Related Factors of the Preventing Behaviors of HIV/AIDS among Young People: Applying the Extended Health Belief Model (EHBM)

Background HIV/AIDS is one of the major public health problems and a barrier to the progress of human civilization that is considered as a big concern for people all around the world. Premarital sexual abstinence is introduced as the most effective way to avoid HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to determine associated factors in the preventing behaviors of HIV/AIDS among young people using the Extended Health Belief Model. Materials and Methods This research was a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study which was conducted on 577 students in different universities in Shiraz. The participants were enrolled in the study using random stratified sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire based on Extended Health Belief Model was implemented to collect data. Data were analyzed with SPSS V.18 using independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results In this study, the intention of premarital sexual abstinence had a statistically significant association with the constructs of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, subjective norms, and religious beliefs (P<0.05). Conclusion When designing programs for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and for the promotion of the premarital sexual abstinence, it might be useful to utilize the Extended Health Belief Model and focus on religious beliefs and subjective norms.