The novel HIV Anxiety Scale has been validated as “a contemporary, robust measure of HIV anxiety,” according to research published in AIDS and Behavior.
Liam Cahill, PhD, and colleagues conducted two studies. In Study 1, they developed the HIV Anxiety Scale (HAS), with input from experts and focus groups, the latter of which included men who have sex with men. Study 2 they used a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate its construct validity and internal consistency.
“Most research assessing [HIV] anxiety relies on single-item measures or psychometric measures that are outdated in terms of concepts and language,” Dr. Cahill and colleagues wrote. “There is a critical need for a robust, reliable, and contemporary measure to identify populations at risk of avoiding HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, thereby supporting global HIV eradication goals.”
Development & Validation
In Study 1, the researchers performed an exploratory factor analysis with 251 participants. In Study 2, they conducted a CFA with 200 participants, which was performed in conjunction with validity, internal consistency, and measurement invariance evaluations.
The studies resulted in a 3-factor model, which led to a 16-item measure with the following subscales:
› Psychosocial Implications of HIV
› Lifestyle Implications of HIV
› HIV Testing Anxiety
Dr. Cahill and colleagues reported that the HAS demonstrated a good factor structure, acceptable validity, and excellent internal consistency across diverse groups in Study 2.
Implications for Patients & Clinicians
“Globally, there is an increasing focus on testing, treatment, and prevention of HIV to meet the UNAIDS target of eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2030,” the researchers wrote. “However, one significant barrier to achieving these targets is HIV anxiety, which can hinder individuals from accessing HIV testing, prevention, and subsequent treatment. HIV anxiety may lead to avoidance of testing, potentially increasing transmission rates, or avoidance of HIV prevention information, which could elevate the risk of HIV for affected populations and others as well.”
Against this backdrop, the HAS serves the need for a robust measure to evaluate HIV-related anxiety in a non discriminatory way, they continued.
“Developed with a people-first language, the HAS aligns with UNAIDS’ 2030 goal of ending HIV transmission. It offers a standardized tool to inform targeted interventions for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. The measure encourages future research, addresses psychological aspects of HIV care, and promotes a holistic approach to prevention and treatment.”
