Sexual Risk Cognitions Questionnaire: A reliability and validity study

Abstract

The Sexual Risk Cognitions Questionnaire was designed to assess the type and frequency of cognitions associated with unsafe sex. It consists of 22 core items (SRCQ-22) with six subsections. Each subsection consists of 8-12 items designed for specific subgroups defined by gender, sexual orientation and HIV serostatus. Data on reliability and validity are presented based on a sample of 344 respondents in London. Reliability for all sections of the questionnaire was high but sample numbers were relatively small for some subsections. Validity for the SRCQ-22 was assessed in terms of its relationship with self-reported sexual behaviour among men who have sex with men who made up the largest proportion (70%) of the sample. The results indicate that the SRCQ-22 is a reliable measure for assessing cognitions related to HIV risk sexual behaviour in this population and supports the view that they are important determinants of safe and unsafe behaviour.