Examining Behavioral and Psychosocial Predictors of Antibody Testing among College Youth: Implications for HIV Prevention Education and Testing

Abstract

Young adults continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. Despite efforts, antibody testing rates have remained stable. Utilizing a sample of 1,874 students from three universities and seven instruments, this study examined hypothesized demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial predictors of HIV antibody testing. Logistic regression indicated that sexual regulation, depression, attributional style, drug and alcohol use/abuse, HIV knowledge, and sexual risks significantly predicted the likelihood of testing among students. Comprehensive HIV prevention approaches among youth must examine the impact of personal and health locus of control and mood state, among other factors, on health promoting and protective behaviors.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• prevention
• young adults
• testing