Table 1 Exploratory factor analysis of the PrEP risk perception scale

Personal experience and self-efficacy

I think medicine make me safe, away from AIDS^a

1–5

0.727

I can remember to take my medicine on time^a

1–5

0.703

My fear of AIDS is lessened^a

1–5

0.640

I'm used to taking medicine^a

1–5

0.670

Cronbach's alpha = 0.812

Potential concerns

I worry that the medicine has no effect

1–5

0.817

I worry about the side effects of medicine

1–5

0.801

I'm worried that homosexual partners know I'm taking medicine

1–5

0.654

I worry that other people will discriminate me when they know I am on medicine

1–5

0.624

I felt the side effects of the medicine

1–5

0.303

I find it inconvenient to take the medicine

1–5

0.495

I think it’s very troublesome to take the medicine

1–5

0.484

Cronbach's alpha = 0.812

Medicine impacts

I find it difficult to swallow medicine

1–5

0.644

The smell of medicine makes me feel uncomfortable

1–5

0.921

The dosage form of medicine I do not like to take

1–5

0.437

Cronbach's alpha = 0.756

Medical mistrust

I think the doctors here discriminate against me^a

1–5

0.952

I do not trust the doctors here^a

1–5

0.818

Cronbach's alpha = 0.884

Composite score

16–80

Cronbach's alpha = 0.828