Development and psychometric evaluation of a self-administered questionnaire to measure knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases

AIDS Behav. 2007 Jul;11(4):557-74. doi: 10.1007/s10461-006-9168-5. Epub 2006 Oct 3.

Abstract

This research developed and evaluated a brief but comprehensive measure of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for use in research and applied settings. Questionnaire construction involved a review of empirical precedents as well as qualitative work with STD experts (n = 6) and the target population (n = 40). Eighty-five items were piloted (n = 50) and tested (n = 391) with college students. Item- and test-level analyses identified items that were eliminated to shorten the questionnaire. Factor analyses revealed a two-factor model of STD knowledge, including a Cause/Cure factor and a General Knowledge factor. Six supplemental items were added to the final questionnaire for their public health value and resulted in the 27-item STD-Knowledge Questionnaire (STD-KQ). The STD-KQ demonstrated internal consistency (alpha = .86) and test-retest reliability (r = .88) over a brief period. Evidence for the validity of the STD-KQ was obtained through a comparison with a validated HIV knowledge questionnaire (Carey & Schroder, 2002); treatment outcome sensitivity was obtained in response to an educational program. Use of the STD-KQ will enable researchers and health educators to identify knowledge deficits, measure knowledge for theory testing, evaluate risk reduction programs, and assess treatment response in research and applied settings.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / transmission
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*