To measure self-efficacy with respect to risk behaviors for HIV infect
ion, a set of questionnaire items was developed regarding condom use,
drug use with friends, and negotiations with potential sex partners. T
hese items were tested with a sample of Latinos aged 14 to 22 years in
two New England cities. A nine-item self-efficacy scale was found to
have a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .77). Re
liability coefficients were similar for men, women, and both English-
and Spanish-speaking respondents. Strong associations with recent perf
ormance accomplishments, as specified in Bandura's social cognitive th
eory, support the construct validity of the scale.