validity has not been ascertained.


OBJECTIVE
Thus the aim of the present study was to adapt the MSPSS scale by testing the validity and reliability of the scale in a Ugandan setting.


METHODS
A cross-sectional design was employed and 240 respondents were consecutively recruited from postnatal clinics in Mulago hospital. Analysis of reliability and validity of the adapted MSPSS was done. Cronbach alpha and principal component analyses were respectively generated.


RESULTS
Three subscales of the MSPSS that had been identified in other populations were evident in the Ugandan population. Using the Cronbach's alpha, the MSPSS demonstrated good internal consistency at .83. A dendrogram indicated that all sub items of the MSPSS were inter-linked. Exploratory Factor analysis derived three components. Principal Component analysis using rotated varimax generated high loadings on all subscales.


CONCLUSIONS
The adapted MSPSS can reliably be used in Uganda.
Nakigudde
Janet
J
Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. jnakigudde@med.mak.ac.ug
Musisi
Seggane
S
Ehnvall
Anna
A
Airaksinen
Eija
E
Agren
Hans
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D010555:Personality Inventory; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult