Behavioral Intervention to Prevent HIV/AIDS Among Young Adults Using Motivational Culture-Based Communication: Protocol for a Research and Development Study

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is an epidemic in 190 countries, with Indonesia having more than half a million people living with the virus. Risk factors include risky sexual activity and alternating needle usage. The majority of cases are young adults (aged 18 to 30 years). The Indonesian National HIV/AIDS strategy aims to reduce new cases to less than a thousand per year. Nowadays, effective prevention involves avoiding free sex and adopting healthier lifestyles.

Objective: This research aimed to explore young adults' needs, perceptions, and cultural aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention, develop the intervention model, analyze its effectiveness, and examine its effect on HIV prevention behavior.

Methods: We conducted the study in three phases: qualitative research, model development, and quantitative research. In the first phase, we used descriptive phenomenology and focus group discussion to collect data from young adults and stakeholders in Batang and Pekalongan regencies. The second phase developed a motivation model for HIV/AIDS prevention using motivational culture-based communication (MK-U) through website media. We designed the model in consultation with an information technology team and experts to ensure its suitability. The third phase involved a pre- and posttest with a control group quasi-experiment involving young adults aged 20-30 years in Batang and Pekalongan districts. The intervention group received culture-based motivational interviewing, while the control group received standard counseling. We analyzed the data using a generalized linear model and multivariate analysis of variance.

Results: We expected to develop the MK-U model for HIV prevention behavior among young adults. In 2025, we implemented a community-based nursing research program for the MK-U model to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Conclusions: In this research, we compare the results with similar studies, which will benefit program implementers and policymakers in both regions and enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS prevention; community-based intervention; cultural health messaging; intervention development; motivational strategies; young adults.