Cross-cultural adaptations of a scale to assess condom fit and feel: An exploratory study among Spanish-speaking samples

Background: Major resources have been allocated toward increasing correct and consistent use of condoms among sexually active individuals at risk for HIV and STI. Evidence demonstrates that the language shared by members of particular groups must be considered when establishing the appropriate inquiry techniques. However, little is known about the role that language has in understanding the perception of condom use among non-English speaking populations.

Methods: In this study, linguistic and cultural adaptations of the Condom Fit and Feel Scale were made to understand the experiences of Spanish speaking men. Analyses of scale properties were conducted on data collected from two Spanish language versions of the same scale, including 253 men in Argentina and 156 men from Spain.

Results: Internal consistency of the scale items was higher among the version adapted for use in Argentina (alpha = .81) than for those in the European sample (alpha = .68). The majority of men endorsed the notion that condoms fit fine and feel comfortable (67.4% for European Spaniards and 82% for Argentineans) although small proportions of men in each sample also described challenges they had experienced with the fit and feel of condoms.

Discussion: Findings confirm that public health efforts to understand and implement condom use must consider the appropriate use of language and the perceptions of diverse cultural groups. Researchers must pay attention to unique cultural intricacies when adapting sexual health scales for use in diverse populations.