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

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.