Using a web-based survey to assess correlates of intention towards HIV testing among never-been-tested but sexually experienced college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify influential psychosocial factors predicting testing intention among college students who have never been tested but are sexually experienced. A web-based survey was conducted during the spring semester in 2003 in a major Southeastern university (N=440). Results showed only 7.7% of the students expressed intention despite having been sexually experienced. Multiple logistic regression models showed that the combined five psychosocial factors examined (perceived pros, cons, risk, self-efficacy and availability/accessibility related to testing) significantly predicted testing intention (p<0.001). Two factors, perceived pros (OR=1.641) and perceived risk (OR=1.357), showed significant coefficients. The reduced model with only these two predictors showed increased correct classification of students in terms of their testing intention (from 91.8 to 93.4%). Results suggested that educational and prevention programmes aimed at encouraging testing should address these important testing-related psychosocial constructs to maximize programme impacts. Future studies need to further investigate the role of other factors in affecting testing intention or related behaviours among other sub-groups of students.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the University Faculty Research Grant and a College of Education Early Career Faculty Grant Program at the University of Georgia. This research was conducted with the approval of the Institution Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of Georgia (No. H2003-10245).