Factors Associated with Condom Use Behaviour Among Young University Students

Abstract As the rates of sexually transmitted infections among Brazilian youth rise, college students present with low rates of condom use. Understanding which factors affect preventive behaviours may assist in promoting them. This study aimed to test the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a model of condom use behaviour among young university students. Data on sexual behaviour, TPB, and personality variables were collected online with 343 sexually active students aged between 18 and 29. Seventy participants also provided follow-up data after 30 days. Structural equation models and ordinal regressions were used to analyse the effects of TPB variables on condom use behaviour. Attitude was the main predictor of behavioural intention in the cross-sectional and longitudinal models. Being in a relationship and lower age at sexual debut were also associated with less frequent condom use behaviour in the cross-sectional analysis. Behavioural intention and perceived control were associated with condom use behaviour.

摘要 随着巴西青少年性传播感染率持续攀升，大学生的安全套使用比例仍处于较低水平。明确影响安全套预防行为的相关因素，有助于推动该行为的普及。本研究旨在检验计划行为理论（Theory of Planned Behaviour, TPB）作为青年大学生安全套使用行为模型的适用性。研究通过线上方式收集了343名年龄在18至29岁、有性活动经历大学生的性行为、计划行为理论相关变量及人格变量数据，其中70名参与者在30天后补充提供了随访数据。本研究采用结构方程模型与有序回归分析，探究计划行为理论各变量对安全套使用行为的影响效应。在横断面与纵向模型中，行为态度均为行为意向的主要预测因子。横断面分析结果显示，处于恋爱关系以及初次性行为年龄较小，均与安全套使用频率较低存在相关性。行为意向与感知行为控制则与安全套使用行为显著相关。