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- Title
Psychometric Properties and Validity of a Multi-dimensional Risk Perception Scale Developed in the Context of a Microbicide Acceptability Study.
- Authors
Vargas, Sara; Fava, Joseph; Severy, Lawrence; Rosen, Rochelle; Salomon, Liz; Shulman, Lawrence; Guthrie, Kate; Vargas, Sara E; Fava, Joseph L; Rosen, Rochelle K; Guthrie, Kate Morrow
- Abstract
Currently available risk perception scales tend to focus on risk behaviors and overall risk (vs partner-specific risk). While these types of assessments may be useful in clinical contexts, they may be inadequate for understanding the relationship between sexual risk and motivations to engage in safer sex or one's willingness to use prevention products during a specific sexual encounter. We present the psychometric evaluation and validation of a scale that includes both general and specific dimensions of sexual risk perception. A one-time, audio computer-assisted self-interview was administered to 531 women aged 18-55 years. Items assessing sexual risk perceptions, both in general and in regards to a specific partner, were examined in the context of a larger study of willingness to use HIV/STD prevention products and preferences for specific product characteristics. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded two subscales: general perceived risk and partner-specific perceived risk. Validity analyses demonstrated that the two subscales were related to many sociodemographic and relationship factors. We suggest that this risk perception scale may be useful in research settings where the outcomes of interest are related to motivations to use HIV and STD prevention products and/or product acceptability. Further, we provide specific guidance on how this risk perception scale might be utilized to understand such motivations with one or more specific partners.
- Subjects
RISK perception -- Social aspects; PSYCHOMETRICS; BACTERICIDES; HIV prevention; PREVENTION of sexually transmitted diseases; PRODUCT acceptance; VALIDITY of statistics; CHARTS, diagrams, etc.; AIDS prevention; AIDS &; psychology; VAGINAL medication; COMPARATIVE studies; FACTOR analysis; HEALTH attitudes; RESEARCH methodology; MEDICAL cooperation; REGRESSION analysis; RESEARCH; RESEARCH evaluation; RESEARCH funding; RISK-taking behavior; HUMAN sexuality; EVALUATION research; SEXUAL partners; THERAPEUTICS; PSYCHOLOGY
- Publication
Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2016, Vol 45, Issue 2, p415
- ISSN
0004-0002
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1007/s10508-015-0619-9