Developing the Seeking Sexual Healthcare Services Scale among emerging adults

Emerging adults may look for sexual healthcare services less frequently than other age groups. This study constructed the Seeking Sexual Healthcare Services Scale to assess behaviors toward seeking sexual healthcare services among emerging adults. In Study 1 (n = 350), 24 items were developed, and an exploratory factor analysis revealed a 17-item 4-factor model. In Study 2 (n = 280), two experts in sex-related research reviewed the identified factors and provided feedback on the results from Study 1. Subsequently, 23 items were tested and an exploratory factor analysis revealed a 20-item 4-factor structure, where factors were identified as Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Importance, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Trust and Support, and Stigma. These factors demonstrated adequate internal reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. This scale may be a reliable and valid tool to assess access to sexual healthcare services and may facilitate continued research efforts to improve access to sexual healthcare services.