A More Understanding about AIDS: Design and Assessment of Validity and Reliability of Several New Scales

Introduction: Given the high cost of AIDS, research on high-risk behaviors associated with AIDS is an essential requirement today. Therefore, the present study aimed to construct and standardize tests associated with AIDS-related risky behaviors. Methods: To assess the validity of the questionnaires, the experts’ viewpoints from different domains were qualitatively and quantitatively included. Additionally, to assess the reliability of the questionnaires, a sample of 31 subjects was selected and then examined on two separate occasions in a fortnight's time. Then, the validity and reliability of the instruments were assessed in a sample of 475 subjects. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis showed that for AIDS health literacy and AIDS risk perception questionnaires two factors are extractable; while for the questionnaires of self-efficacy in controlling risk behavior and controlling risk behavior associated with AIDS one factor is extractable. Finally, 14 items were approved for each of the AIDS health literacy and self-efficacy in controlling risk behavior questionnaires; while 13 items were approved for each of the controlling risk behavior associated with AIDS and AIDS risk perception questionnaires. Each of the four questionnaires had a good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha > 0.70). Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) amounts related to the test-retest reliability were greater than 0.80, which indicates the reliability of the instruments. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it was concluded that all four AIDS-related questionnaires enjoyed acceptable validity and reliability.