Factors Influencing Intention of Sexual Abstinence Among Female College Students Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the factors that impact the intention of sexual abstinence among female college students. The approach was based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior and the parent-adolescent communication of contextual factors. METHODS: A total of 189 female university students in the first to fourth grades at two universities in Honam region participated in the study. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical stepwise multiple regression using SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The major factor that influences the intention of sexual abstinence among female college students was attitudes toward sexual behavior (β=0.53, p<0.001). Other factors, in descending order of their impact, were subjective norms toward friends (β=0.25, p<0.001), experience of sexual intercourse (β=−0.19, p<0.001), and subjective norms toward parents (β=0.09, p=0.040). Taken together, the aforementioned factors explained 81.1 % of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Female college students' intention to abstain from sexual behaviors requires education promoting moderate and conservative positions. The participants' subjective norms concerning sexual behaviors as perceived by friends and parents were also important. The results of this study provide meaningful implications for education of parents, sexual education of female college students, and sexual counseling programs.

Predictors of Sexual Abstinence and Attitude towards PLHIV among Undergraduate Students in a Privately Owned University in South West Nigeria.

Background: Universities in the high prevalence nations of sub-Saharan Africa have significant proportions of their students and staff being infected with HIV. The prevalence of risk behaviors for HIV/AIDS continues to rise especially among university students. The objective of this study is to identify predictors of sexual abstinence and attitude towards PLHIV among Babcock University students. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1225 undergraduates selected by multistage sampling technique was conducted in a privately University in Nigeria. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Results: All the participants were aware of HIV/AIDS. About one-quarter (24.1%) of the students had ever had sex. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS was very high as 87.7% of them had very good knowledge. Between 74.1% and 89.8% of the students demonstrated correct attitude towards the various attitude questions about PLHIV. Students who were less than 21 years (AOR=1.64), do not take alcohol (AOR=1.94), those with good knowledge of HIV/AIDS (AOR=2.15) were more likely to abstain from sex than their counterparts respectively. Male participants (AOR=0.64) were less likely to abstain from sex than females. The likelihood of having poor attitude towards PLHIV was less in those with good knowledge (AOR=0.16) and more in those with self-reported poor knowledge (AOR=2.97) than their respective counterparts. Conclusions: This study has identified the factors that promote sexual abstinence and reduce HIV-related stigmatization among young people. Many factors are involved. Hence, an integrated multi-sectoral and multidirectional approach is recommended for the provision of relevant HIV/AIDS knowledge, comprehensive abstinence sexuality education to young persons.

Representaciones sociales de universitarios sobre la abstinencia sexual y los condones como mecanismos de prevención / University students' social representations concerning sexual abstinence and the condom as prevention mechanisms

Objetivo: Interpretar las representaciones sociales de estudiantes de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Seccional Sogamoso, frente al uso de la abstinencia sexual y el condón, como referentes estratégicos en la prevención de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y embarazo no deseado. Método: Mediante muestreo intencional, participaron 67 estudiantes universitarios, entre los 16 y 31 años de edad, procedentes de diferentes regiones del departamento de Boyacá. Para la recolección de información, con enfoque cualitativo, se aplicaron grupos focales y cartas asociativas siguiendo la propuesta de Araya. Resultados: Los discursos evidencian las funciones del Saber, Identitarias, de Orientación y Justificadoras, de las Representaciones Sociales, en las que el condón se reconoce como buen método de prevención, sin ser 100 % seguro, útil en el cuidado de la salud, aunque en algunos casos genera incomodidad e insatisfacción; relacionan su uso, con desconfianza en la pareja y promiscuidad. La abstinencia sexual, se identifica como un método de prevención, 100% seguro y efectivo; permite planificar, ayuda al cuidado del cuerpo y el de los demás, preserva los intereses personales a futuro, protege la salud; sin embargo, es difícil de implementar en la sociedad actual. Conclusiones: Los valores, las creencias, así como las cuestiones morales y religiosas influyen en la decisión de prevención y protección de cada persona, más allá de la información que se tenga.

Objective: Interpreting the social representations of students from the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia in Sogamoso concerning the use of sexual abstinence and condoms as strategic focuses for preventing sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Method: Purposive sampling was used with 67 university students aged 16 to 31 years-old from different regions in the Boyacá department. A qualitative approach and focus groups were used for data collection and card association, according to Araya, et al. Results: The responses revealed social representations' regarding knowledge, identity justifying and orientation recognising the condom as a good prevention method even though not being 100 % safe, useful in healthcare but in some cases leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction associated with its use. Negative associations concerned couples' distrust and promiscuity. Sexual abstinence was identified as being a 100 % safe and effective prevention method, facilitating family planning, helping to care for one's body and those of others, preserving future interests and protecting one's health but, at the same time, being difficult to implement in today's society. Conclusions: Each person's values, beliefs and moral and religious issues influence their prevention and protection decisions more than their existent information on the topic.