Psychometric Validation of the Arabic WHO Ageism Experiences Scale in Libya: Evidence from a Humanitarian Context

Ageism against older adults is associated with a range of negative consequences, including poorer health and wellbeing outcomes. However, successive systematic reviews have identified a lack of well-validated measures that capture ageism according to contemporary consensus definitions and that can be used to illuminate ageism experiences across the world. To address this gap, the WHO Ageism Experiences Scale was developed; however, to date it has not been validated in Arabic and there is limited knowledge about its functioning in humanitarian settings, where issues related to ageism may be exacerbated. The present study, therefore, conducted the first psychometric evaluation of the new Arabic translation of the scale in Libya, including participants who were directly affected by the recent devastating floods. As relevant, results supported the factorial validity, internal consistency reliability, convergent validity and concurrent validity of the subscale scores, including in participants affected by the floods. This suggests that the Arabic version of the scale can be recommended for use, including in humanitarian contexts where ageism and its consequences may be exacerbated.