Validation of the PrEP Use Self-Efficacy (PrEP-Use) Scale Among Sexual Minority Men.

Self-efficacy may influence several stages of the PrEP care continuum, yet most validated measures capture only one component rather than a comprehensive approach. To address this gap, this study validated the PrEP Use Self-Efficacy (PrEP-USE) scale. Sexual minority men (N = 300) prescribed daily oral PrEP completed a baseline assessment including sociodemographics, the PrEP-USE scale, self-reported adherence, and PrEP-related variables (attitudes, stigma, subjective and descriptive norms) as part of a larger randomized controlled trial. Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor model (Challenges, Management, Routine) with acceptable fit. Overcoming challenges was associated with PrEP adherence (b = 1.09, p < .01) and correlated with all PrEP-related variables (p < .05). Management correlated with all variables (p < .05) but not adherence. Routine was associated with adherence (b = 2.42, p < .001) and only with PrEP attitudes (p < .05). Integrating the PrEP-USE scale into intervention frameworks may strengthen self-efficacy measurement.