Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the association
between safe sex self-efficacy and safe-sex practice in a Southern college
setting.
Methods: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to
examine the association between safe sex self-efficacy in four domains
(mechanics, partner disapproval, assertiveness, intoxicants) and safe sex
practice (outcome variable).
Results: For every 1-unit increase in the composite condom use
self-efficacy score, there was an 8% increase in the odds of being beyond the
median safe-sex practice score (odds ration [OR]: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15).
Additionally, for every 1-unit increase in intoxicants self-efficacy score,
there was a 31% increase in the odds of being beyond the median safe-sex
practice score (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08-1.58).
Conclusion: A greater
degree of safe-sex self-efficacy is associated with increased odds of safe-sex
practice. These findings are informative for the development of targeted
approaches to foster safe-sex behavior in Southern US colleges.