The Reproductive Autonomy Scale: German validation and application in an Austrian student population

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Reproductive autonomy encompasses independent decision-making regarding sexuality, contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth.
• The Reproductive Autonomy Scale (RAS) is a validated instrument for assessing these aspects across various languages.
• Previous research has not extensively explored RAS validation within German-speaking populations or its application to men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the RAS in a German context.
• To explore the application of the RAS in an Austrian student population, including males.
• To examine gender-specific differences in reproductive autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Psychometric evaluation of the RAS using internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and item-total correlations.
• Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess measurement invariance across gender.
• Univariate ANOVAs and t-tests with Bonferroni correction to analyze associations with sociodemographic variables.

Main Results:

• The RAS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, supporting its three-factor structure.
• Internal consistency was satisfactory for decision-making and freedom from coercion, but marginally lower for communication (α=0.67).
• Gender differences were observed, with females reporting higher sole decision-making; however, no substantial gender differences were found for freedom from coercion or communication.

Conclusions:

• The RAS is a reliable tool for assessing reproductive autonomy in German-speaking populations, though adaptations may be needed for diverse groups, including men.
• Austrian students reported high reproductive autonomy, influenced by age and sexual orientation.
• Women disproportionately manage contraception, underscoring the need for enhanced sexual education and equitable partner responsibility.