Understanding AIDS preventive behavior with casual and primary partners in homosexual men: The theory of planned behavior and the information-motivation-behavioral-skills model |
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Authors: | John BF de Wit Wolfgang Stroebe Ernest MM de Vroome Theo GM Sandfort Godfried JP van Griensven |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Social and Organizational Psychology , Research Institute for Psychology and Health, Utrecht University;2. Utrecht University and Netherlands Institute for Social Sexological Research;3. Department of Clinical Psychology , Research Institute for Psychology and Health, Utrecht University , NISSO;4. Research Institute for Psychology and Health, Utrecht University and Amsterdam Municipal Health Service |
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Abstract: | Abstract This study examined whether components from the Information-Motivation-Behavioral-Skills Model, in particular information, added explanatory power to factors derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior with respect to predicting AIDS-preventive behaviors among gay men. Participants were recruited from a longstanding cohort study in Amsterdam. Multivariate regression analyses showed that concepts from the Theory of Planned Behavior could account adequately for intentions to use condoms with casual as well as with steady partners. Actual behavior was best predicted by past behavior. In addition, structural equation modeling demonstrated that the causal paths as posited by Theory of Planned Behavior had a good fit to the data. From the presented findings implications for preventive interventions can be drawn. Specifically, interventions to increase condom use with casual partners need to focus at improving perceived behavioral control regarding this behavior, for instance through skills training. Interventions aimed at safer sex within steady relationships should take into account that the HIV-status of the individual and his partner plays an important role in the occurrence of unprotected anal sex in a romantic dyad. |
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Keywords: | Sexual risk behavior AIDS prevention behaviors homosexual men social cognition models theory of planned behavior |
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