An EFA of a revised Condom Fit and Feel Scale (CoFFee-R): Adding intimacy and pleasure

Abstract

External condoms are an effective contraceptive and safe-sex practice when used properly. A focus on universal fit has produced a variety of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. However, researchers and manufacturers have given little attention to how condoms subjectively fit and feel for the user. Reece and colleagues (2007) developed the Condom Fit and Feel Scale in 2007 that focused on physical aspects of fit (e.g., loose along penis shaft). Yet, users’ perceptions of emotional intimacy and pleasurable sensations may also predict condom use. The original scale had items corresponding to one of five factors: Condoms Fit Fine, Condoms Feel Too Loose, Condoms Feel Too Tight, Condoms Are Too Long, and Condoms Are Too Short. We revised the measure to include a broader conceptualization of feel and to remove redundant items. This revised scale (CoFFee-R) was tested for its psychometric properties in a sample of 399 participants recruited through a university participant pool. After conducting parallel and exploratory factor analyses, we settled on a four-factor structure. Our resulting CoFFee-R scale contained 18 items with the following factors: Condom Fit, Condom Intimacy and Pleasure, Condom Big, Condom Small. The factor structure of the CoFFee-R accounted for 57.6% of the variance, with structure matrix loadings ranging from .54 to .99, and no cross-loadings above .33. We discuss benefits and uses of the CoFFee-R within a transtheoretical model of predicting condom-use. This study has implications for how researchers measure health behaviours, from the wording of items to the conceptualization of condom fit and feel.