Relationships Among Acculturation, Self-positivity Bias, Stigma, and Condom Use in a Sample of Urban College Students
Relationships Among Acculturation, Self-positivity Bias, Stigma, and Condom Use in a Sample of Urban College Students

Author: Molly Radcliffe Neff

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13:

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Despite an increase in interventions targeted at lowering the rate of HIV/AIDS among college students, the rate of HIV/AIDS infections has not decreased. The purpose of this study was to identify factors (i.e., HIV-sexual knowledge, self-positivity bias, peer norms, acculturation, perceived risk of HIV, HIV-related stigma, and condom use) that may affect condom use among college students who live in an area where the prevalence of HIV is relatively high. The current study utilized a sexually active sample (N=397) of diverse college students (predominantly African American and White) in an urban setting to examine the relationships. Path analysis was used to explore hypotheses. Results indicated that students who endorsed higher levels of self-positivity bias were more likely than other students to report not using condoms the last time they had sex and to perceive themselves at less risk of HIV/AIDS infection. In addition, students who reported unsupportive peer norms regarding safe sex practices perceived themselves at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS. With respect to gender differences, females reported more stigma towards individuals with HIV/AIDS than males, and males reported more perceived risk of HIV/AIDS than females. Lastly, African American college students perceived themselves to be at greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS than other students and minority students endorsed greater stigma towards individuals with HIV/AIDS than White students. Results emphasize the need for college HIV/AIDS interventions to target peer norms and personal bias as well as cultural and gender differences that might impact condom use.

The Impact of Relationship and Intrapersonal Factors on Condom Use Among College Students
The Impact of Relationship and Intrapersonal Factors on Condom Use Among College Students

Author: Sara K. Fehr

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 61

ISBN-13:

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This dissertation consists of two studies. Study one examined relationship factors' impact on condom use among college students. Study two examined perceived barriers and benefits of condom use among college students. Study One AbstractResearch indicates that a number of college students are at risk for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unplanned pregnancy as a result of their sexual behaviors. Specific behaviors placing college students at risk include having sex with multiple partners, poor communication about safer sex practices with their sexual partners and not using condoms consistently and correctly when engaging in sexual activity. The purpose of this paper is to identify potential differences in safer sex practices and factors that influence condom use among college students. A four-page, 18-item survey was developed to determine participants' condom use and the impact of relationship status and other demographic factors on condom use. Analyses revealed that the number of lifetime vaginal sexual partners and participants' sex influenced condom use. There were no significant differences in relationship status, duration, trust, honesty and condom use. These findings should be considered with designing interventions to increase condom use among college students. Study Two AbstractDespite the efforts of health professionals, research indicates that a number of college students engage in high risk sexual behaviors including having sex with multiple partners, not discussing safer sex practices with their partners and not regularly using condoms when engaging in sexual activity. These behaviors increase the likelihood that individuals will contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD), HIV or have an unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify perceived barriers and perceived benefits to condom use among this population. A four-page, 18-item survey was developed to determine participants' condom use, barriers to condom use, benefits of condom use, and participants' basic knowledge of STDs and safer sex practices. Results indicated the leading barriers to condom use were using condoms reduce pleasure, knowing a partner's sexual history, and condoms limit intimacy. The leading benefits of condom use were condoms prevent pregnancy and STDs, and condoms give the user a feeling of safety. Analyses also determined that the number of vaginal, anal, and oral sexual partners significantly influenced the number of perceived barriers and participants' sex and number of vaginal, anal, and oral sexual partners influenced the number of perceived benefits to condom use. These findings may beneficial to those creating safer sex educational programs aimed at increasing rates of condom use among college students.