Behavioural precursors and HIV testing behaviour among African American women

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether there is an association between knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, reported intentions to get an HIV test, and reported HIV testing behaviour at a later date among a sample of African American women. Design: Secondary analysis of data collected from October 2007 through March 2008 for a randomized controlled experiment that was one part of a comprehensive evaluation of the ‘Take Charge. Take the Test’ HIV social marketing campaign. Method: A series of logistic regression models were estimated to assess the effects of baseline knowledge and attitudes and beliefs on intention at two and six weeks post-baseline. Logistic regression models were also estimated to assess the effects of intention on HIV testing at both follow-ups. Results: A statistically-significant association between baseline attitudes and beliefs and subsequent HIV testing intentions was found. Knowing where to get a free HIV test at baseline was also significantly associated with reported intentions at follow-up. Reported intentions were significantly associated with reported HIV testing at follow-up. Conclusion: The study’s findings reiterate the importance of applying behaviour change theories and measuring behavioural precursors in the design and evaluation of HIV testing campaigns.