Sexual and reproductive empowerment scale for adolescents and young adults: a psychometric analysis among Chinese college students

This study aimed to translate the Sexual and Reproductive Empowerment (SRE) Scale for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) into Chinese and adapt it to the Chinese cultural context. The objective was to provide a reliable assessment tool for evaluating sexual and reproductive health empowerment among Chinese AYAs, thereby supporting efforts to promote and improve their sexual and reproductive health. A validation study of the scale was conducted. Translation and back-translation followed the Brislin translation model, and the Chinese version of SRES for AYAs (C-SRES) was finalized after cultural adaptation through expert consultation. A cross-sectional survey was then administered using the C-SRES. A total of 581 nursing college students from Henan province, China, were recruited through convenience sampling. Psychometric properties were assessed in line with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s α, split-half reliability. Stability using the test-retest method (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, ICCs). Validity was assessed through content validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the C-SRES, comprising 6 dimensions and 21 items, demonstrated strong reliability and validity (Cronbach’s α = 0.89, scale content validity index = 0.96, test-retest reliability = 0.89). Model fit indices were acceptable: incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.91, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.90, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07, and root mean square residual (RMR) = 0.07. The C-SRES demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity, supporting its use as an effective tool for evaluating SRE among Chinese AYAs. In addition to providing a reliable assessment instrument, the scale can assist researchers, educators, and clinicians in identifying factors often overlooked in health studies. It thus offers a valuable basis for developing targeted interventions and further strengthening the sexual and reproductive empowerment of AYAs in China.