Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Moroccan Arabic version of the gender equitable men (GEM) scale (MA-GEM)

To address the link between gender norms and other health determinants, culturally sensitive measurement tools are needed. This study aims to bridge this gap for Arabic speakers by translating and adapting the Gender Equitable Men (GEM) scale into Moroccan Arabic, and to assess its psychometric properties. The GEM scale was translated from English into Moroccan Arabic following established guidelines. The pre-final version was revised by a committee of experts, and tested on 23 participants. The adapted version underwent a test-retest procedure with 20 participants over a 22-day interval. Data from 444 participants were used to assess psychometric properties. Reliability was evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory Factor Analysis examined the scale’s components. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software. The Moroccan Arabic version of the GEM scale (MA-GEM) showed good internal consistency (α = 0.86), and acceptable item-to-scale correlations (r > 0.4) for most items. Good reliability was observed in the test-retest for all items (0.92–0.98) as well as the total score (ICC = 0.969). Eight extracted factors emerged from factor analysis. However, attempts to build logical dimensions did not align with item content. Thus, a one-dimensional scale, more appropriate for the Moroccan setting, was therefore adopted. Correlation results confirmed both divergent and convergent validity (p < 0.001). This adaptation provide a reliable tool for evaluating attitudes toward gender norms. Thereby supporting initiatives aimed at advancing gender equity in health within Arabic-speaking contexts.