Psychometric Evaluation of a Revised Instrument for Assessing HIV Knowledge Among SGM Men

Accurate assessment of general HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge is essential for evaluating contemporary prevention efforts. This study examined the psychometric properties of a revised HIV and PrEP knowledge instrument for young sexual and gender minority (SGM) men. Data were collected from 1,519 participants (ages 17–29) via an online survey. Of the original 31 items, 7 were removed based on item analysis, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on the remaining 24 items. EFA supported a two-factor structure—18 items assessing general HIV knowledge and 6 assessing PrEP knowledge—with acceptable model fit (RMSEA = 0.06) and strong factor loadings (0.32). The instrument demonstrated measurement invariance across major racial/ethnic groups, moderate to strong item-total correlations (≥0.30), and acceptable internal consistency for both subscales. Findings validate this 24-item, two-factor instrument as a reliable tool for assessing HIV and PrEP knowledge among SGM men.

Confirmatory factor analysis · Consistency (knowledge bases) · Construct validity · Exploratory factor analysis · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Internal consistency · Measurement invariance · Psychometrics · Test validity · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

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