Psychometric Confirmation of the Sexual Health Survey as a Useful Tool for College Health Professionals

To conduct a confirmatory factor analysis on the 17-item Sexual Health Survey (SHS), a comprehensive instrument designed to be used with college students. College students (N = 515) aged 18 to 26 years enrolled at a Midwest public university October 2009. Confirmatory factor analysis with maximum likelihood estimation was performed to test the stability of the constructs. All factor loadings were significant (p < .001), ranging from .55 to .99 (standardized). The range of squared multiple correlations of items was .31 to .98, and the intercorrelations among the 5 factors were from -.03 to .52. These small to moderate levels of intercorrelation support discriminant validity of 5 constructs. This study supports the 5-factor version of the 17-item SHS as a viable scale that can measure sexual health overall and 5 distinct areas. College health professionals should consider use of this scale for assessment purposes and evaluation of programmatic efforts.