Psychological Predictors of HIV-Preventive Behavior Among Zimbabwean Students

Abstract

This report is based on a study of 852 sexually active volunteer student teachers in Zimbabwe who were assessed on their AIDS risk reduction behavior and the Health Belief Model of Janz and Becker. The model posits that behavior modification occurs if there is knowledge of the disease and its severity, susceptibility, effective prevention, self- efficacy for prevention, accessible health care and advice, normative support for behavior change, and few barriers to action. Behavior change is measured by reduced numbers of sexual partners, increased condom use, and decreased prostitute contact. The 404 women showed no sex differences from the 448 men, except that men reported lower self- efficacy. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that for men the Health Belief Model was significant and explained 15% of the variance (F=7.50, p.0001). Behavior risk reduction was predicted by self-efficacy (B=.10, p.0001), perceived barriers to action (B=-.19, p.01), and belief in the effectiveness of preventive practices (B-.10, p.001). The women's model was also significant and explained 12% of the variance (F=4.06, p.001). Preventive behavior was predicted by perceived susceptibility to infection (B=.19, p.01), access to health care and advice (B=.09, p.05), and belief in the efficacy of preventive measures (B=.06, p.05). Future research in planned to try to augment the Health Belief Model results by including the following variables: contact with AIDS-affected persons and specific barriers to action such as dependence on paid sex, the breakdown in traditional values, familial separation, and attitudes toward monogamy. Also, the role of alcohol and drugs in the context of sexual behavior will be considered. Other alternative models will also be examined, such as Bandura's social learning theory and Fishbein's theory of reasoned action. New theories which are uniquely applied to AIDS may need to be formulated.