Psychometric estimation of a self-efficacy scale to avoid risk behaviors in Mexicanadolescents

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties (structure, factorial validity, andreliability) of the scale for measuring self-efficacy to avoid behavior risk in Mexican adolescents. Thesample consisted of 850 teenagers aged between 13 and 21 years, students of public high schools in MexicoCity. The psychometric analysis showed six factors: self-efficacy to avoid tobacco consumption, alcoholdrinking, drug use, sexual behavior, health injury, and antisocial behavior. The reliability analysis showedan optimal level for each factor. Additionally, the results indicated the factorial validity of self-efficacy toavoid behavior risk. The discussion analyzes the utility for self-efficacy assessment, and interventiondevelopment implications are suggested.