213758 Social cognitive theory –based predictors of safer sex in college students: A Northeastern state university experience

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Amar Kanekar, MPH, CHES, CPH, PhD , Health Studies, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA
Manoj Sharma, PhD , Health Promotion & Education Program, University of Cincinnati & Walden University, Cincinnati, OH
Background: Safer sex is important for protection against STDs and HIV/AIDS. Most of the HIV-related research is targeted towards high-risk groups such as prostitutes, gays and substance abusers but there is substantial evidence that HIV/AIDS is increasing in college students as well. The purpose of this study was to study the predictors based on social cognitive theory that can explain safer sex among undergraduate college students at a northeastern state university. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. A convenience sample of 200 undergraduate college students were approached to participate in this study. The sample size was calculated with an alpha of 0.05, power of 0.80 and a population correlation coefficient of 0.20.A valid and a reliable survey instrument based on social cognitive theory was used to collect information pertaining to demographics and theoretical constructs. Self-report scales which were valid for constructs of situational perceptions for safer sex, self-efficacy towards safer sex, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers for safer sex, expectations for safer sex, self-control for safer sex and safer sex behaviors were used as predictors of safer sex. Data were analysed for descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, range and frequency using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Dependent variable safer sex was regressed against social cognitive theory constructs using stepwise multiple regression. Results: Social cognitive theory was found to be useful in predicting and explaining safer sex behaviors. Conclusions: Implications for developing interventions based on social cognitive theory for college students are presented.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the process of survey research that uses constructs of social cognitive theory for predicting safer sex among college students. 2. Assess the use of social cognitive theory in designing a safer sex intervention among college students. 3. Demonstrate the process of survey conductance and analysis in their settings for safer sex promotion.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have participated in conceptualizations of this study, data collection, data analysis and manuscript preparation for this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.