An outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) appeared suddenly and rapidly spread worldwide during 2022. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk of contracting Mpox compared to other cohorts. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a newly developed scale among MSM: the Motors of Mpox Vaccination Acceptance Scale (MoMVA) assessing cognitive components of the motivation to receive an Mpox vaccination. In total, 389 MSM participated in an online survey study. The factor structures of the MoMVA were first examined using exploratory factor analysis. After determining the factor structures, the MoMVA was further examined for: (i) internal consistency using Cronbach's α; (ii) concurrent validity using correlations with risk perception of contracting Mpox and intention to receive an Mpox vaccination; and (iii) known-group validity by comparing the scores of the MoMVA between MSM who vaccinated and those who did not. The results indicated that the MoMVA had a two-factor structure (positive and negative motors). The MoMVA had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.793 to 0.914), concurrent validity (associated with intention to receive an Mpox vaccination), and known-group validity (participants who vaccinated had higher MoMVA scores than those who did not). The results of the present study indicated that the psychometric properties of the MoMVA were good and that they can be used for assessing cognitive components of the motivation to receive an Mpox vaccination among MSM.
Keywords: Mpox; men who have sex with men; psychometric testing; vaccine.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk of contracting Mpox compared to other cohorts. A reliable scale is needed to assess MSM’s motivation to receive a vaccination against Mpox. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Motors of Mpox Vaccination Acceptance Scale (MoMVA). In total, 389 MSM participated in an online survey study. It was found that the MoMVA contained the positive and negative motors to receive a vaccination. The MoMVA had acceptable internal consistency and significant association with intention to receive an Mpox vaccination. Participants who vaccinated had higher MoMVA scores than those who did not. The results of the present study indicated that the MoMVA measures MSM’s motivation to receive a vaccination against Mpox well.