Predictors of mV/AlDS Related Sexual Behaviors among High School Adolescents Based on the Classical Health Behavior Models, Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia

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Date

2000-12

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

There is an understanding that effective HlY / AIDS prevention programs should be based on the models and theories of behavior change so that the programs can be designed to change those fa ctors which lead to the undes irable ri sk behaviors and maintain the des irable once. With the objectives of determining I-ITV/AIDS related sex ual behaviors and assessing their relation with variables derived from the classical models of hea lth behavior, a study using a pre-tested se lfadministered questiOlUlaire to collect information from a random sample of six hundred and sixty high school students was conducted in Jimma town on March 2000. Among the high school students 6.7% of female students and 11 ,2%. of male students were found to have involved in sexual activity with worst lifetime sex ual behavior index. Of the sexually active students the rate of unprotected sexual intercourse and intercourse with more than one sexual partner in the past year were St. 7% and 19.3%, respectivel y. There is a signifi cant gender difference in HIV-related ri sk sexual act and belief-intention factors . Higher propOltions of males were involved in these high-risk sexual acts. Independent and signifi cant predi ctors of intention to· limit sexual partners were perceived barriers and normative belief for female students and · normati ve bel ief and perceived behavioral control for male students. On the other hand, knowing an individual who has/had HJV/AIDS, motivation to comply, normative belief, and perceived behavioral control for females ; while only perceived susceptibi lity and perceived behavioral control for males independently and sign ificantly predicted the intention to use condom in the next sexual intercourse. It was concluded that high school students are at ri sk of HIV infection because of the high-ri sk behaviors they have. Patterns of gender difference are found and theory-driven and gender appropriate educational interventions and researches are recorilillended.

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Predictors of mV/AlDS Related Sexual Behaviors among High School Adolescents

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