College Students and Condom Attitude: Validation of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS)

Abstract

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections and the human immunodeficiency virus incidence rates remain high among college-aged individuals. This study examined the validity and reliability of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS). Participants: Participants were recruited from a large midwestern university during February and March 2009. Methods: Data were collected using in-class data collection with a test–retest design from undergraduate courses. A total of 442 surveys were collected during initial testing and 421 during retesting. Results: Reliability assessments indicated a sufficient Cronbach's alpha for the total scale (α = .805) and each subscale: affective (α = .790), perceived effectiveness (α = .795), and manageability (α = .751). Further analyses provide evidence of construct validity. Conclusions: The study reaffirmed the psychometric properties of the MFACS among a sample of college students. The MFACS provides a contemporary way to examine condom attitudes as sexual health research is moving beyond only disease prevention efforts.

Keywords:

• condom attitude scale
• health education
• psychometrics