Psychometric validation of a scale to measure vulnerability to HIV in school-attending adolescents

Authors

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/eglobal.648031
Keywords: Vulnerability, HIV, Adolescents, Factor Analysis, Ps, Psychometrics

Abstract

Introduction: This study validates a scale to measure vulnerability to HIV in school-attending adolescents. The results show a solid factorial structure and high reliability, supporting its use in research and prevention.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Scale for Vulnerability to HIV in School-Aged Adolescents.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, instrumental, descriptive study was conducted with a random sample of 890 adolescents aged 14 to 21 years, enrolled in public schools in Bogotá, Colombia. Construct validity was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient.

Results: The EFA identified ten factors related to HIV vulnerability, such as school-based sexual education, partner maltreatment, risky sexual behaviors, and self-image, explaining 57% of the total variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.49 to 0.93, and reliability coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from 0.71 to 0.93. These results enabled the development of the EVA scale, designed to measure HIV vulnerability in school-aged adolescents.

Conclusion: The EVA scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties, and its use is recommended to identify HIV vulnerability in adolescents with characteristics similar to the studied population.

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Published
09-09-2025
How to Cite
[1]
Telpiz-de la Cruz, S.G. and Castejón Costa, J.L. 2025. Psychometric validation of a scale to measure vulnerability to HIV in school-attending adolescents. Global Nursing. 24, 2 (Sep. 2025). DOI:https://doi.org/10.6018/eglobal.648031.
Issue
Vol. 24 No. 2 (2025): #76 May-August
Section
ORIGINAL RESEARCH

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