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Self-efficacy for AIDS preventive behaviors among tenth grade students
S Kasen1, R D Vaughan, H J Walter
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
Health Education Quarterly
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Adolescent self-efficacy in preventing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is crucial. Lower confidence in refusing sex or using condoms consistently correlates with higher risk behaviors, highlighting the need for skills-based prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention programs require effective planning.
- Understanding adolescent risk behaviors and beliefs is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess self-efficacy, risk perceptions, and condom use among adolescents in an AIDS epicenter.
- To identify associations between self-efficacy and sexual behaviors for improved AIDS prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 181 tenth-grade students near an AIDS epicenter.
- Measured sexual intercourse, condom use, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility/severity of AIDS, and outcome efficacy of preventive actions.
Main Results:
- Adolescents reported uncertainty in self-efficacy regarding refusing sex, questioning partners, and consistent condom use.
- Lower self-efficacy for refusing sex was linked to higher rates of sexual intercourse.
- Lower self-efficacy for consistent condom use was associated with less consistent condom usage.
Conclusions:
- Self-efficacy significantly influences adolescent sexual risk behaviors related to AIDS.
- Prevention programs should prioritize skills-building over knowledge-dissemination to enhance self-efficacy and reduce AIDS transmission.
Keywords:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--prevention and controlAdolescentsAge FactorsAmericasAttitudeBarrier MethodsBehaviorCommunity SurveysCondomContraceptionContraceptive MethodsContraceptive UsageDemographic FactorsDeveloped CountriesDiseasesEducationEducational ActivitiesEducational TechnicsFamily PlanningHealth EducationHiv Infections--prevention and controlNew YorkNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPsychological FactorsPsychosocial FactorsResearch MethodologyRisk Reduction BehaviorSampling StudiesSex BehaviorSex EducationStudentsStudiesSurveysUnited StatesViral DiseasesYouth