Testing the Interpersonal-Behavior model to explain intentions to use patient-delivered partner therapy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Background:

• Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is an established treatment for partners but requires further research into its theoretical basis.
• Understanding the factors influencing PDPT intentions is crucial for improving its effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a theoretical framework explaining patient intentions for using PDPT.
• To identify key determinants of PDPT intentions in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase study involving interviews and surveys with patients from a Midwestern sexually transmitted infection clinic (n=197).
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes, informing the development of the Interpersonal-Behavior model.
• Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the theoretical framework and its associations with PDPT intentions.

Main Results:

• The Interpersonal-Behavior model showed good fit, with information, motivation, and social support significantly associated with behavioral skills.
• Behavioral skills were directly associated with higher PDPT intentions.
• Behavioral skills partially mediated the relationship between motivation and intentions, and fully mediated the relationship between social support and intentions.

Conclusions:

• The Interpersonal-Behavior model provides a suitable framework for understanding PDPT intentions.
• Further research should explore this model longitudinally and assess its applicability to other interpersonal health behaviors and outcomes.