The Arabic version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.85) with two sub-dimensions and 16 items in a sample of young Syrian refugee university students.
Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the Arabic version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale had two sub-dimensions and 16 items.
The Arabic version of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.85.
Content validity of the Arabic SHLS was established through a three-stage process of translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation.
Male participants scored significantly higher on the Arabic SHLS than female participants.
Participants studying in health-related departments scored significantly higher on the Arabic SHLS compared to those in non-health-related fields.
Awareness of sexual health literacy, prior sexual health education, and self-confidence in sexual health knowledge were each significantly associated with higher SHLS scores.
This study represents the first investigation of the Sexual Health Literacy Scale's validity and reliability in a young refugee population.
This research suggests that an Arabic-language version of a tool called the Sexual Health Literacy Scale (SHLS) is a valid and reliable way to measure sexual health knowledge and awareness among young Syrian refugee university students. The researchers translated the scale into Arabic, adapted it culturally, and tested it with 191 Syrian refugee students in December 2023. Statistical analyses confirmed the scale holds together well as a measurement tool, with a reliability score (Cronbach's Alpha of 0.85) considered acceptable by scientific standards, and the scale's original two-part structure with 16 questions held up in this new population. The study also found that certain groups of students scored higher on sexual health literacy: male students, those studying health-related subjects, students who were already aware of the concept of sexual health literacy, those who had previously received sexual health education, and those who felt confident in their sexual health knowledge all performed significantly better on the scale. These patterns suggest that access to health education and prior exposure to the topic plays an important role in this population's sexual health awareness. This matters because Syrian refugees are a large and vulnerable population, and until now there was no validated tool to properly assess their sexual health literacy in Arabic. This research suggests the Arabic SHLS could be used in future studies and programs targeting refugee populations. The authors note that further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm how well the scale works across different settings and refugee communities.
Yeşil Y, Apak H. (2026). Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the sexual health literacy scale in young Syrian refugees.. Reproductive health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02249-x