Exploratory Factor Analysis of Two Sexual Health Scales for Transgender People: Trans-Specific Condom/Barrier Negotiation Self-Efficacy (T-Barrier) and Trans-Specific Sexual Body Image Worries (T-Worries)

Few sexual health measures have been validated for transgender (trans) populations. Condom/barrier self-efficacy and sexual body image worries are interrelated constructs that may contribute to enhanced and poor sexual health, respectively. We report on the development and initial validation of trans-specific scales designed to measure these constructs. Trans people in Ontario, Canada, who had ever had sex completed these scales as a part of a larger Trans PULSE survey (n = 323). Using exploratory factor analysis, a one-factor solution fit the 8-item Condom/Barrier Negotiation Self-Efficacy Scale (T-Barrier). Two factors were identified for the 7-item Sexual Body Image Worries Scale (T-Worries): “general body image worries” and “trans-related image worries,” while two items were recommended for deletion. The scales demonstrated convergent validity with measures such as self-esteem, sexual anxiety, sexual satisfaction, sexual fear, and experiences of transphobia. Further evaluation to confirm these structures within an independent trans sample would be valuable. We recommend the use of these scales for studies of sexual health within trans populations, to enhance our ability to better understand and promote sexual health within trans communities.