This study tested a model of safer sex behavior using variables from social learning theory, the health belief model, the theory of reasoned action, and theories of cognitive coping style. Two types of safer sex behavior were measured: frequency of condom use and the discussion of AIDS and past partners with a sexual partner. The participants--275 undergraduate students--completed an anonymous written questionnaire. The variables (behavioral intention, perceived susceptibility, barriers, self-efficacy, monitoring, blunting, and social support) predicted 35% of the variance in condom use and 13% of the variance in discussion (adjusted R2s). Intention was the strongest predictor of both types of safer sex behavior. Perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers were associated with intention to use a condom; perceived barriers was inversely related to condom use. Self-efficacy was associated with the intention to discuss and reported discussion of AIDS and past partners with a sexual partner; social support was related to the intention to discuss. An information-avoiding coping style was negatively associated with condom use. Implications for future research and intervention efforts in the area of AIDS prevention are discussed.
PIP: This study of predictors of AIDs risk behavior relies on constructs from the health belief model, social learning theory, the theory of reasoned action, and models of social support and coping among 275 low to moderate risk students from US university undergraduate health and communication classes. The population characteristics were as follows: 65.8% female, 81.4% white, non Hispanics, 8.4% Hispanics, 5.8 blacks, 3.3% Asians, 1.1% Indian and other, 21.6 years average age, 34% with no sexual partners in the past 2 months, 56% with 1 partner, 5% with 2 partners, and 5% with 3 or more partners. The instrument was pretested. The following measures are presented with consistency reliability coefficients, ranges, and sample items: perceived susceptibility based on an Eisen scale, perceived barriers to behavior change also based on Eisen items, self-efficacy, social support based on a French, Marshall, and Gebhardt scale, coping style (monitoring and blunting) using the Miller Behavior Style Scale, safer sex intentions and safer sex behavior. The findings of the univariate correlation analysis were that susceptibility was significantly related to intention to use a condom. Barriers to practicing safer sex, which was significantly affected by self-efficacy, was significantly correlated with intention-discussion and intention condoms, and the reported frequency of condom use. Self-efficacy was also associated with intentions to discuss AIDS and past partners with a sexual partner. Self-efficacy was not correlate with condom use or intention to use. Blunting was significantly and negatively associated with condom use, and positively related to social support, which was related to self-efficacy and barriers. The path analysis used the beta weights of .10 from regression equations. 13% of the variance in discussion and 35% of the variance in both intention discussion and intention condom use were predicted by blunting, monitoring, social support, self-efficacy, susceptibility, barriers, intention discussion, and intention condom use were predicted by the model. Intention variables were the best predictors of safer sex behavior and were not unidimensional. Limitations are that the direction of causation is derived from theory and reflects past behavior. The implications for theory and prevention are indicated. Interventions need to address that denial of risk is a coping style and self efficacy and social support are important influences.