Validation of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) in Nigeria

Author(s): Chukwujekwu DC, Olose EO

Objective: To verify the psychometric properties of the social phobia inventory (SPIN) and hence its suitability for studying Social Anxiety Disorder in Nigeria.

Methods: Two hundred and eighty (280) subjects out of 305 initially enlisted into the study via random sampling, completed the study. The SPIN was administered to each participant. One hundred and fifty (150) subjects scored more than 19, i.e. scored positive for social phobia. Diagnosis of social phobia was made using the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the SPIN were 82.2% and 77.6% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 80% each.

Conclusion: The SPIN has excellent psychometric properties and is therefore valid for carrying out studies on social phobia in Nigeria.