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Psychological Factors and Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Multidimensional Model Based on the Chilean Population.
Rodrigo Ferrer-Urbina1, Patricio Mena-Chamorro1, Marcos Halty1
1Escuela de Psicología y Filosofía, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1020000, Chile.
Summary
Psychological factors significantly influence sexual risk behaviors (SRB) in young adults. Understanding these factors is key for developing effective HIV prevention strategies and interventions targeting at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sexual risk behaviors (SRB) are the primary transmission route for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally.
- Psychological factors, including condom attitudes, sexual self-concept, sensation seeking, risk perception, and knowledge, are known to influence SRB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test an explanatory model of sexual risk behaviors in young people and adults.
- To identify key psychological predictors of specific SRB.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from 992 participants aged 18-35 years.
- Self-report measures assessed psychological factors and sexual risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- The proposed model demonstrated good fit, explaining significant variance in SRB.
- Psychological factors explained 56% of the variance in sexual activity with multiple partners.
- 77% of the variance in inadequate use of protective barriers and 58.8% in alcohol/drug-influenced sexual activity were explained.
Conclusions:
- Psychological factors are significant determinants of sexual risk behaviors in young adults.
- Findings provide evidence for prioritizing prevention-oriented psychosocial interventions to reduce HIV transmission.
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