Using the Information-Motivation Behavioral Model to Predict Sexual Behavior Among Underserved Minority Youth

Abstract

BACKGROUND Testing, refining, and tailoring theoretical approaches that are hypothesized to reduce sexual risk behaviors among adolescent subpopulations is an important task. Relatively little is known about the relationship between components of the information-motivation-behavior (IMB) model and sexual behaviors among underage minority youth. Using the IMB model, this study examines predictors of risky sexual behavior among underserved Hispanic and African-American youth. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 380 youths aged 11–17 years recruited in Los Angeles, California, and utilized latent variable models to examine interrelationships and predictive relations among IMB model variables associated with risky sexual behavior. RESULTS Sixty percent of the participants aged 15–17 and 1 out of 10 participants aged 11–12 reported prior sexual intercourse. Of the sexually active, more than half reported having unprotected sex and 11% had sexual intercourse with 4 or more partners. Results of the structural equation model indicated that older age and attitudes against sexual activities had significant, direct impacts on risky sexual behaviors. Behavioral refusal skills, positioned as an intervening variable, also significantly predicted less risky sex. Knowledge, attitudes against sexual activities, and perceived peer pressure against sexual behavior predicted sexual refusal skills. Additionally, there were significant indirect effects on risky sexual behavior mediated through behavioral refusal skills. CONCLUSION A large number of disadvantaged minority urban youth are engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Intervention programs, particularly those targeting preadolescents, should focus on building long-lasting behavioral skills that emphasize the reduction of peer pressure and normative influences on risky sexual behaviors. Components of the IMB model clearly have a role in the design of efficacious interventions.

Correlates of condom use with “main” and “concurrent” sex partners among urban youth in post-conflict Liberia

“…Sexual refusal self-efficacy and protective peer norms were associated with a decreased likelihood of using condoms with either main or concurrent sex partners despite their association with lower sexual risk taking in other studies in SSA (Bazargan, Stein, Bazargan-Hejazi, & Hindman, 2010;Fisher, Fisher, Bryan, & Misovich, 2002;Kinsman, Romer, & Furstenberg, 1998). In our analysis these variables may exert less influence among highly, sexually active youth when norms and behaviors are presumed to be well established.…”

Predictors of Sexual Activity in Haitian-American Adolescents

“…(46,61) Culturally-adapted interventions have been successful in reducing the rates of early sexual activity and frequency of risky sex. (43,62) Findings from this study suggest that an understanding of cultural dynamics as well as gender-specific messaging may be important components to reduce sexual activity among Haitian American adolescents. Further, gender-specific interventions, particularly those encouraging parental communication may enhance parents’ influence upon their children’s protective behaviors (45,63)…”

The Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model Revisited: A Network-Perspective Structural Equation Model Within a Public Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Sample of Hazardous Alcohol Users

“…Within this risk indicator, number of sexual partners and consistency in condom use were measured. Bazargan et al [36] also modeled a latent dependent variable measuring: 1) ever having sex without condoms, 2) number of sexual partners, and 3) age at first sexual intercourse. Nonetheless, both of these indicators were limited when attempting to account for each specific sexual risk event, a conceptual priority within our sexual network perspective.…”