Reliability and validation of the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire among men who have sex with men in China
10.19428/j.cnki.sjpm.2025.24845
- VernacularTitle:中文版童年不良经历量表在男男性行为群体中的信效度分析
- Author:
Huifang XU
1
;
Ying WANG
1
;
Chenrui LI
1
;
Ajuan LIANG
2
;
Yong CAI
1
Author Information
1. Public Health Research Center, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
2. Center of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
men who have sex with men;
Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire;
reliability;
validity
- From:
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine
2025;37(10):878-883
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveThe significance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) should not be overlooked. This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) among the MSM population in China to evaluate its applicability in this group. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Chinese cities(Shanghai, Shenyang and Kunming) using snowball sampling, with a total of 1 130 MSM participants included. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the structural validity of the scale. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s α coefficient, and split-half reliability was assessed with the Spearman-Brown coefficient. ResultsAccording to the EFA results, after removing item ACE10 (“parental death”), the 23-item ACE-IQ demonstrated a six-factor structure, including victimization or witnessing emotional/physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, family dysfunction, emotional neglect, and peer violence. CFA results indicated a good model fit for the six-factor model, supporting the EFA findings. The scale demonstrated good reliability, with a Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.852 and a Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.899, indicating high internal consistency and split-half reliability within the studied population. ConclusionThe Chinese version of the ACE-IQ demonstrates satisfactory reliability and validity among MSM population, supporting its suitability for assessing ACEs in this group. The findings provide an empirical basis for subsequent mental health interventions.