Psychometric properties of an instrument to measure perception of aphrodisiac use among undergraduates in a Southwestern Nigerian University

Abstract A tool to measure perception of aphrodisiac use by university institution undergraduates was developed and validated. The study was hinged on several theories that could explain potential to use aphrodisiac among the youths. A cross-sectionally designed study that evolved from qualitative and quantitative processes deployed a pretested instrument adapted from literature reviews and expert judgement on 919 students of University of Ibadan sampled through multi-stage method. Exploratory factor analysis was deployed on Polychoric correlation matrix of the items using R-statistical packages. Further model fit analysis was conducted using Confirmatory factor analysis on the items and factors derived from EFA. Mean Z-scores of factors were computed against socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use among respondents that have ever used it. Two succession of factor analyses and a structural equation modeling suggested that a first-order model is good fit for experimental data (TLI = 0.931; CFI = 0.948; SRMR = 0.047; RMSEA = 0.083). The four-factor solution to the model included: prolonged sexual performance, use without erectile dysfunction or medical advice, treatment of erectile dysfunction and recreational purposes with an internal consistency that ranged from 0.62–0.92. The validation with socio-demographics and symptoms of aphrodisiac use indicated that: Male respondents, those older than 20years, the married, those from poorly educated parent and sufferers of all identified symptoms had statistically significant differences with poor perception of aphrodisiac use’ domains. This validated instrument is good for assessment of perception of aphrodisiac use among students in tertiary institution albeit with caution. A version of the scale that is broadened with highly refined items and tested for high internal validity is suggested for future studies.