Development and validation of psychometric properties of a questionnaire for sexual health literacy related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases among Iranian young men

Introduction: Worldwide, sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are major health issues. Sexual health literacy refers to a range of sexual health literacy that encompasses a variety of areas, including gender and sexual development, puberty, pregnancy, contraceptive methods, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. The evaluation of sexual health literacy needs an appropriate tool. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate psychometric properties of an instrument to measure sexual health literacy related to AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases among young Iranian men between the ages of 19 to 29 years old. Material and methods: This study was carried in out two phases in Tehran during 2018-2019. In the first phase, a questionnaire was developed by item generation through an expert panel and literature review. In the second part, an assessment of psychometric properties of questionnaire, including face and content validity, was performed. Reliability of questionnaire was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach's a) and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The content validity indices (CVI and CVR) for all items were 0.89 and 0.87, respectively. The designed tool showed a high internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach's a ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 and ICC ranging from 0.79 to 0.87. Conclusions: The psychometric assessment of the 30-item questionnaire indicates desirable validity and reliability. This questionnaire is recommended for assessing the level of sexual health literacy of young men in future studies.