The reliability and validity of the Modified Condom Outcome Expectancy Scale (MCOES) among an international sample of HIV-negative partners of people living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Safer sexual behaviour is vital in curbing the HlV epidemic in many developing countries where the epidemic is primarily transmitted through heterosexual sex. Reliable and valid assessment of factors related to HIV risk behaviours are important in testing behavioural theories as well as informing effective AIDS prevention programmes. The current study tests the reliability and validity of a modified version of the Condom Outcome Expectancy Scale (COES) among a sample of HI'-negative sexual partners (n = 100) of HIV-infected individuals in Pune, India, Chang Mai,Thailand and Kampala, Uganda. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which had a value of 0.80 for the entire sample, with site-specific values of. 0.78 for India; 0.75 for Thailand; and 0.79 for Uganda. Test-retest reliability was conducted to test the scale's stability over time with 60% of the sample, resulting in a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.70. The scale's structure was explored by analyzing response scores on the items using principal components analysis, which yielded a two-factor solution. The study indicates the utility of a modified version of the widely tested COES across international settings. Such research is necessary in understanding intervention targets across international settings.

Test-retest characteristics of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).

“…This interval is similar to that used in other studies that assess test-retest stability of risk-taking or behavior, including test-retest assessment of measures of physical activity (14 days; Hardy et al, 2007; 22 days; Yore et al, 2007); compulsive exercise (14 days; Griffiths et al, 2005); sexual risk behavior (6 days; Troped et al, 2007; 17 days, Schrimshaw et al, 2006; 21 days, Hearn et al, 2003), smoking and drinking behavior (14 days; Chor et al, 2003; 2–30 days; Bell et al, 2003); HIV risk behavior (6–11 days; Fry & Lintzeris, 2003; 30 days, Sherman et al, 2003); risky drug behavior (7 days; Hubley et al, 2005); and substance use, abuse, and suicidality (8 days; Shaffer et al, 2004; 10–14 days, Flisher et al, 2004). …”

Outcome Expectancy and Sexual Compulsivity Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV

“…Some outcome expectancies, with regards to sexual health, measure the beliefs that certain results will occur due to condom use, disclosure of HIV serostatus, and negotiation of safer sex practices. People generally are driven to execute behaviors that result in advantageous outcomes [15]. Alcohol and drug use outcome expectancies, (beliefs about sexual enhancements due to drinking and drug use) have been found to be influenced by sensation seeking.…”

Development of a scale for attitude toward condom use for migrant workers in India

“…[10] Measures that have demonstrated reliability and validity in one population are not necessarily generalized to other populations, necessitating the testing of instruments in a particular type of population. [6] This study proposed to develop and validate a scale to assess attitude toward condom use with respect to a subset of items from a previously tested scale (Brown's ATC scale), in a sample of migrant workers in India.…”

“…[3] Health authorities, voluntary organizations and governments have developed and recommended strategies for the promotion of the use of condoms as a preventive measure against HIV/ AIDS. [4][5][6] Researchers showed that various misconceptions about condoms and their use persist among key populations. Still, there exist wide and various gaps in condom programming.…”