Theory of Planned Behavior on Factors Associated with Safe Sex Behavior among Female Sex Workers in Surakarta, Central Java

Abstract

Background: Practising safe sex is important in order to ensure health and safety. Safe sex means exactly that "safe" is in terms of having sex without getting a contagious disease from your sex partner(s). Safe sex has the following outcomes:(1) It acts as a contraception to prevent pregnancy; (2) It prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and infestations; and (3) It prevents the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other blood-borne viruses. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with safe sex behavior among female sex workers in Surakarta, Central Java, using Theory of Planned Behavior. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Surakarta, Central Java, from April to May 2018. A sample of 134 female sex workers was selected by simple random sampling. The dependent variable was safe sex behavior. The independent variables were subjective norm, perceived behavior control, intention, attitude, education, and age. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by path analysis. Results: Safe sex behavior was directly affected by intention (b= 0.96; 95% CI= 0.26 to 1.66; p= 0.007). It was indirectly affected by attitude perceived behavior control, subjective norm, education, and age. Conclusion: Safe sex behavior is directly affected by intention. It is indirectly affected by attitude perceived behavior control, subjective norm, education, and age.