| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and
behaviors concerning AIDS risk among adolescents attending Adventist colleges in the
Philippines. The study sought to assess the extent to which these students participated in
sexual activity and drug use behaviors, which placed them at risk for contracting or
transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The theory of reasoned action
(TRA) developed by Ajzen and Fishbein (1980) served as the theoretical framework for
the study. Data were obtained from a total of 388 college freshman and sophomore
students in seven Adventist colleges in the Philippines. The data were compared to the
Hopkins and Hoop (1998) study. Major findings of the study led to the following conclusions:
students who attended SDA colleges in the Philippines were not exempt
from engaging in AIDS-risk behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, and unprotected sexual
intercourse, which placed them at risk for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted
diseases including AIDS, and health consequences of substance use. Students in SDA
colleges in the Philippines reported similar rates of sexual intercourse (15.7% vs. 16.3%)
compared to the Hopkins and Hoop study. But lower rates of all substances measured
when compared to their counterparts in North America.
Out of the sample, 211 (54%) scored 76% or more on the 13 AIDS knowledge
questions. Considering 7l% or more as the passing score, respondents in this study
appeared to be less knowledgeable regarding AIDS, which is contrary to previous AIDS
research conducted in other adolescent populations.
Three major conclusions were drawn from the study: the theory of reasoned
action is a good model to predict behavior focusing on the behavioral intent. As observed,
the affective domain and subjective nofins are more important in preventing AIDS-risk
behaviors compared to the knowledge aspect.
Second, subjective norms (parents, friends, teachers, and other adults) tend to
influence the students' intentions regarding sexual intercourse and substance use.
Third, a comprehensive approach should be taken when initiating AIDS
prevention programs. There should be a conjunction between knowledge and the
affective side in terms of attitudes, beliefs, values, and the spiritual dimension when
considering an AIDS education program. Major recommendations in this study were: to
explore areas this study has not focused on such as: gender and age differences in regard
to AIDS-risk behaviors, and other simiiarities and differences between risk behaviors
among different regions of the Philippines. Finally, it was recommended to incorporate a
qualitative aspect in order to enhance the findings and to further contribute to the theory
of reasoned action. | en_US |
