A Psychometric Assessment of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS)

Background: As the prevalence and incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continue to be problematic, condoms remain among the most effective tools for prevention. Most scales assessing attitudes toward condoms focus on condom use in terms of pregnancy or STI and HIV prevention, and not the condom itself.

Methods: Data were taken from a larger, cross-sectional survey which included 1,832 male participants conducted across 47 of the 50 states. The initial version of the Multi-Factor Attitude toward Condoms Scale (MFACS) contained 19 items. The MFACS is unique in that it measures attitudes toward condoms as an object and utilizes a modified seven-point semantic differential scaling method.

Results: Fourteen of the 19 items were retained. Reliability analyses indicated good internal consistency for the total scale (á=.816). A principal component analysis revealed three components, which accounted for 61.44% of the variance. Components included: affective (á=.825), perceived effectiveness (á=.924), and manageability (á=.744). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate RMSEA (.075), and acceptable Comparative Fit index (CFI=.937) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI=.903). A further examination of construct validity provides evidence for convergent and discriminate validity.

Conclusions: This innovative study provides a new valid and reliable scale to measure attitudes toward condoms irrespective of condom use which can be utilized in future research related to assessing and improving the sexual health of individuals. Public health professionals and clinicians may consider using this scale when addressing barriers to using condoms related to the properties of a condom.