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
Abstract
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.