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.

Homophobia and Communal Coping for HIV Risk Management Among Gay Men in Relationships

“…Three scales examining communal coping were considered in this analysis: decision-making around outcome efficacy to reduce HIV threat, decision-making around couple efficacy to reduce HIV threat, and decision-making around communal coping to reduce HIV threat (Salazar, Stephenson, Sullivan, & Tarver, 2011). Development and validation of the scales has been described previously (Salazar, Stephenson, Sullivan, & Tarver, 2011).…”

“…Development and validation of the scales has been described previously (Salazar, Stephenson, Sullivan, & Tarver, 2011). …”

“…Outcome efficacy is defined as the belief of the couple about the effectiveness of communicating and making decisions together (communal coping) for healthy behavioral change (Salazar, et al, 2011). The stem question used for the decision-making around outcome efficacy scale was, “Making decisions together is an effective strategy for?” (Salazar, et al, 2011).…”

“…The stem question used for the decision-making around outcome efficacy scale was, “Making decisions together is an effective strategy for?” (Salazar, et al, 2011). Respondents were asked to respond to seven statements following the stem question (e.g., “...using condoms when we have sex with each other,” “...limiting the number of other sex partners,” and “...using condoms when either of us has sex outside our relationship.”) with response options ranging from “Strongly disagree” to “Strongly agree” on a five-point Likert scale, with a potential scale range of 7-35 (Salazar, et al, 2011). A higher score indicated higher levels of outcome efficacy to reduce HIV threat (Salazar, et al, 2011).…”

Social Network Composition and Sexual Risk-Taking Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Atlanta, GA

“…The self-administered, web-based survey contained several domains of questions regarding demographics, recent sexual behavior with male partners, intimate partner violence (IPV) [54], couples coping and communication [55], social network composition, and minority stress (e.g., internalized homophobia [56]).…”