Validity and reliability of a sexual health consciousness scale in migrants from Mexico in transit to the United States

Abstract

HIV transmissions continue to increase. Migrant populations crossing the border into the United States are considered at risk. Sexual health awareness is an important variable for preventing STIs / HIV / AIDS; however, there is currently no instrument in Spanish to measure it. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the translation and cultural adaptation of the Health Consciousness Scale (HCS) applied to 160 migrants from the northern border of Mexico in transit to USA. Sampling was systematically randomized, using the Human Services Research Institute methodology for adaptation. All participants were of Mexican origin, 90% were men, with an average age of 39.75 and an average of 7.69 years of schooling. The scale had an internal consistency of 0.86 and good factorial adjustment (X² / gl = 2.397, p < 0.001) – (IFC = 0.92 - GFI = 0.92). The final instrument was considered reliable and with an acceptable construct validity; therefore, it is recommended to continue using it.