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 alpha=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 chi2(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.
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 alpha=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 chi2(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.
Authors: Kathleen A Ethier; Trace S Kershaw; Jessica B Lewis; Stephanie Milan; Linda M Niccolai; Jeannette R Ickovics Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2006-03 Impact factor: 5.012