Validation of the suicidal ideation scale for Hijra (third gender) people in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hijra people, recognized as a third gender in Bangladesh, experience a variety of mental health problems, including suicidal ideation. However, there is no psychometric instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people. The aim of the study was to validate the suicidal ideation scale (SIS) for hijra people in Bangladesh. Methods: Standard validation processes were followed to develop the initial Bangla version of the scale. After the pretest, the final version of the scale was prepared. A cross-sectional survey with a combination of purposive and snowball sampling was conducted. A total of 314 participants were recruited from Dhaka. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted besides the analysis of reliability and validity. Results: The SIS was found to have a two-factor structure, collectively explaining 46.69% of the total variance during EFA. The measurement model was supported by a number of fit indices while conducting CFA. The higher Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) suggested internal consistency reliability. The scale demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (0.89). Convergent and divergent validity was tested with the World Health Organisation WHO-5 Well-being Index, and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggested that the SIS is a psychometrically valid instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people in Bangladesh.