title: Psychometric Properties and Validity of a Multi-dimensional Risk Perception Scale Developed in the Context of a Microbicide Acceptability Study.
abstract: Currently available risk perception scales tend to focus on risk behaviors and overall risk (vs partner-specific risk). While these types of assessments may be useful in clinical contexts, they may be inadequate for understanding the relationship between sexual risk and motivations to engage in safer sex or one's willingness to use prevention products during a specific sexual encounter. We present the psychometric evaluation and validation of a scale that includes both general and specific dimensions of sexual risk perception. A one-time, audio computer-assisted self-interview was administered to 531 women aged 18-55 years. Items assessing sexual risk perceptions, both in general and in regards to a specific partner, were examined in the context of a larger study of willingness to use HIV/STD prevention products and preferences for specific product characteristics. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded two subscales: general perceived risk and partner-specific perceived risk. Validity analyses demonstrated that the two subscales were related to many sociodemographic and relationship factors. We suggest that this risk perception scale may be useful in research settings where the outcomes of interest are related to motivations to use HIV and STD prevention products and/or product acceptability. Further, we provide specific guidance on how this risk perception scale might be utilized to understand such motivations with one or more specific partners.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI, 02906, USA. svargas@lifespan.org.|Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. svargas@lifespan.org.
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Severy
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.|Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Rochelle K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.affiliation: The Fenway Institute, Fenway Community Health, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Salomon
authors.affiliation: Sociomedical Research Associates, Westport, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shulman
authors.affiliation: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Coro West, Suite 309, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI, 02906, USA.|Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Kate Morrow
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Guthrie
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
keywords: HIV/STD prevention; Microbicides; Risk perception; Sexual risk