Original scientific paper
Validation of Questionnaire Estimating Predictors of Behavior Intention to Engage in First Sexual Intercourse Among Eighth-grade Pupils
Polonca Brcar
; Community Health Center Ljubljana, Slovenia
Mojca Zvezdna Dernovšek
; University Psychiatric Hospital, Ljubljana Polje, Slovenia
Abstract
Aim To use structural equation modeling in testing the
construct validity of the questionnaire on the first sexual
intercourse among young adolescents.
Methods Previously created questionnaire for the estimation
of different factors influencing the intention to engage
in the first sexual intercourse was validated. The data
were gathered anonymously from a nationally representative
sample of 1217 elementary school pupils aged 14-15
in Slovenia. The construct validity was determined by the
structural equation modeling, LISREL 8.7.
Results The reliability of the questionnaire was satisfactory
(Cronbach α = 0.73). Using the structural equation modeling
analyses, the fit between empirical and theoretical
models was confirmed, with 18 variables (17 independent
and 1 dependent) for 6 latent indicators (5 external and 1
internal). The measures of goodness of fit were χ2
80 = 57.040;
P = 0.976; the root mean square error of approximation
was <0.001; the root mean square residual was 0.0249; the
goodness of fit index was 0.994; the adjusted goodness of
fit index was 0.988; the normed fit index was 0.993; and the
relative fit index was 0.986. The instrument explained 34%
of the variance in behavior intention.
Conclusion The construct validity of the questionnaire
on the intention to engage in the first sexual intercourse
among young adolescents was satisfactory. This questionnaire
could be a useful tool in health promotion programs
Keywords
Validity; Reliability; Questionnaire; Sexual initiation; Behavior intention; Adolescents
Hrčak ID:
47883
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2009.
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