Development and Validation of HIV-Related Dyadic Measures for Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of several scales that measure dyadic constructs derived from an integrated model of interdependence theory and communal coping perspectives. The scales are specific to HIV risk and men who have sex with men who are in an intimate relationship. These scales are newly developed measures of perceived severity of HIV, preferences for sexual health outcomes, outcome and couple efficacy to avoid HIV, and communal coping strategies. Scale items were created based on theoretical definitions and results from six focus groups with men who have sex with men. Face and content validity of the scales were assessed with a panel of six experts in the field of HIV prevention. Revised scales were subsequently administered to an online sample of 638 men who have sex with men, who indicated being in a relationship for at least three months. All scales showed adequate reliability, and evidence for construct validity was obtained for all scales, except for perceived severity of HIV. The results indicate that these dyadic scales are psychometrically sound and can be used in future HIV prevention research and practice with men who have sex with men couples.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Grant #1 R34 MH086331-01 from the National Institute of Mental Health. This work was supported, in part, by the Social and Behavioral Sciences Core of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (P30 AI050409).

Notes

Note. Values in boldface type denote >.40. Joint = joint effort; Comm. = communication; Plan = planning and decision-making; UAI = unprotected anal intercourse.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. Outcome Efficacy = Outcome Efficacy to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Couple Efficacy = Couple Efficacy to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Communal Coping = Communal Coping to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Joint = joint effort; Comm. = communication; Plan = planning and decision-making.

*p < .001.

Note. Values in boldface type denote >.40. Outcome Efficacy = Outcome Efficacy to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Joint = joint effort; Comm. = communication; Plan = planning and decision-making; UAI = unprotected anal intercourse.

^a n = 56.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. Values in boldface type denote >.40. Couple Efficacy = Couple Efficacy to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Joint = joint effort; Comm. = communication; Plan = planning and decision-making; UAI = unprotected anal intercourse.

^a n = 56.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. Values in boldface type denote >.40. Communal Efficacy = Communal Efficacy to Reduce HIV Threat scale; Joint = joint effort; Comm. = communication; Plan = planning and decision-making; UAI = unprotected anal intercourse.

^a n = 56.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.