Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42853822›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Development and psychometric validation of the Sexual Health Literacy Measurement Tool for Undergraduate Students (SHL-US) in Thailand.

Natnapa Heebkaew Padchasuwan, Jintapa Benchamas, Pokkamol Laoraksawong, Nopparat Senahad, Pannee Banchonhattakit, Surachai Phimha

Abstract readValidation Study
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Natnapa Heebkaew PadchasuwanFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Jintapa BenchamasFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7049-7909
Pokkamol LaoraksawongFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Nopparat SenahadFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Pannee BanchonhattakitFaculty of Public Health, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5204-0213
Surachai PhimhaFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2248-546X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSexual health literacy refers to an individual's capacity and proficiency in managing sexual health. Currently, there are limited instruments available to assess sexual health literacy among undergraduate students, particularly in Thailand. Thus, the current study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the sexual health literacy measurement tool for undergraduate students (SHL-US) in Thailand.

methodsThe study involved 1,235 undergraduate students from public and private universities in Thailand. A multi-stage probability sampling design was used, with simple random selection of institutions (one public and one private university per region, across four regions), faculties, and classrooms, followed by complete enumeration of eligible, consenting students within the selected classrooms. A pilot test (n = 50) and exploratory factor analysis (n = 300) preceded the confirmatory sample (n = 1,235). Thirteen experts examined the content validity. The quality of the instrument was tested by examining its psychometric properties using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

resultsForty-nine items entered the EFA; 47 were retained (4 factors, 53.17% variance explained). CFA removed two more low-loading items (<0.50), yielding the final 45-item, four-factor structure: access (12), understanding (12), appraisal (10), application (11). Additional internal consistency analysis yielded satisfactory results, with an overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.976. The item-total correlation (ITC) was 0.284-0.755, and content validity, assessed via the content validity index (CVI), was high (CVI = 0.94). Confirmatory factor analysis, using the item set confirmed against the CFA diagram and retaining only correlated residuals with genuine item-content justification, supported an acceptable four-factor structure. The four domains were strongly inter-correlated, suggesting they are best interpreted and scored as facets of a single overarching SHL construct rather than fully independent subscales.

conclusionThe SHL-US (45 items) showed acceptable four-factor fit and good internal consistency, though the four domains behave as correlated facets of one SHL factor rather than separable competencies. Used as a single overall score, it shows potential for assessing sexual health literacy among Thai undergraduates.

Indexed as

Health LiteracyPsychometricsSexual HealthStudentsAdolescentAdultFactor Analysis, StatisticalFemaleHumansMaleSurveys and QuestionnairesThailandUniversitiesYoung Adult

Identifiers

PMID42853822
PMCPMC13652164

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