Substance abusing adolescent offenders engage in exceedingly high levels of HIV risk behavior, but much is still unknown about the theoretical determinants of such behavior. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model which postulates that HIV risk behavior is most parsimoniously accounted for by three major constructs (HIV-relevant information, motivation, and behavioral skills), has shown great heuristic value. The study used baseline data from an HIV prevention outcome study. The sample included culturally diverse, sexually active, male (n=73) and female (n=43) adolescents court-ordered into substance abuse treatment. We performed two related tests of the IMB model by examining the relationships of its three major constructs to risky or unprotected sex. According to the model, information and motivation are interactive with each other and both predict behavioral skills, which in turn predict HIV preventive behavior. In our analyses testing an adapted IMB model, behavioral skills were first operationalized as sexual self-efficacy, whereas in the second test of the model behavioral skills were defined as number of correct steps demonstrated in using condoms. In the first test, motivation predicted sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-efficacy predicted HIV preventive behavior. This model showed a good fit (CFI > .90). Information and motivation were significantly related in both tests of the IMB model (p < .01), however, the second testing of the model that included assessed condom skills, showed a poor fit (CFI < .90) with no additionally significant relationships (p > .05). The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session participants will have a clear understanding of the Information –Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model and its applicability and testing among a sample of high risk adolescents.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.