Abstract
BackgroundDue to the increase incidents of premarital sex and the lack of reproductive health services, college students are at high risk of HIV/AIDS infections in China. This study was designed to examine the predictors of consistency of condom use among college students based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model and to describe the relationships between the model constructs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess HIV/AIDS related information, motivation, behavioral skills and preventive behavior among college students in five colleges and universities in Nanjing, China. An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted for data collection, and the structural equation model (SEM) was used to assess the IMB model.ResultsA total of 3183 participants completed this study. The average age was 19.90 years (SD = 1.43, range 16 to 25). 342 (10.7%) participants of them reported having had premarital sex, among whom 30.7% reported having had a consistent condom use, 13.7% with the experience of abortion (including the participants whose sex partner has the same experience), 32.7% of participants had experience of multiple sex partners. The final IMB model provided acceptable fit to the data (CFI = 0.992, RMSEA = 0.028). Preventive behavior was significantly predicted by behavioral skills (β = 0.754, P<0.001). Information (β = 0.138, P<0.001) and motivation (β = 0.363, P<0.001) were indirectly affected preventive behavior, and was mediated through behavioral skills.ConclusionsThe results of the study demonstrate the utility of the IMB model for consistent condom use among college students in China. The main influencing factor of preventive behavior among college students is behavioral skills. Both information and motivation could affect preventive behavior through behavioral skills. Further research could develop preventive interventions based on the IMB model to promote consistent condom use among college students in China.
Highlights
China is experiencing a rapid increase in human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
342 (10.7%) participants reported having had premarital sex, among whom 30.7% reported having had a consistent condom use, 13.7% had the experience of abortion, 32.7% had experience of multiple sex partners, 4.4% with homosexual behavior, 63.7% had oral sex and 9.1% had anal sex
It clearly reported that 53.3% strongly supported condom use with sex partner in premarital sex, 53.4% had received HIV/AIDS health education, and that 29.8% had received sex and chastity education, but that 8.7% knew where they could receive voluntary HIV consultation monitoring
Summary
China is experiencing a rapid increase in human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The HIV/AIDS epidemic in China is complex with some populations effected more than others. Previous studies have indicated that college students are at high risk of HIV/AIDS infections [6,7]. Some college students are engaging themselves in high levels of unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple sex partners and other risky sexual behaviors [8,9]. Research and concerned organizations reach consensus to develop effective HIV preventive interventions among college students [10]. Due to the increase incidents of premarital sex and the lack of reproductive health services, college students are at high risk of HIV/AIDS infections in China. This study was designed to examine the predictors of consistency of condom use among college students based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model and to describe the relationships between the model constructs
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