Compliance with Safer-Sex Guidelines among Adolescent Males: Application of the Health Belief Model and Protection Motivation Theory

Abstract

The Health Belief Model (HBM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) were utilized to assess compliance with safer-sex guidelines among 250 heterosexual males who are non-intravenous drug-users. Data were collected with a valid and reliable 40-item questionnaire developed according to the tenets of HBM and PMT and included knowledge items.

“Perceived susceptibility” and “perceived self efficacy” were the two factors that least explained compliance at a significance level. Other factors such as AIDS knowledge, age, and educational attainment of respondents did not significantly account for compliance to safer-sex guidelines. Blending of the variables of HBM and PMT showed that compliance to safer-sex guidelines was a multidimensional concept. Direction for further research and recommendations for design of AIDS educational programs for heterosexual males who are non-intravenous drug users were outlined.