Response to HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages: Based on the Extended Parallel Process Model, among Bahir Dar University Students, North West.
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Date
2004-06
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
The Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) provides useful information to understand the health communication messages gap. The survey was conducted to assess perception level of the risk communication variables and to examine whether the risk communication variables are predictors to HIV/AIDS prevention practices. Across-sectional study was conducted based on EPPM in December 2003 among BahirDar University students. Self-administrative questionnaire prepared in English wasused to collect data. Data analysis and interpreted was done using appropriate statistical methods.In this study 456-second year and above students participated. The result showed that166(34.6%) of the students, more males than females (P<0.001) had ever had sexual intercourse. Condom use among those who had sex in 12 months prior to the surveywas about 52%. A belief of personal susceptibility was very low particularly forfemales (1.8±1.05), (P<0.001) perceived severity was moderately high (3.8±1.32) andthe perception of efficacy was high for abstinence (4.5±0.97) and seems undecided forcondom (2.9±1.09). Females strongly agreed (4.2± 1.15) (P<0.001) than males(3.7±1.28) that they could able to be abstinent. The study participants reported low selfefficacy regarding condom use. Male students moderately agreed (3.5 ±1.16; P<0.001)than females (2.6±1.25) for self-efficacy of condom use). They had extremely positiveattitude towards abstinence (4.5 ± 0.83) good for monogamy (4.0 ± 1.06) and fairattitude (3.1±1.15) towards condom use. Correlation and regression analysis of risk communication and outcome variables showed that perceived response-efficacy, selfefficacy towards condom and perception of susceptibility were predictors for condomuse and self-efficacy was predictor for being abstinent. Credible source of informationwere cited as persons living with HIV/AIDS, religious persons and health personnel.Most important type of messages were with real experience and preferred way oflearning was reported as religious affiliated, peer education and discussion with families.This study revealed that among health communication variables self-efficacy is strong predictor and response-efficacy, and perceived susceptibility are moderate predictorsparticularly for condom use. Where as perception of severity of disease was not related with response behaviors. Therefore, models/theory needs to be used to assess, design,develop and promote health intervention messages.
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Keywords
Perception of threat, susceptibility, severity, efficacy, response- efficacy, self-efficacy, no response, danger control fear control