Justify your love: Testing an online STI-risk communication intervention designed to promote condom use and STI-testing

F.E.F. Mevissen*, R.A.C. Ruiter, R.M. Meertens, F. Zimbile, H.P. Schaalma

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The efficacy of a tailored, web-based intervention communicating the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STI) for heterosexual young adults was examined in a randomised, controlled trial. The main aims of the relationship-oriented intervention were to influence risk perceptions and to promote (maintenance of) condom use and STI-testing among young adults who reported being recently engaged in a heterosexual relationship. The intervention addressed risk perceptions, attitudes, normative beliefs, self-efficacy and skills related to condom use and STI-testing. Outcomes were compared immediately after the intervention (N = 171) and 3 months later (N = 115) to a non-tailored intervention group and to a control group. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes showed that the tailored intervention was efficacious in influencing perceived susceptibility to STI and STI-testing intentions immediately after the intervention, and in reducing rates of unprotected sex at 3 months.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-221
Number of pages17
JournalPsychology & Health
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2011

Keywords

  • sexually transmitted infections
  • young adults
  • risk perception
  • tailoring
  • online
  • intervention
  • heterosexual relationships
  • HIV-PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS
  • REDUCTION INTERVENTION
  • HEALTH-PROMOTION
  • BEHAVIOR
  • METAANALYSIS
  • WOMEN
  • INTENTIONS
  • PREDICTORS
  • PERCEPTION
  • RETENTION

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