HIV preventive behavior scale for Thai men who have sex with men (MSM): development and psychometric properties

Background In foreign countries, many scales have been developed to measure HIV prevention behavior. However, there are only a few developed scales among MSM in Thailand and they are not up to date. The objective of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of the HIV preventive behavior measure among Thai men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods The sample comprised 424 Thai MSM aged 25 years or older who had at least one sexual encounter in the past six months. The total sample was randomly divided into two equal subsamples: one used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify underlying structures, and the other for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify model fit. Cronbach's alpha was employed as the primary reliability coefficient because it reflects internal consistency, and the data collection was conducted only once. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined through Pearson's correlation coefficients with theoretically related and unrelated constructs to assess coherence and distinctiveness of the measure. Results The measure comprised nine items forming two components: (1) denial and avoidance of HIV risk, and (2) self-protective actions before and during sexual activity. CFA indicated an excellent model fit (χ ² = 36.56, p = .06, χ ²/df = 1.46, GFI = 0.96, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05), meeting recommended criteria for a valid psychometric model. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = .77). Significant correlations with related scales (he AIDS risk behavior avoidance scale and the AIDS prevention scale) ( r = .21 and.16, p < .01) and the absence of correlation with an unrelated measure (Thai Learning Attitude Scale) supported convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions The scale demonstrated sound psychometric properties and is applicable for future interventions to promote HIV preventive behaviors among Thai MSM.