Main Article Content

The utility of theory of planned behavior in predicting consistent condom use intention of HIV patients on ART in North Shoa Zone health facilities, Ethiopia, 2011


N Assefa
J Haidar

Abstract

Background: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) explains behavioral intention and it is a better theoretical model helping predict intentions for consistent condom use, which is believed to reduce the long term impacts of HIV disease.
Objective: To examine the utility of theory of planned behavior in predicting consistent condom use intention of HIV patients who are currently on antiretroviral treatment.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 337 HIV/AIDS patients taking ART from 3 Hospitals and 4 health centers between March and April 2011 in North Shoa Zone of Ethiopia. Data were collected using the theory of planned behavior construct and socio-demographic characteristics. Analysis was done using Cronbach’s alpha reliability test, partial correlation, and linear regressions in order to know the predictors of intention to consistent condom use.
Results: 56% of the respondents were females with the median age of 32.00±9.66 years. All components of the theory of planned behavior model, attitude (r=0.31: p≤0.001), subjective norm (r=0.39: P≤0.001), perceived behavioral control (r= 0.36: P≤0.001) were correlated significantly and positively with intention to consistent condom use. All components of the model were significant predictors of consistent condom use intentions. Based on multiple linear regression, the standardized regression coefficient was (ßattitude=0.21: P≤0.005), (ßsubjective norm= 0.26: P≤0.001) and (ßperceived behavioral control =0.28: P≤0.001).
Conclusion: The study showed that the theory of planned behavior as explaining 29.1% of variation in intentions for consistent condom use of HIV/AIDS patients taking ART, suggesting that the model is applicable and effective in the prevention of new infections, re-infection as well as drug resistance.

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1021-6790