Variables associated with condom use among college freshmen within the health belief model framework

The rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among young adults continues to concern public health professionals. The purpose of this cross-sectional research was to identify the health belief model (HBM) variables associated with condom use among college freshmen and incorporate them into intervention programs aimed at reducing STDs and HIV infection. The independent HBM variables, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy and cues to action, were utilized to answer research questions about their association with regular condom use and how much they explained variance in condom use. A Likert-style questionnaire was developed based on the Champion Scale, the Media Cues Scale, the Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Intentions to Use Condoms Scale. A pilot study was conducted among 30 participants to establish the consistency of the instrument. The questionnaire was then administered to a convenience sample of 425 college freshmen at a college in the eastern United States; 387 surveys were returned and analyzed. A significant finding from the regression analysis indicated that all HBM variables except perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits were positively associated with condom use; however, the variance explained in condom use was low. These results revealed that future studies should include other factors, such as drug use and alcohol consumption, along with the HBM variables to further explain condom use. The findings from this study provide knowledge for health professionals to design effective intervention programs that will promote social change by reducing social and economic costs associated with treating STDs and HIV infection, which can benefit the community and state as a whole.