Table 2.
Factor analysis and the creation of subscales
| Factor 1 | Factor 2 | Factor 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eigenvalue | 6.31 | 5.97 | 2.54 |
| Reliability Coefficient | 0.95 | 0.94 | 0.62 |
| Item | Factor Loading | Factor Loading | Factor Loading |
| If I were to use PrEP, people would think that I have HIV. | 0.77 | 0.08 | 0.20 |
| My friends would think less of me if they found out I was using PrEP** | 0.72 | 0.43 | 0.22 |
| My family would think less of me if they found out I was using PrEP** | 0.78 | 0.36 | 0.15 |
| If my employer found out that I was using PrEP, I might lose my job. | 0.78 | 0.21 | 0.16 |
| People would feel uncomfortable with me if they found out that I used PrEP** | 0.71 | 0.47 | 0.24 |
| People would avoid me if they found out that I used PrEP** | 0.61 | 0.47 | 0.33 |
| The people in my doctor’s office would treat me differently if they found out that I used PrEP | 0.61 | 0.40 | 0.29 |
| If I were going to use PrEP, I would feel a need to hide that from other people. | 0.71 | 0.35 | 0.30 |
| Most people would think that using PrEP is a sign of personal failure. | 0.64 | 0.33 | 0.24 |
| If I used PrEP, I would worry that people would tell others that I am using PrEP.** | 0.66 | 0.48 | 0.24 |
| I would worry about telling people that I take a medicine like PrEP for my health’s sake. | 0.56 | 0.36 | 0.35 |
| If I were to use PrEP, people would think that I have sex with a lot of different people** | 0.27 | 0.84 | 0.11 |
| If I were to use PrEP, people would think that I like having strange types of sex** | 0.34 | 0.86 | 0.10 |
| PrEP is mostly meant for guys who can’t use condoms** | 0.22 | 0.88 | 0.08 |
| PrEP is something used mostly by guys who don’t have a lot of money** | 0.48 | 0.62 | 0.25 |
| If I were to bring up the subject of using PrEP with my partner, he/she would think that I am having risky sex with other people** | 0.42 | 0.64 | 0.26 |
| I think that my health insurance premiums would go up if my doctor prescribed PrEP for me. | 0.26 | 0.73 | 0.27 |
| PrEP is mostly meant for guys who are “bottoms” when they have sex** | 0.38 | 0.69 | 0.25 |
| There are easier ways to keep from getting HIV than taking PrEP. | 0.30 | −0.02 | 0.71 |
| Most people I know would treat me exactly the same if they found out that I used PrEP. | 0.24 | 0.25 | 0.56 |
| I would feel like a stronger person if I began using PrEP. | 0.16 | 0.28 | 0.77 |
| PrEP is mostly meant for guys who are “fems” (or more feminine) rather than guys who are “butch” (or more masculine). | 0.27 | 0.49 | 0.37 |
**
Item retained in the PrEP Stigma Scale–Shortened Version.