Abstract

PINA, Julio Alfonso; CORRALES, Andrés Ernesto  and  RIVERA, Blanca Margarita. Psychological variables as predictors of preventive behaviors related to HIV. Colomb. Med. [online]. 2008, vol.39, n.1, pp.16-23. ISSN 1657-9534.

Fundament: A cross-sectional study was carried out with the main objective to identify if psychological variables including knowledge, belief, and motivation predicted two prevention behaviors related to HIV infection: «To postpone a sexual intercourse» and «Condom use intention». Method: From an original sample of 648 students of two institutions located in Hermosillo, Mexico, we worked with a subsample of 328 students whom reported no sexual experience. For data analysis descriptive statistics, the Pearson's x² and a logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The Pearson's x² showed significant differences in both behaviors: those who have the opportunity to involve in a sexual relationship and they avoid it (x² [2]=45.378; p=0.000), as well as those who have condom use intention (x² [2]=235.622; p=0.000). The logistic regression analysis revealed that one type of motivation predicted the behavior to avoid a sexual relationship with penetration (x² [9]=33.805; p=0.000), if well another type of motivation predicted the behavior condom use intention (x² [8]=18.069; p=0.021). Conclusions: The role of the variable motivation in the prevention of HIV infection programs is discussed.

Keywords : Knowledge; Beliefs; Motives; Preventive behaviors; HIV Infection.

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