Development and psychometric validation of Condom Sabotage Victimisation Scale (CSVS-5): Preliminary findings

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Condom use is crucial for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
• Sexual coercion, including condom sabotage, poses significant risks to sexual health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Condom Sabotage Victimisation Scale (CSVS-5).
• The CSVS-5 aims to capture non-consensual experiences where individuals are coerced into sex without condom use.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary eight-item scale was developed based on condom use resistance tactics.
• Data were collected from 767 sexually active adults in Poland.
• Principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were employed.

Main Results:

• A single-factor model of the CSVS-5 with five items was supported.
• The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.900).
• Higher scores indicate greater victimisation; mean score was 0.45 (SD = 1.86), with gender differences observed.

Conclusions:

• The CSVS-5 is a brief, psychometrically sound instrument for measuring condom sabotage victimisation.
• Its properties make it suitable for epidemiological and intervention research in STI/HIV prevention and sexual violence.